Individuals interested in home remedies may be intrigued by apple seeds, which are found in the core of the fruit. Apple seeds are also processed into apple seed oil and extract. The seeds have medical applications for an array of conditions. However, apple seeds are toxic when eaten in high doses, and so should be used with caution, and outright avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women and children.
Inhibit Cancerous Growths
The cyanide in apple seeds can destroy cancer cells, thus preventing or limiting the occurrence of cancerous growths, according to worldwithoutcancer.org.uk. However, using apple seeds or their chemical derivatives known as vitamin B-17 or Laterile for cancer therapy is not endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration, so the therapy is not publicly practiced in the United States.
Treat Head Lice
The extract of custard apple seeds and leaves can be used to treat head lice, notes the Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. Researchers placed the extract into a water-based cream and tested its effects of on school girls with head lice in Thailand. They found that one three-hour application killed over 95 percent of the head lice, with no skin irritation or discomfort.
Manage Hyperthyroidism
Custard or sugar apple seeds are a folkloric remedy for hyperthyroidism, notes mamaherb.com. Crush the hard inner core of the apple to a paste, and take 10mg daily for one month. Although the site does not list any warnings on toxic reactions to apple seeds, individuals should be wary of symptoms such as nausea, indigestion and dizziness, at which point the home therapy should be stopped.
Nutritional Source
Apple seeds have nutritional value, as they contain oils from an array of fatty acids including unsaturated fatty acids, notes the International Journal of Food Properties. After analyzing the chemical composition of both apple seeds, researchers determined that apple seeds have potential use as an edible oil. Researchers in the International Journal of Food Engineering also found apple seeds to be high in protein and contain significant amounts of other nutrients, including potassium and magnesium.
References
- WorldWithoutCancer.org.uk: All the Frequently Asked Questions
- Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health: Anti-headlice Activity of a Preparation of Annona Squamosa Seed Extract
- Mamaherb.com: Hyperthyroidism Home Remedy Using Sugar Apple
- International Journal of Food Properties: Fatty Acids Composition of Apple and Pear Seed Oils
- International Journal of Food Engineering: Proximate Composition of the Apple Seed and Characterization of Its Oil
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