If for many of us, systematically spitting the fruit kernels after eating their flesh seems obvious, this is not the case of Matthew Creme.

A few weeks ago, this resident of Blackpool (United Kingdom), surprised to discover that the cherry kernels contain a seed (or almond), decides to taste it. The first being appetizing enough it is not against taking two more, reports the newspaper "The Independent" in an article published July 28.

But now, the 28-year-old ignores - like many people - that this little seed he just chewed and swallowed contains amygdalin. During digestion, this naturally occurring substance is converted into hydrogen cyanide, known to be a highly toxic poison ... and especially deadly.

Cyanide poisoning: signs that need to alarm

The lethal dose of cyanide ingested varies between 0.5 and 3.0 mg per kilogram of body weight.

In case of intoxication, the most sensitive organs to cyanide being the brain and the heart, the victim very quickly shows neurological and cardiac signs disturbing.

A low dose causes headache, stomach ache, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness and high fever. On the other hand, at a high dose, expect a rapid death, preceded by convulsions, breathing difficulties and a decrease in heart rate, leading to loss of consciousness and coma.

Fortunately for him, Matthew Creme, only brushed him, but a few more kernels could have been fatal to him.

Watch out for other nuclei

Cherries, which contain only 3.9 mg of cyanide per gram of seed, are not the most to be feared: apricots and plums, with respective amounts of 14.4 mg / g and 17.5 mg / g are classified among the most dangerous fruits. Bitter almonds, queen-claudes, apricots, peaches and mirabelles also contain them.

Information that would be good to remember the day you would, you too, the idea (stupid) to open a nucleus and eat its contents!

Source: www.independent.co.uk/life-style/man-cherry-stones-nearly-dies-eating-fruit-blackpool-matthew-creme-a7864261.html