Can You Really Die From Eating Too Many Apples?

It's super unlikely you'd die from eating too many apples but if you eat a ton at once you might feel pretty sick! Apples are healthy but like anything, moderation is key. So, enjoy them but maybe don't go overboard!

The average person should be able to eat one to two apples per day without any problems. However, consuming more of it can cause digestive problems. Apples are packed with fiber and natural sugars. Too much of both can cause bloating, gas, and an upset stomach.

Common Concerns: Apple Seeds and Hydrogen Cyanide

Perhaps you are remembering that apple seeds contain a chemical that can turn into hydrogen cyanide in your body if you chew them up. If you don't chew them up, the seeds pass through you. Here below is an article from “The Guardian” that gives more details. You would have to chew up a very large number of apple seeds to have any risk of being poisoned.

Risk of Digestive Problems from Overeating Apples

Eating too many apples can lead to digestive upset due to the fruit sugar or fructose content of this fruit. Fructose is a type of carbohydrate found in fruit and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. This is why it's important to consume apples in moderation.

Physical Limitations of the Stomach

A human stomach on average has a normal volume of about one liter. It can expand about four times, so you could fit about 4 liters of what is essentially apple puree or applesauce. That would take about 7-8 kilos (around 15 pounds) of apples if you chew really well. Less if you eat in a hurry and swallow big chunks. Eat a few more than your stomach fits, and it can actually burst. And then you could die.

Realistically, I doubt you can simply eat that many apples and not vomit. Either way, I highly recommend not actually trying this. Overeating, vomiting, and then dealing with the digestive consequences will not be pleasant.

It's also worth noting that you can die from ingesting too much of anything if you try hard enough. Apples are no exception. While the likelihood of dying from eating too many apples is very low, understanding the physical limitations of your body is important.

In conclusion, while it's possible to experience unpleasant digestive symptoms from eating too many apples, the risk of actually dying from it is extremely low. Enjoy your apples in moderation and avoid overloading your digestive system!