Bitter Almonds
Bitter almonds are a sort of almond that has a strong, bitter flavor due to a high level of cyanogenic glycosides, a type of chemical component that when swallowed can release cyanide.
Eating high amounts of bitter almonds can result in cyanide poisoning, which can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and respiratory failure. Cyanide poisoning can be lethal in severe circumstances.
It’s vital to distinguish bitter almonds from sweet almonds, which are often sold in stores and used in cooking and baking. Sweet almonds are safe to eat and do not contain any cyanide.
Bitter almonds are occasionally used in little amounts to flavor recipes, but they should be handled with caution and moderation. Furthermore, it’s critical to be mindful of the type of almonds you’re eating and to only buy almonds from reliable sources.
Ultimately, it’s recommended to avoid eating a lot of bitter almonds and just use them sparingly as a flavoring component in recipes. If you have any questions regarding the safety of bitter almonds or how to prepare them, it’s better to see a doctor or a food safety specialist.
