Surgeon Alexander Omnov points out that the digestive system cannot digest the seed husks, warning that consuming them regularly may lead to stomach irritation or worsen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
According to him, dirt and dust often accumulate on seed husks, so consuming them in a contaminated state may increase the risk of intestinal disorders or bacterial infections. For this reason, people with chronic digestive problems should be cautious when consuming seeds in their husks.
The doctor advises peeling the seeds before eating them, stressing that there is no need to worry if a small amount of the peel is accidentally swallowed, as the body gets rid of it naturally.
He also refuted the common belief that eating seeds with their husks could lead to appendicitis.
He said: "Appendicitis occurs as a result of obstruction of the appendix, but swallowing seeds with their shells is not a common cause. The cases are often associated with other factors, such as the accumulation of calcified masses inside the appendix (appendicitis stones), tumors, parasites, or enlargement of lymphatic tissue."
According to the doctor, the size of the seeds and their shells does not usually make them capable of blocking the appendix, so eating them should not be linked to appendicitis, as most cases are due to other causes that lead to its blockage.
