The process of seed digestion in the stomach is a fascinating subject that raises many questions. When a seed is ingested, it travels a complex path through the digestive system, passing through the esophagus to the stomach, where it is subjected to powerful digestive acids and enzymes.
These acids and enzymes begin to break down the outer layer of the seed, although usually not enough to cause problems. Seed germination requires specific conditions such as oxygen, moisture, and sometimes light. However, these conditions are not present in the digestive tract, making germination inside the body nearly impossible.
Additionally, the digestion process is rapid, with food, including seeds, typically being expelled from the digestive system within 1 to 3 days. This amount of time does not allow the seeds to absorb water, swell, and begin to germinate, as they would in soil.
Seeds that are not fully digested are normally passed in the stool within a few days. This process is natural and usually goes unnoticed. It is therefore unlikely that ingested seeds will germinate inside the human body.
In conclusion, although the digestive acids and enzymes in the stomach can begin the process of breaking down seeds, the conditions necessary for their germination are not present in the digestive tract. Thus, it is unlikely that ingested seeds will begin to germinate inside the body, and they will generally be passed without further consequence.