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Health Benefits of Apricot Seeds or Kernels
Studies on apricot seeds or kernels properties show several health benefits, which are:
1. Vitamin B17 in Apricot Seeds
Apricot seed has the highest percentage of Vitamin B17 (Laetrile) in any fruits and B17 is known for:
- • Prevent cancer - The study by the Department of Physiology at Kyung Hee University in South Korea combined Laetrile extract with cancerous human prostate cells showed a reduction in the cancerous cell.
- • Lower high blood pressure - Thiocyanate helps to lower blood pressure levels and thiocyanate is present in apricot seeds.
- • Increases pancreatic enzymes production - This enzyme destroys harmful properties in our the body, hence, boosting the body's immunity.
2. Helps Relieve Arthritis Pain
Apricot seeds help reduce pain associated with arthritis. The apricot kernels' fiber trap acids and other toxins in the body and discharges it from the body. This detoxification process will reduce inflammation and hence, the arthritic pain
3. Apricot Seeds for Detoxification
The detoxification process helps maintain our body's general health and well-being, and strengthen the resistance to colds and flu.
Most people eat apricot seeds not only for the general well-being but for its property to prevent cancer. Let us explore this further.
Apricot Seeds Cancer Treatment Controversy
There are several issues on this apricot seeds cancer treatment method and some of the prominent ones are:
- • Dr. Ernts T. Krebs, an American biochemist, had advanced the theory that cancer is not caused by any particular virus or bacteria but a deficiency in certain essential nutrients. He concluded that Vitamin B17, commonly known as Amygdalin or Laetrile, can prevent cancer. This was back in 1952. His finding was not accepted by cancer researchers and dubbed as quackery
- • Cyanide in B17: Another issue with Vitamin B17 is its content that has one part cyanide, one part benzaldehyde, and two parts glucose. Hence, critics of B17 warned the danger of eating apricot seeds, which has the highest content of B17 or laetrile, that it can be fatal.
Are Apricot Seeds Dangerous?
Apricot seeds contain just about half mg of cyanide (Holzbecker, Moss & Ellenberger 1984). Based on a report by the Committee on Toxicity (2006), a dosage of between 0.5 - 3.5 mg per kg of body weight can be fatal. So, a man weighing 175 lb. has to consume 40mg to 280 mg of apricot seeds (equivalent to about 80-560 seeds per day) for it to be fatal.
Cyanide in Apricot Seeds
It claimed that about five milligrams of cyanide are considered sufficient to prevent cancer. This is equivalent to eating 10 apricot seeds per day. It also claimed that to combat existing cancer, you need to consume 50 apricot seeds.
This is all below the danger zone.
To further reinforced this, there has been no reported death due to cyanide poisoning (related to eating apricot seeds) except for the reported death of two Turkish children after eating apricot seeds. This happened in 1957 & 1962 but the amount was not documented.
As a comparison gm. per gm, aspirin is more toxic than laetrile.
So, as a precautionary measure, apricot seeds are best taken in a smaller amount initially. Also, consult a doctor that practices natural medicine for any further guidance.
Will it Cure Stage 4 Cancer?
Unfortunately, due to the low dosage of B17 in apricot seeds, it will not have any major effect on Stage 4 cancer.
Where Can I Buy Apricot Seeds?
Apricot seeds are now available in most health stores and also sold online.
How to Eat Apricot Seeds
Apricot seed is bitter in taste and has to be chewed until it liquefies. To reduce this bitter taste, I add a bit of honey with the seed. Now that I have gotten used to the taste, I take them without the honey. Apricot seed is best taken before a meal.
Why Apricot Seeds Cancer Cures Not Reported By The Media
There are many botanically based cures for ailments including cancer not reported in the mainstream media. Some of these alternative cures are inexpensive or free if you can plant them in your garden.
Why are their health benefits not reported or even suppressed by the media? In certain cases, the media will report on the danger of these alternative botanical 'medicines'.
Will these inexpensive botanical and natural treatments eat into the profits of the giant pharmaceutical companies? That no conclusive studies were done to determine its effectiveness or its side-effects?
But medicines sold by these pharmaceutical companies also have its side-effects. The reason is best known to them but as a consumer, do your research and seek out forums on these alternative treatments before you start on the regime. Do remember that most botanical-based treatments are either fruits or plants. So, you are eating fruits or vegetables and not chemically processed medicines.
Other Uses of Apricot Seeds
Apricot Seed Oil
The benefit of apricot seed is now available in oil form! It is used for cooking and in the flavoring of amaretto, a traditional Italian liquor or use it as salad oil.
Apricot Seed Oil in Cosmetic
Apricot seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, oleic and linoleic, vitamins A and E, and can moisturize and nourish skin especially for dry and mature skins. It is widely used in cosmetics especially in creams, soaps, and skin lotions.
The oil is easily absorbed by the skin and will not leave an oily residue. It is, therefore, popular as a massage oil and as sunbathing oil. It is also used as a base in aromatherapy blends.
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Taken in excess, these seeds may produce symptoms of cyanide poisoning, including headaches, nausea, fever, rash, insomnia, weakness, increased thirst, nervousness, lethargy, various aches and pains in muscles and joints, and a drop in blood pressure.
This may happen because when amygdalin is consumed, it converts to cyanide in the body, which is a fast-acting, potentially deadly chemical. Some studies suggest that 0.5-3.5 milligrams of cyanide per kilogram of body weight can be potentially lethal.
More importantly, cyanide prevents the cells in the human body from using oxygen, which kills them but this mechanism also kills the cancer cells.
It is considered that eating 50-60 apricot seeds would deliver a lethal dose of cyanide. Moreover, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not consume these seeds. Also, according to EFSA – the European Food Safety Authority, these seeds are dangerous for children. *
Note 1: Hydroxocobalamin treatment of acute cyanide poisoning from apricot kernels
Note 2: An unusual presentation of chronic cyanide toxicity from self-prescribed apricot kernel extract
Note 3: Conversion of Apricot Cyanogenic Glycosides to Thiocyanate by Liver and Colon Enzymes