Apricot always reminds me of Jarod Kintz’s quote that says ““I love apricots. They’re so fuzzy they’re furry. They’re like little pets you can eat legally.” Ahh, how sweet!
These fuzzy and furry little pets are actually loaded with all the nutritional benefits and have earned itself the title of one of the world’s healthiest food. For example, its high mineral content will assists people with anemia, asthma, tuberculosis and bronchitis.
But wait, not only is the fruit full of health benefits, the apricot seed or kernel is also equally good. Although surrounded with controversy on its claim to cure cancer, the overall benefits outweigh the underlying fear of eating the apricot seeds.
Just like pomegranate and dates, eating apricot seed is very common and popular in the Middle East and considered one of their traditional and herbal medicine.
Health Benefits of Apricot Seed or Kernel
In summary the health benefits of eating apricot seed or kernel are as follows:
It is claimed that vitamin B17 helps in the prevention of cancer. Apricot seed has the highest percentage of B17 in any fruits and consuming this seed will help prevent cancer.
Vitamin B17, and hence apricot seed, also helps to lower high blood pressure
Helps to reduce pain associated with arthritis.
Help to maintain the general health and well-being. Hence, it will strengthen the ability to resist infections like colds and flu
Most people eat apricot seeds not just for the overall general well-being, but because of its property to prevent cancer. Let us explore this further.
Controversy in its claim to cure cancer
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 essential nutrients. He concluded that Vitamin B17, commonly known as Amygdalin or Laetrile, could prevent cancer. This was back in 1952.
His finding, however, was not accepted by cancer researchers and dubbed as quackery
Cyanide in B17
Another issue with vitamin B17 is its content of one part cyanide, one part benzaldehyde and two parts glucose. Critics of B17 warned the danger of eating apricot seeds (which has the highest content of B17 or laetrile) and even suggested that it can be fatal. This is largely due to its cyanide content.
Will eating apricot seed or kernel be fatal?
An apricot seed contains just about half mg of cyanide (Holzbecker, Moss & Ellenberger 1984). Based on a report by the Committee on Toxicity (2006), dosage of between 0.5 – 3.5 mg per kg of body weight can be fatal. Hence, a man weighing 175 lb. has to consume 40mg to 280 mg that is equivalent to about 80-560 apricot seeds, per day, for it to be fatal.
It is claimed that about five milligram of cyanide is considered sufficient to prevent cancer. This is equivalent to eating 10 apricot seeds per day. It is also claimed that to combat existing cancer, you will need to consume 50 apricot seeds.
This is all below the danger zone.
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 that happened in 1957 & 1962. However, the amount was not documented.
As a comparison, gm. per gm. Aspirin is more toxic than laetrile. However, it is always best to take apricot seed in smaller amount initially and consult a doctor that practices natural medicine for any further guidance. This will give the full health benefits of apricot seed.
Will it cure my cancer if I am already in Stage Four and above?
Unfortunately, due to the low dosage of B17 in apricot seed, it will not have any major effect on cancer that has reached a serious Stage Four and above.
Buying Apricot Seeds or Kernels
To get the best health benefits of apricot seed, be sure to buy only RAW apricot seed as others will have the beneficial enzyme destroyed in the preparation process.
Eating Apricot Seeds
Apricot seed is bitter in taste and It has to be chewed until it liquefies. To help with this bitter taste, I had a bit of honey together with the seed. Now, I take them direct as I had gotten used to the taste.
It is best eaten before meal.
Other Uses of Apricot Seed or Kernel
Apricot Seed in Cooking
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.
You can also use it as salad oil. It is however, an expensive oil, but its many health benefits may well justify its high cost.
Apricot Seed Oil in Cosmetic
Apricot seed oil is rich in sterois, fatty acids, Vitamin E & A and can help 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. Hence, it is popular as a massage oil as well as sunbathing oil.
It is also used as a base in aromatherapy blends.
BDST: 1638 HRS, Nov-25, 2014
