Health Benefits of Apricot Seed or Kernel
79
Many are familiar with the nutritional benefits of eating apricots. Its high mineral content helps with problems associated with anemia, asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis etc.
However not many are familiar with the health benefits of apricot seed or kernel. Although it is surrounded with controversy on its claim to cure cancer, the overall benefits outweighs the underlying fear of eating apricot seeds. Just like pomegranate and dates, eating apricot seed is very common and popular in the Middle East market.
Health Benefits of Apricot Seed or Kernel
- 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 in reducing pain associated with arthritis.
- Helps maintain our general health and well being, and hence, will strengthens our ability to resist infections like colds and flu.
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, can prevent cancer. This was way back in 1952.
His finding, however, has not been accepted by cancer researchers and has even been 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.
Except for the reported death of two Turkish children after eating apricot seeds (in 1957 & 1962, however the amount was not documented), there has been no other reported death due to cyanide poisoning (from eating apricot seeds).
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 4 and above?
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 4 and above.
 | Amazon Price: $7.02 |
 | Amazon Price: $19.95 List Price: $13.33 |
| Amazon Price: $12.95 |
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 or kernels
Apricot seed is bitter in taste and may not be easy for many people. It has to be chewed until it liquefy. When I first started taking apricot seed, I had a bit of honey together with the seed as I chewed them. Now, I take them direct as I had gotten used to the bitter taste.
It is best eaten with food. I prefer to take them just before meals.
 | Amazon Price: $1.69 List Price: $29.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $28.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $15.99 |
Additional resources for further reading on Health Benefits of Apricot Seeds or Kernels
Read more on my Healthy Fruits Hub
Disclaimer
This article on the health benefits of apricot seed or kernel, is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction.
Please consult your appropriate health provider for any health and medical related matter or if you have a history of medical problems.
Apricot Kernels : How to remove the pits and use them
Plant an Apricot Tree Fruit Tree
CommentsLoading...
You can buy B17 vitamin, and has injection form, for cancer fights. You have to get doctor advise.
Hi Am Azad, thanks for the tips. If you read my article, the amount can be much higher than 2 a day. In fact I personally take 5 a day and some of my friends from India are taking 5 in the morning and 5 in the evening. You should however start slowly with 1 or 2 a day and increase the number accordingly. For those who have not tried, it taste bitter to a very 'terrible degree'..I can't think of a proper word to describe the taste. Don't worry, you will get use to it after a while!
You can eat only two apricot kernels a day.
Hi Alydar.you are right, vitamin B17 (hence cyanide) is also present in apple seed, but in smaller doses, compared to apricot seed. It is also present in raspberries, pecan, blackberries & cashew nut.
Cyanide content seems to scare everyone...if only everyone knew there is enough cyanide in 1/2 cup of apple seeds to kill if not make an adult seriously ill but I haven't seen the consumption of apples ever wane...don't even bring up almonds!
greatstuff Hub Author 7 weeks ago
Hi Elizabeth. Thanks for your input and for stopping by. I have heard about this injection; I guess this is when you have a serious case. Thanks again for contributing.