What Is Known About Apricot Seeds?
In general, when eating a piece of fruit, most people end up discarding the pit. However, is it possible that nutrients with anticancer properties are concentrated inside it? It appears that this is the case with apricot seeds.
In recent years, several researches have talked about the effects of these seeds. Even so, regulators warn about the risks of consuming them in excessive amounts, as they can cause cyanide poisoning. Are you interested in knowing more about it?
Apricot seeds
The nutritional composition and properties of apricot seeds are different from those of fresh fruit. In particular, they stand out for their fat content, which corresponds to half their total weight. To be more exact, it contains omega 3 and 6, 25% protein and 8% carbohydrates.
Due to this, it has been talked about its possible benefits in stabilizing blood cholesterol and improving inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Its ability to protect and hydrate the skin is also highlighted. In addition, in recent years it has been investigated for its components with anticancer potential.
The first references date back to 1920, when Dr. Ernst T. Krebs was already using it in the form of oil to treat people affected by this disease. However, in those tests it turned out to be too toxic. Consequently, their safety is still in doubt.
Why is it considered anticancer?
Components that appear to have anticancer activity have been found in apricot seeds. Added to the presence of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, this ingredient contains vitamin B17.
In this regard, Dr. Krebs related a deficiency of this vitamin with the appearance of cancer. In this way, he argued that supplying it in the form of a supplement could help stop the growth of cancer cells.
This nutrient is also known by the names “amygdalin” or “laetrile” (a proprietary brand name for a derivative). It is said, therefore, that when chewing apricot seeds, said chemical element degrades and hydrogen cyanide appears. In this way, the antineoplastic activity occurs that appears to be an adjunct in stopping the growth of tumors.
But what do current studies say? Is it really effective? Well, today it is not considered a first-line treatment. Although it is applied in some occasions, the National Cancer Institute of the United States does not consider it appropriate.
This is because studies have been done in animals and have not yielded positive results in humans. On the contrary, there are many doubts about the possible risks that it entails. Its use is even prohibited by the United States Government.
Cyanide Poisoning Problems
The main health risk from apricot seeds is the possibility of cyanide poisoning. According to the European Union Food Safety Agency (EFSA), the fruit stones contain amygdalin. This substance releases cyanide and is absorbed by the body.
The main target of this chemical element is the central nervous system, along with the kidney and the thyroid. In high doses, it can cause a series of poisoning symptoms, such as the following:
- Sickness.
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Thirst.
- Lethargy
- Nervousness.
- Joint pain.
- Muscle pain.
- Hypotension
- Death (in some cases).
Studies with which EFSA works indicate that a variable amount, between 0.5 and 3.5 milligrams of cyanide per kilo of body weight, can be fatal. The amount that is considered safe and as an allowable intake is set at 20 micrograms per kilogram of body weight, which is equivalent to one large seed or three small ones.
Studies related to apricot seeds
Various scientific and clinical analyzes have been performed on the effect of amygdalin. Most of the research found has rejected claims that apricot seeds or laetrile have positive effects in treating cancer.
In favor
Despite the health claims that have been made about this compound, the evidence in favor is scant. In this study in the journal Life Sciences , a positive effect is observed against pancreatic tumor cells, but the researchers themselves point out the need for more research.
Although laetrile was initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a possible treatment for cancer, the emergence of the many negative effects, the risk of poisoning, and the lack of scientific evidence have ended the existing permission for this use .
Against
On the other hand, the analyzes and scientific positioning against vitamin B17 are more numerous. Or at least this is the decision that a good number of official organisms have taken. Unanimously, they do not advise its use, warn of the danger of poisoning and even prohibit it.
His own studies carried out with the laetrile component are cited in the document on amygdalin, published by the National Cancer Institute. Both in animals and in laboratory investigations, no positive effects are observed. Neither of the treatment of amygdalin together with other active principles.
The New England Medical Journal publishes an article in 1982 that summarizes the results of a medical test with cancer patients. According to what was observed, the patients did not suffer an improvement regarding the cure of the disease or its symptoms. Nor was life expectancy lengthened. In fact his conclusion is clear: amygdalin is a toxic drug.
In 2006, a Cochrane review concluded that there is no significant evidence of the effects of amygdalin as a treatment for cancer patients.
Apricot seeds should be used with caution
The warnings about cyanide toxicity after consuming raw apricot kernels are serious and stringent. Still, as noted by EFSA, there is no danger of eating fresh fruit. It is also safe to use oil, alcoholic beverages, flavorings, fruit juices, marzipan, cookies or sweets.
In addition, the oil that can be extracted is abundant in polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. These give it an interesting moisturizing effect that helps to take care of the skin barrier, especially in dry and damaged skin.
The medicine laetrile is not licensed as a valid treatment for cancer. But, as noted in this document, it can be found commercially available. It is important to be alert with its purchase, as it could be contaminated and not exempt from possible toxic effects.
