Laetrile or Vitamin B17 and apricot seeds

The apricot seeds are packed with health benefits. The people of Pakistan know about for centuries. In particular, the Hunza people would be the largest user and expert on the beneficial properties of apricot seeds (other than oil made from them and dried fruits). The greatest benefits attributed to apricot kernels concern the anti-cancer properties. The theme, however, is ultimately very controversial, let's see why.

The substance "miraculous" contained in the seeds of the apricot kernel is vitamin B17 (laetrile), a substance that to some seems to be able to attack and destroy the diseased cells of the organism. According to research conducted by Dr. Dean Burk of the National Cancer Institute, it seems that vitamin B17 reacts with the enzyme glucosidase present only in diseased cells of the tumor, releasing cyanide that destroys cancer cells (normal cells are not attacked because it does not contain the enzyme glucosidase). The cancer seems in fact a disease almost unknown to the people who follow a diet rich in vitamin B17 (also contained in legumes such as beans or peas, bean sprouts and grains, alfalfa, in lettuce, turnips and other vegetables and berries).

In contrast, in recent years, these properties would have shrunk dramatically. Several studies have indicated that there is no positive effect as anti-cancer and it also seems that the hydrogen cyanide containing both a molecule potentially harmful even in small doses. However, considering that their normal use as supplements of vitamin B17 provides for the consumption of 1 or 2 apricot seeds per day, the risk should not exist.

Attention, vitamin B17 is present in higher quantities in the seeds of apricot bitter than sweet . The bitter seeds come from wild apricot, sour taste, while the seeds are obtained from sweet fresh ripe fruits, commonly sold in our markets. The apricot kernels should be taken along with fresh or dried fruit to enjoy their property.