Overview

The apricot kernel is a small but powerful seed that has been linked to possible cancer treatment. It’s found inside the center of an apricot stone.
The first use of apricot seeds as a cancer treatment in the United States dates back to the 1920s. Dr. Ernst T. Krebs, Sr., claimed to have used oils extracted from apricot kernels to achieve “substantial results” for people with cancer. However, the treatment was found too toxic for general use. His son later found a safer and nontoxic formula in the 1950s. This formula was also extracted from apricot kernels.
Is this alternative treatment safe and effective? Read on to learn more.

What nutrients do apricot seeds contain?

Apricots share many similar properties and uses with almonds. Apricot kernels are made upof:
  • 45 to 50 percent oil
  • 25 percent protein
  • 8 percent carbohydrates
  • 5 percent fiber
They’re also loaded with healthy fats that help to lower “bad” cholesterol. The kernels contain essential fatty acids (omega-6s and omega-3s). These help fight heart disease, improve mental health, and have a host of other benefits.

What are the claims?

Apricot kernels also contain the chemical compound amygdalin. This has been previously linked to cancer-fighting claims. Laetrile is the patented drug name for amygdalin.
Krebs’ son called laetrile vitamin B-17. He claimed that cancer was caused by a vitamin B-17 deficiency and that supplementing with it would stop the development of cancer cells.
Under its various names, amygdalin has been claimed to hold various cancer-fighting benefits, even now. There isn’t currently any credible scientific research to back up the claims. But many amygdalin-endorsing websites rely on supporting assertions from people with cancer.
Another theory suggests that because amygdalin is converted into cyanide in the body, the cyanide works to destroy cancer cells within the body. This is said to prevent the growth of tumors.


What are the warnings?

It’s this very conversion to cyanide that makes claims about the benefits of apricot seeds dangerous.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Poisonous Plant Database notes the link between apricot kernels and cyanide poisoning. Multiple cases showed that ingestion of high amounts of apricot kernels led people to experience symptoms such as “forceful vomiting, perspiration, dizziness, and faintness.”
The FDA doesn’t approve of amygdalin (or laetrile, or vitamin B-17) as a form of cancer treatment. It has reversed a previous decision that allowed for “the importation of laetrile for the treatment of terminally ill cancer patients through a physician’s affidavit system.”




What does the research say?

A 2015 review published by the Cochrane Library noted that because of the possible cyanide poisoning associated with consuming large amounts of amygdalin, all forms of laetrile are dangerous.
“There is a considerable risk of serious adverse effects from cyanide poisoning after laetrile or amygdalin, especially after oral ingestion,” the authors wrote. “The risk-benefit balance of laetrile or amygdalin as a treatment for cancer is therefore unambiguously negative.”
However, another study, published in 2016, observed the effects of amygdalin on the growth of prostate cancer cells. It found that a dose of the chemical (specifically, 10 milligrams per milliliter) “exhibits significant antitumor activity.”
Subsequent research has found that the maximum acceptable dose of amygdalin through apricot kernels is 0.37 grams (or three small kernels) for an adult. Higher doses, or even less than one-half of a large kernel, could exceed the maximum acceptable dose and be toxic for adults.
However, the vast majority of research and reviews have rejected claims that apricot seeds, and amygdalin or laetrile, have cancer-fighting benefits.
A 2006 peer review study observed 36 reports of the use of laetrile to fight cancer. The authors concluded that “the claim that laetrile has beneficial effects for cancer patients is not supported by sound clinical data.” They also wrote that none of their case studies “proved the effectiveness of laetrile.”

Success rate in treating cancer

Despite anecdotal claims, there has been no verified research that has linked apricot seeds with cancer treatment success. Don’t be fooled by phony cancer treatments.

The takeaway

Though they do contain nutritional benefits that improve heart and brain health, the use of apricot seeds as a natural cancer treatment is still largely unsubstantiated. The presence of amygdalin (known also as laetrine or vitamin B-17) within the seed can have adverse health effects.
Ingesting laetrine can result in symptoms of cyanide poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these include:
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • nausea and vomiting
  • rapid breathing
  • rapid heart rate
  • restlessness
  • weakness
A high dose of laetrine can even lead to damage of the heart, brain, and nerves, and may even result in death.

Talk with your doctor before beginning any alternative therapies for cancer treatment. Although apricot seeds haven’t been proven to treat cancer, there are other promising treatments that may work for you. Talk to your doctor about your options, as well as any alternative treatments you want to try. A licensed nutritionist may also be able to make dietary recommendations to complement your treatment.Apricot 2019,benefits of Apricot 2019,Apricot calories 2019,Apricot nutrition 2019,Apricot plant 2019,health benefits of Apricot 2019,Apricot juice benefits 2019,yellow Apricot 2019,Apricot cutter 2019,how many calories in Apricot 2019,advantages of Apricot 2019,is Apricot a fruit or vegetable 2019,Apricot varieties 2019,vitamins in Apricot 2019,how to grow Apricot 2019,Apricot protein 2019,Apricot sugar content 2019,Apricot amino acid 2019,is Apricot a fruit 2019,fiber in Apricot 2019,Apricot water content 2019,food value of Apricot 2019,black Apricot 2019,melon water 2019,Apricot vitamin c 2019,eating Apricot 2019,small Apricot 2019,Apricot tea 2019,Apricot tree 2019,Apricot contents 2019,buy Apricot 2019,nutritional value of Apricot 2019,organic Apricot 2019,mini Apricot 2019,Apricot on sale 2019,Apricot water 2019,Apricot vine 2019,Apricot juice nutrition 2019,orange Apricot 2019,Apricot fruit benefits 2019,Apricot information 2019,yellow Apricot nutrition 2019,types of Apricot 2019,is Apricot good for health 2019,a Apricot 2019,large Apricot varieties 2019,Apricot sugar amount 2019,melon Apricot 2019,Apricot pickles 2019,what is Apricot good for 2019,health benefits of Apricot juice 2019,dried Apricot 2019,green Apricot 2019,is Apricot good for diet 2019,big Apricot 2019,how much sugar is in Apricot 2019,Apricot names 2019,yellow Apricot benefits 2019,the Apricot 2019,kinds of Apricot 2019,what percent of Apricot is water 2019,Apricot facts 2019,nutrients found in Apricot 2019,Apricot recipes 2019,Apricot antioxidant 2019,Apricot details 2019,long Apricot 2019,uses of Apricot 2019,benefits of eating Apricot 2019,Apricot online 2019,Apricot iron content 2019,melon and Apricot 2019,is Apricot fattening 2019,where do Apricots grow 2019,melon water benefits 2019,Apricot nutrition facts 2019,Apricot pink color 2019,yellow skin Apricot 2019,Apricot species 2019,best Apricot 2019,Apricot diet benefits 2019,is Apricot good for you 2019,minerals in Apricot 2019,Apricot source 2019,Apricot price 2019,Apricot juice calories 2019,Apricot juice sugar content 2019,where are Apricots grown 2019,white Apricot 2019,icebox Apricot 2019,importance of Apricot 2019,does Apricot have fiber 2019,water me 2019,about Apricot 2019,how many carbs in Apricot 2019,how much water is in Apricot 2019,is there yellow Apricot 2019,Apricot Apricot 2019,