Praised as a new superfood, apricot kernels are said to hold anti-cancer and detoxifying qualities. Is consuming apricot kernels a risk-free substitute for treating cancer, or is it just another health fad? We separate the truth from fiction. As of right now, there’s no scientifically-backed evidence to back up the idea that apricot seeds can …
Praised as a new superfood, apricot kernels are said to hold anti-cancer and detoxifying qualities. Is consuming apricot kernels a risk-free substitute for treating cancer, or is it just another health fad? We separate the truth from fiction.
As of right now, there’s no scientifically-backed evidence to back up the idea that apricot seeds can prevent cancer. Moreover, experts have cautioned that a chemical in apricot kernels is actually converted to cyanide, a poison, in the human body. Therefore, physicians and other medical professionals are unable to advocate for the use of apricot kernels in treating cancer.
But other studies on mice have shown that apricot kernels can help fight cancer in mice, so what does it all mean? Is this a hidden homeopathic remedy or a dangerous psuedo-science cure? We dig deeper to investigate in this blog post, covering the nutrients of apricots, what the seeds contain, and whether or not they can help fight cancer.
Apricot kernels resemble little almonds in appearance. The kernel of a fresh apricot is white; when the skin dries out, it turns pale brown. They contain protein, fiber, and a significant amount of oil.
Some residents of the North-West Himalayas believe that wild apricots and their kernels offer both therapeutic and nutritional benefits. Certain manufacturers utilize apricot kernels to produce items such as medicine and cosmetic products like body oil, face cream, lip balm, and essential oils. People use oil that has been pressed from the apricot sweet kernel for cooking. Apricot kernels can be found in processed foods including apricot preserves, almond finger biscuits, and amaretto cookies. A classic snack called “dokka” is made in Egypt by combining powdered apricot kernels, salt, and coriander seeds. People in India use apricot kernel oil to manufacture massage oil because they think it eases aches and pains. The oil has even been used as biodiesel fuel!
The kernels of apricots can be made of the following substances, depending on the variety:
Oil percentages: 27.7–66.7%
Proteins: 14.1–45.3%, of which 32–24% are essential amino acids, which make up proteins.
Carbohydrate Content: 18.1–27.9%
Fiber: 5%
None of this is terribly unusual or unique, so this can’t be where the cancer-fighting rumor comes from. Let’s keep digging.
Apricot kernel oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids. Although the human body is unable to produce them, humans must get them from their diets as they are necessary for human health. Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6) are the two primary forms of essential fatty acids. For proper growth and development as well as brain function, linolenic acid is essential. In addition, fatty acids support the reproductive system, maintain bone health, promote the growth of skin and hair, and control metabolism. A lot of individuals believe that fatty acids are antioxidants.
In a 2011 rodent trial, rats with liver fibrosis were given crushed apricot kernels at a dose of 1.5 milligrams (mg) three times a week for four weeks. Researchers discovered that symptoms improved. They proposed that the improvement was the result of the antioxidant activity of oleic acid and other polyphenols.
While apricot kernels are low in vitamins and minerals, the oil has high levels of vitamin E. The National Institutes of Health states that vitamin E possesses antioxidant qualities.
There could be health benefits to apricot kernels, and there have been indications that they could aid in the fight against cancer. Researchers have suggested that a substance called amygdalin, found in apricot kernels, may have the ability to eliminate tumors and prevent cancer by preventing cells from proliferating; according to a lab study that was published in 2005, amygdalin may suppress genes that promote cell division. A 2012 laboratory study discovered that amygdalin may be helpful in treating liver cancer if it is enhanced with β-D-glucosidase.
Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside. It is converted by the body to cyanide, a fast-acting and potentially lethal chemical, when it is consumed.
Depending on the dosage, consuming cyanide can cause:
The human body’s cells are killed by cyanide because it keeps them from using oxygen. Because the brain and heart require so much oxygen, cyanide is especially detrimental to these organs. Long-term consequences on the heart, brain, and neurological system may result from exposure. According to research, cyanide doses between 0.5 and 3.5 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight may be fatal. Apricot seeds “may have substantial amounts of chemicals which are metabolized to cyanide,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
So how dangerous is this? An estimated 50 to 60 apricot kernels could provide a fatal amount of cyanide. OK, that’s pretty much never happening unless you’re munching on apricot seeds, which does not sound likely. However, cyanide poisoning can happen at far smaller concentrations. A single serving of three tiny or one big apricot kernel may exceed the recommended acceptable levels of cyanide exposure in adults, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), while a single small kernel may be poisonous to a baby. No one should ever ingest more than 20 micrograms (mcg) of cyanide per kilogram of body weight at a time, according to EFSA recommendations. This means adults should only consume one apricot kernel as a result. For kids, even half a kernel would be too much.
The speculation that apricots can help with cancer arises from their natural compounds, which some believe have anti-cancer properties. However, no scientific evidence has established a definitive link between apricots and cancer prevention or treatment. In fact, consuming apricots, particularly in large amounts, can lead to adverse side effects due to the presence of cyanide and other harmful substances. Nonetheless, when eaten in moderation, apricots can still offer various health benefits as part of a balanced diet.
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