Article content
Apricots are a popular fruit that we enjoy for their juicy flesh, sweet taste and vivid color. Few people, however, know how valuable apricot seeds are, which we often throw away as waste. These seeds are full of health-promoting substances and can bring a number of health benefits. The use of apricot kernels has a long history, dating back to antiquity, when they were valued for their medicinal properties.
Useful properties of apricot seeds
Apricot seeds were known for their medicinal effects as early as ancient Egypt, where they were crushed and used to treat loss of voice (laryngitis) and digestive problems. Traditional Chinese healers used oil from apricot seeds to treat skin problems and joint diseases. Avicenna, the famous medieval physician, used apricot seeds to treat bronchitis.
What do apricot seeds contain?
Apricot seeds are rich in several valuable substances:
- Tocopherol (vitamin E): This powerful antioxidant helps slow the aging process and supports skin health.
- Amygdalin (vitamin B17): This controversial compound, also known as laetrile, is found in apricot seeds and gives them their characteristic bitter taste. Amygdalin is regarded as potentially effective in cancer treatment, with some studies suggesting its anti-cancer effects.
Apricot seeds and cancer prevention
Apricot seeds, similar to seeds of peaches, plums, cherries and apples, contain amygdalin, which in some circles is considered a natural remedy for cancer prevention. Although its effectiveness in cancer treatment is not officially recognized by medical authorities and the use of amygdalin has been banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many people use it as a supplement to conventional chemotherapy.
For cancer prevention it is recommended to consume raw apricot seeds. The recommended dose is one seed for every 5 kilograms of body weight per day, taken in the morning on an empty stomach. After an hour you may have a normal breakfast.
Use of apricot seeds in folk medicine
Apricot seeds have wide use in folk medicine, where they are used for various health problems:
-
Heart arrhythmias: Mix 0.5 kg of grated lemon, 20 crushed apricot seeds and 0.5 kg of honey. Let the mixture infuse for 2–3 days in a cool place. Take one teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening before dinner.
-
Heartburn: Pour 30 grams of apricot seeds with 100 ml of boiling water and boil for 4 hours. Drink 65 ml three times a day before meals.
-
Against worms: Only raw apricot seeds are effective against worms. You should not consume more than 40 seeds per day, which should be divided into several doses.
-
Heart disease: Pour 10 grams of chopped apricot seeds with a cup of boiling water. After steeping, drink the prepared apricot tea every evening before bed.
-
Bronchitis: Crush dried apricot seeds into a powder, add 3–5 grams to 200 ml of tea or milk. Take twice daily.
Preparation of apricot seeds and their storage
To obtain the seeds, they must be carefully removed from fully ripe apricots. Unripe seeds are of lower quality and lose potency during drying and storage. The seeds should first be thoroughly dried, either in a dry place, in a dehydrator, or in an oven at a low temperature.
It is best to store the seeds in fabric or paper bags to keep them dry. You can also store them in closed glass or plastic containers with a cloth lid. Store them in a dark, dry place and use within 12 months.
Possible risks and how to avoid them
Although apricot seeds are very beneficial, they should be consumed in moderation. Hydrocyanic acid and its salts, which are responsible for the anticancer effects of apricot kernels, can be toxic when consumed in large quantities. The risk of poisoning increases if more than 40 grams of seeds are consumed. Symptoms of poisoning include headaches, weakness, nausea, breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness.
For safe use it is recommended to consume sweeter seeds, which contain fewer toxic substances. If you want to reduce the risk, it is advisable to thermally process apricot seeds, which will destroy the harmful substances.
