Apricot is not only beneficial for its Apricot Benefits for Health. It is also mentioned that the kernel or the seeds which resemble almond is also beneficial for health.
One of the health benefits of apricot seed is for cancer treatment. In this article, we are going to discuss the benefits of apricot seed for cancer treatment.
The Benefits of Apricot Seed for Cancer Treatment
The benefits of apricot seed for cancer treatment are contributed by beneficial nutrients, such as fatty acids, vitamin E, and minerals. Therefore, here are the benefits of apricot seed for cancer treatment:
- Antioxidant source
Apricot seed contain vitamin E. As we know, vitamin E is a potent antioxidant. Among the cancer causing factors, main factor of cancer is free radicals. In this case, vitamin E from apricot seed can act as powerful antioxidants which actively fight against free radicals.
- Inhibit cancer cell
Apricot seed is recommended for cancer treatment as it contains a compound called amygdalin. It is also contained by the other fruit seed such apple, passion fruit, and many more. Amygdalin is a lethal compound for cancer cell. This way, this compound is recommended as it effectively inhibit the growth of cancer cell.
- Boost their energy levels
Carbohydrate and protein are the main energy source for human. In this case, apricot seed can provide cancer patient with enough energy, as it contains good amount of carbohydrate and protein. In addition, Omega 3 Fatty Acids Health Benefits also available in apricot kernel.
- Improve their health and sense of wellbeing
Besides amygdalin, apricot seed also contains what it’s so called laetrile which is a partly synthetic form of amygdalin. Laetrile also contributes an alternative in cancer treatment as it improves patients’ health and sense of wellbeing.
- Boost immunity
People with cancer tend to have bad immune system. In this case, the use of apricot seeds can improve immunity as apricot seed contains special compounds which slow down the spread of illness by killing harmful cells, including cancer cells.
- Prolong life
A certain study found that ancient Hunzas in Northern Pakistan had perfect health condition as they can live to incredible old age. They live without present health threats such as obesity, heart disease, and cancer. Their secret to their prolonged life is apricot seed.
- Relieve pain
Some research showed that apricot seed might not be perfectly effective for cancer. However, it is effective to reduce pain due to inflammation in cancer. It is also effective to reduce swelling and decrease tumor size.
Precaution of Using Apricot Seed for Cancer Treatment
The consumption of apricot seed somehow can be dangerous. It is because the content of amygdalin may turn into cyanide when it is taken orally. And we know that cyanide is lethal for human. There was a report about a man who killed himself by prolonged consumption of apricot seed for cancer treatment. However, the consumption was without health practitioners’ advise, so that he doesn’t consume the apricot seed within the recommended dosage.
Too much exposure on apricot seed may also lead to the long term effect on heart, brain, and nervous system. There was also some minor side effect from apricot seed consumption, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, dizziness, and weakness.
How to Use Apricot Seed for Cancer Treatment
In order to avoid the side effect caused by apricot seed consumption, here are some recommendations on how to use apricot seed to get the benefits of apricot seed for cancer treatment. One of these, is by keeping the normal portion of apricot seed consumption.
It is suggested to consume between 6 to 10 apricot kernels per day with one to three kernels in a single serving. It based on research that consuming more than 50 kernels in a day might be lethal. It is due to 0.5 – 3.5 milligrams of cyanide per kilograms of body weight can be lethal. Therefore, it is better if you consume apricot seed by the practitioners’ advise.
Also, make sure you choose the apricot seed which is labelled as sweet apricot seed. Sweet apricot seeds are those apricot seeds which has passed through some processing such as cooking and fermentation. This way, the seed will be less toxic, compared to the bitter apricot seeds.
The sweet apricot seed can be a tasty snack, just like pumpkin seeds with its Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds or sunflower seeds with Benefits of Sunflower Seeds . On the other hand, the bitter apricot seed is not good for consumption, as it contains high cyanide and need further processing. The bitter apricot seed can give its Health Benefits of Apricots Seeds when it is used as lotion, pill, and injection for cancer treatment.