Beneits of Apricots

 

Health Benefits of Apricots

Fruits are packed with vitamins and nutrients and can provide numerous health benefits. Apricots are native to China, but the United States grows 90 percent of the world's apricots, according to Ann Henderson and Charlotte Brennand from the Utah State University Extension. These fruits fulfill a wide range of nutritional needs and are easy to pack as snacks, whether fresh or dried.
Apricot kernels--the seeds found at the center of the fruit--feature high levels of B17. Although technically not a vitamin, B17 has consistently been referred to as such. The Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide describes B17--also known as amygdalin--as possessing properties helpful for reducing pain associated with arthritis and lowering blood pressure. However, amygdalin's most commonly referenced attributes revolve around its purported cancer fighting and prevention capabilities.

Vitamin A (Retinol)

Apricots are a good source of vitamin A, also known as retinol. This is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids in cellular differentiation, vision and healthy fetal development. It also is involved in immune-system functioning and keeping the skin and mucous membranes healthy. Vitamin A may also help treat acne and skin problems, promote healthy vision, reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and maintain bone strength. It may also be important in neurological functioning.

Fiber

Apricots are a good source of dietary fiber, something your body needs to help with good intestinal function, and may help reduce blood pressure, says the University of Colorado Extension. One cup of apricots contains approximately 3 grams of fiber.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the vitamins found in apricots. This vitamin is an antioxidant and can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, possibly reducing the risk of cancer and other diseases. This vitamin can also help reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, age-related macular degeneration and the common cold. Since the vitamin is sensitive to light, air and heat, eating dried apricots still provides you with vitamin C, but eating fresh apricots will provide you with more.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that every cell, tissue and organ in the body needs to function properly. This mineral, abundant in apricots, is an electrolyte, which means it helps control electricity in the body. It also is necessary for heart function and muscle contraction. Potassium is thought to play a role in bone formation, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of stroke.

The Cancer Claim

The amygdalin extracted from apricot kernels has since the early 1950's been used to create a chemically modified version of B17 known as Laetrile. Though their names are commonly interchanged, amygdalin and Laetrile do not possess identical qualities. Laetrile's renown arises from the claim that it kills cancer cells while leaving normal cells unaffected. Consequently, the reputation of Laetrile is based on the idea it features the same benefits of chemotherapy without the side effects or disadvantages.

What the Evidence Shows

Findings from a clinical trial conducted between 1979 and 1981 showed that the use of Laetrile was not an effective means of treating cancer. In fact, within three months of beginning the trial, 91% of those taking part saw their cancer actually progress. Consequently, it has since been determined by the American Cancer Society and other leading cancer researchers that the extract from apricot kernels is not an effective treatment for cancer.

The Cyanide Issue

The practice of eating a large number of apricot kernels each day as a means of fighting cancer has survived largely on the anecdotal evidence. However, not only is the ingestion of apricot kernels ineffective against cancer, it poses an additional health risk when they are consumed in abundance. According to information from the Centers for Disease Control, the cyanide levels contained within apricot kernels poses a health risk.

The American Cancer Society further contends that B17 consumed in conjunction with high levels of vitamin C increases the amount of cyanide released in the body and furthers the risk. Safe amounts of amygdalin depend upon the age and size of an individual, his diet and general health. It is best to consult a doctor before consuming apricot kernels in any amount.