Apricot Seed – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

07/06/2017 / By Earl Garcia

Apricot seeds are the kernels found inside the fruit’s stone. MedicalNewsToday.com reveals that apricot seeds are increasingly becoming popular as superfoods due to their potent anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. The kernels, which turn light brown when dried, resemble small almonds. Apricot seeds are native to Armenia, Northern China, the Himalayan region, and certain parts of Asia.

List of known nutrients

According to articles posted on the health and wellness websites MyFitnessPal.com and HealthBenefitsTimes.com, apricot seeds are notably high in essential vitamins and minerals that include:

Calcium
Iron
Monounsaturated fat
Omega 3-Fatty acids
Omega 6-Fatty acids
Phytolesterols
Potassium
Sodium
Vitamin A
Vitamin B17
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Medicinal uses for apricot seed

Apricot seeds are best known for its vitamin B17 content. The important vitamin, also called laetrile, has long been used to alleviate cancer effects in Russia and in the United States. According to previous studies, the laetrile in apricot seeds releases cyanide within the body, which in turn attacks cancer-causing cells. On the other hand, the antioxidants found in apricot seeds counter the harmful effects of free radicals and keep cancer at bay.

Likewise, the vitamin B17 in apricot seeds are found to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and prevent the onset of hypertension-related conditions. Additionally, apricot seeds are an excellent source of unsaturated fats that lower cholesterol levels and promote overall heart health.

Apricot seeds are highly valued for their anti-inflammatory properties as well. The same properties are found to alleviate pain and swelling caused by arthritis. The superfood’s pain-relieving properties are largely due to the analgesic effects of a compound called benzaldehyde. The same compound is found to ease pain in cancer patients. Likewise, the anti-inflammatory properties of apricot seeds are found to ease swollen muscles.

In addition, apricot seeds are notably effective in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Apricot seeds contain laxative properties that facilitate regular bowel movement and prevent constipation. Apricot seeds are also known to maintain the body’s pH levels to prevent instances of over acidity or acidosis. Moreover, the superfoods are known to fortify the immune system and combat certain fungal infections such as Candida albicans, which is yeast infection that is concentrated around the mouth, the intestinal tract, the vagina, or other mucous membranes. Aside from this, apricot seeds are highly effective in treating several respiratory conditions such as colds and flu, bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema.

Furthermore, apricot seeds are known for their skin and hair benefits. Apricot seeds are also highly regarded as potent aphrodisiacs that increase sexual drive.

Body systems supported by apricot seed

Apricot seeds are particularly helpful in maintaining a healthy heart, skin, hair, and joints. Likewise, apricot seeds are beneficial to the digestive, muscular, reproductive, immune, and respiratory systems.

Ways to use apricot seed

Apricot seeds are known for their nutty texture, making them a staple in a variety of desserts and processed sweets such as amaretto biscuits, almond finger biscuits, and apricot jams. Online recipe generator Yummly.co has curated some interesting meals that can be prepared using apricot seeds.

On the other hand, oil extracted from apricot seeds can be used in a wide array of cosmetic products including body oils, face creams, lip balms, and essential oils. Combining apricot seed powder with essential oils make for an excellent body scrub, while apricot kernel oil may be used an an alternative to hot oil treatment.