Apricot is one of the favorite seasonal fruits of many Arab families, due to its delicious taste and many health benefits, but have you ever heard of the benefits of apricot seeds? Yes, there are those who use it! To apply the famous expression, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” In this article, we will show you the most important known benefits of apricot seeds, and does it really have a role in treating cancer patients, as some believe?

apricot seeds

The apricot kernel is located in the outer shell of the seed, and you can break the shell to get it, and it resembles a small almond to a large extent. As for the fresh kernel, it is white in color, and turns brown when it dries, so some people cannot differentiate it from an almond with the first impression.

Apricot kernel contains many beneficial nutrients such as proteins and fiber, and it also contains a large percentage of oil.

What are the nutritional contents of an apricot seed?

The proportions of nutritional contents vary according to the type of apricot seed, whether the seed is sweet or bitter, but in general according to published studies; Apricot seeds contain the following:

• Oils and fatty acids: they occupy the largest proportion, and include linoleic acid (omega-6), which is known for its multiple benefits.
• Protein and essential amino acids.
• fiber.
• sugars.

Research has not proven that apricot seeds contain any kind of vitamins, but apricot seed oil contains Vitamin E, which is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition to the above, these seeds also contain a substance called amygdalin, which is a substance found in many other fruit seeds such as peaches, apples, and cherries. Some people believe that this substance has an effect on cancer treatment, and we will address the truth of this matter in a later paragraph. When broken down in the body by digestive juices, it turns into cyanide, which is known to be highly toxic, so caution should be exercised and specialists should be consulted.

What are the benefits of apricot seeds?

Apricot seed oil or apricot oil, as it is common among people, occupies the largest proportion of the components of apricot seeds, as we explained to you in the previous paragraph, and many sources indicate its many benefits, and the following are the most important of these benefits:

Apricot seeds benefits for skin

Apricot oil extracted from apricot seeds may ostensibly be used as a moisturizer and treat dry skin, since it is rich in fatty acids. Some research has shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of apricot oil and oils of some other plants could be candidates for treating common skin conditions such as psoriasis due to their positive effect on the skin. .

In addition to the above, there is a research paper published in 2014 that refers to the uses of apricot oil in oriental medicine in the treatment of acne and boils. It is also believed that the benefits of apricot seeds for hair lie in the treatment of annoying dandruff in the scalp and its hydration.

Apricot oil’s antimicrobial properties

According to a published study, apricot oil showed varying degrees of resistance to certain types of bacteria, so it may be part of some anti-inflammatory products.

Other benefits of apricot oil

These suggested benefits are based on some research, but are not sufficient and need further study:

• Apricot oil is believed to lower bad cholesterol in the body and thus improve heart and mental health.
• It has a role in improving immunity.
• Improve bowel movement.

It is also common in Arab countries to use apricot seeds for slimming and also to enhance sexual ability, but there is no scientific evidence or even just research that supports these benefits and uses yet.

NB: You should consult your physician before using apricot kernels or their oils for any purpose, especially if you have a medical condition.

Apricot seeds for pregnant women

Although the apricot fruit itself is considered one of the fruits classified as safe for pregnant women in general, due to the useful vitamins and minerals it contains, the consumption of apricot kernels – according to many sources – is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women.

What is the truth about the benefits of apricot seeds for cancer patients?

The idea of ​​“the benefits of apricot seeds for cancer patients” is spreading among many people around the world. It was previously believed that amygdalin, which is extracted from the seeds, turns into a toxic cyanide that affects only cancer cells, but research has shown that this is not true, as this substance turns into cyanide when exposed to digestive juices in the stomach and intestines, causing serious side effects. It may lead to death.

In addition, no clinical trials have proven the effect of amygdalin in the treatment of cancer, which makes it obvious that it was not included in the materials used to treat cancer by the American Health and Drug Administration (FDA).

What are the damages of apricot seeds?

Excessive consumption of apricot seeds increases the risk of cyanide poisoning due to the amygdalin they contain. Sources indicate that cyanide poisoning depends on the dose and method of entry into the body, emphasizing that oral intake is considered the most dangerous method, as explained in the previous paragraph. Symptoms include:

• Vomiting and nausea.
• convulsions;
• lack of oxygen in the blood
• Hypotension.
• fever.
• Breathing problems.
• Death.

How to use apricot seeds

Apricot seeds are used to make a mixture of delicious spices, especially in Egypt. This mixture is called “Egyptian dakkah”, but it is not recommended to eat it frequently and can be replaced with sesame or peanuts. Apricot oil is also extracted from it, which is used as we mentioned for the skin. Pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Many sources advise not to eat apricot seeds, and the nutrients in them can be benefited from other foods or from eating the apricot fruit itself, but since it is eaten by some peoples, two seeds can be eaten at most, and you should consult a doctor if you suffer from Any diseases or health problems.