Apricots are a very popular and its benefits are known to all. Apricot seeds, in particular, are well known for their nutrition levels and important elements. In appearance, they can be mistaken for Almonds. They are found at the center of the fruit and can be of two types-
- Sweet Apricot Kernels
- Bitter Apricot Kernels
Nutritional Content of Apricot Seeds
Like most natural things, apricot seeds have certain benefits. Some of them are –
- Good quantities of iron
- Omega 3 fats
- Potassium,
- Phosphorus
- Vitamin B17 (amygdalin’s)
Health Benefits of Apricot Seeds
Some health benefits of apricot seeds are
1. Digestive Health:
Apricot seeds have dietary fiber (6.7 g in a 50 g serving) which better our digestive processes. The fiber helps digestion and improves peristaltic motion, reduces constipation and bloating. The fibers provide roughage and help better the process of digestion.
2. Growth and Repair
Apricot seeds contain glorious amounts of protein which is the building block of our body. These function as the repair and rehabilitation agents of the body. They increase muscle growth and help the formation of new tissues.
3. Balancing Cholesterol:
The fiber present in the apricot seeds will remove excess cholesterol from the system and maintain heart systems and health. This lowers risk of disease and strokes. It regulated the cardiovascular system and strengthens the health of the heart.
4. Immunity:
Apricot seeds defend the body and reduce the pressure on the immune system, increase overall body strength and capabilities. They aid in building an effective defensive system with vitamin E. They also have anti-fungal and have anti-bacterial qualities
5. Cancer Prevention:
They have abundant quantities of Amygdalin that is known for its cancer-preventing capabilities. It has found potent importance in many medicines for the treatment of cancer. Regular consumption as part of the natural way can help and prevent mitigate cancer.
6. Heart Strength:
Apricots contain elements that lower cholesterol and thus aid heart health. They contain unsaturated fats that maintain heart health and aid better functioning.
7. Respiratory Benefits:
Apricot seeds have excelled at suppressing cough and aided in the clearing of the respiratory tract. They help treat cold, phlegm and other related diseases.
8. Maintains pH of Blood:
Apricot seeds enable maintaining pH of blood (7.35 to 7.45) due to the presence of vitamin B-17 that is very alkaline in nature and this neutralizes acidity and maintains a healthy system.
9. Curing Arthritis:
The properties of apricot seeds that are basically anti-inflammatory cure arthritis and are an ideal home remedy for preventing pains.
10.Boost Metabolism:
Studies say that when taken in moderate quantities apricot seeds have been found to improve metabolic rate and boost system. This makes for better functioning of the body.
11. Hair Health:
Apricot seed oil is used for hot oil treatments. A hair mask with apricot oil over dry hair can replenish hair and make it smooth and thus healthy. They also have antioxidants that protect hair.
Side effects of Apricot seeds
Though the benefits of apricot seeds are many, the claim of anti-cancer properties and the relevance of Vitamin B17 has not been approved in many countries. While excessive eating of apricot seeds may lead to a case of cyanide poisoning, eating minimally in regulated quantities does only good. Excessive usage may lead to liver damage as well. Therefore, intake levels are to be balanced to receive the best nutritional advantages from apricot seeds.
How often should you Consume Apricot Seeds and how much?
While it is not advisable to eat many seeds in a day, it is better to start small. Up to 2 seeds per day should be good and one can move up eventually. They are bitter in taste and so can be had in limitation. Certain studies recommend one apricot seed for 10 pounds of body weight.
Conclusion
As expressed, Apricot seeds are loaded with various advantages be it culinary, medicinal, nutritional or cosmetic. Despite a controversy, Apricot seeds still partake as part of dietary requirements. The health benefits they offer are hard to ignore and so setting limits to intake would be recommended. Though the evidence of any harm due to Apricot seeds is disputed, a consultation with an expert is always advisable.
