In recent years, apricot kernels have received a great deal of attention for their properties as a health food item. Yet apricot kernels have also drawn disagreement as to how healthy they actually are. Apricot kernels contain traces of cyanide, and they can be poisonous if eaten in large quantities. Here is what you should know about apricot kernels before adding them to your diet.
What Are They?
Apricot kernels are the pits, or seeds, that occur naturally in an apricot. The kernels are extracted from the large wooden pit in the center of an apricot, then their hulls are removed and the kernels are dried to prevent them from growing mold. The dried kernels are then sold as health food items.
Benefits
Apricot kernels contain high levels of vitamin B17, also known as laetrile or amygdalin. In the 1950s, chemist Dr. Ernest Krebs Jr. recommended eating approximately seven apricot kernels per day to prevent cancer, as well as to help fight cancers that have already been diagnosed. In the 1960s and '70s, however, numerous studies overturned this claim. Yet many health food providers continue to claim that apricot kernels are effective in preventing and treating cancer. Apricot kernels also contain protein, polyunsaturated fats and other nutrients.
Uses
Apricot kernels can be consumed whole as a snack or added to trail mix and eaten with other fruits and nuts. Whole apricot kernels have a bitter taste that some find unpleasant, however. Many people prefer to grind their apricot kernels in a blender and then sprinkle the ground kernels over meals. When ground like this, the kernels have a tasty, almond-like flavor that works well on dishes like baked potatoes, soup, cold cereal and cooked vegetables. The kernels can also be coated in honey and melted carob chips to create a sweet, candy-like snack.
Dangers
In addition to their healthful properties, apricot kernels also contain cyanide, which is what gives them their bitter taste. As a result, they should not be consumed in high quantities, as this can lead to cyanide poisoning. Tests performed by the Department of Agriculture's food safety and inspection division determined that one 8 oz. package of apricot kernels contained 568 mg of cyanide, while another 8 oz. package contained 604 mg. The lethal cyanide dose for an adult is between 140 mg and 280 mg. Therefore, apricot kernels should be consumed only in very small quantities. If you begin to feel dizziness, blurred vision or nausea after eating apricot kernels, stop consuming them immediately and contact your physician.
Where to Find Them
Apricot kernels can be purchased online through health food sites and sites devoted specifically to apricot kernels and other apricot products. They can also be found at some health food stores.
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