Apricot kernels are also known as apricot seeds. These are the pits that are removed from an apricot fruit when it is being processed for consumption. They have a wide variety of health benefits, including cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammatory properties, and more! This article will go over five benefits that will make you buy apricot kernels.
Support Cardiovascular Health
Apricot kernels are an incredibly rich source of vitamin B17, which is also known as amygdalin. This compound has been found to be effective in protecting the heart by safeguarding against cardiovascular disease and strokes. They work by helping to regulate blood pressure, preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, and inhibiting platelet aggregation, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Another health benefit that these kernels have is anti-inflammatory properties. This helps protect against arthritis in addition to other inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, lupus, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, multiple sclerosis, coronary artery disease, HIV/AIDS, and neurodegeneration caused by chemotherapy for cancer treatment. It achieves this through its ability to reduce levels of TNF alpha. This is a cytokine involved in initiating inflammation reactions within your body. One study on rats suggests that apricot kernel extract can reduce chronic inflammation by as much as 53%.
They Treat Diabetes Mellitus
There is evidence that they can help improve insulin secretion and sensitivity in both healthy individuals and those with type II diabetes mellitus (adult-onset). This makes it highly beneficial to anyone who wants to lower their risk of developing Type II diabetes or who has already been diagnosed. They may also assist people with diabetes because they do not produce an overstimulation effect on pancreas cells like many other medications, such as sulfonylurea drugs do.
Pest Control
The Mediterranean fruit fly, also called the medfly for short, can be killed by ingesting an extract made from 100 grams or more of dried seeds. This works because it contains amygdalin which, once metabolized, becomes cyanide that acts as a poison on these insects and other pests like ants and cockroaches. Because humans do not have enzymes capable of breaking down amygdalin in their digestive system, this compound passes through our body without causing any damage making it safe for human consumption.
They May Help With Cancer Prevention
Although there are no clinical studies that can prove or even suggest that apricot kernels help with cancer prevention, the amygdalin compound in them is believed to prevent tumor growth. Because of this, many doctors and nutritionists recommend eating these seeds when undergoing chemotherapy treatment for certain types of cancers like breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, bone marrow diseases, and leukemia.
To conclude, buy apricot kernels are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are safe for human consumption and can provide numerous health benefits.
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