If you thought Apricots were all about their deliciously sweet pulp, you are mistaken! Apricot seeds are also edible and densely packed with nutrition. They are a rich source of many key nutrients like Vitamin b17, Protein and fibre. However, the safety of these seeds has been under constant debate, as it was found that eating them in large quantities can pose a serious threat to human life. Apricot seeds are also banned from commercial markets for the very same reason. This article sheds light on some of the key Apricot seeds benefits to our body when taken in very small quantities. However, we do not recommend eating them without consulting a doctor or a health expert.
What Are Apricot Seeds?
Apricots belong to the family of drupe fruits, which have a stone in the centre. In the pit of these “stones” are the seeds or kernels. They resemble an almond in look, with a brown outer layer and a white inner nut. Apricot seeds are commonly used for extracting oil, beauty products and medicines.
Are Apricot Seeds Good For Health?
Although Apricot seeds are nutrition-rich foods, they are dangerous when taken in excess. Recent studies have shown that the Vit B17 present in these seeds gets converted to Cyanide when mixed with Vitamin C. Cyanide can get dissolved in your stomach and spread in your circulatory system to give you instant death!
Apricot Seeds Nutrition Facts:
Below is the nutritional breakup of Apricot kernels per 100 gms of serving:
- Total Calories: 578
- Total Fat: 50.45 gm
- Carbohydrates: 13.77 gm
- Dietary Fiber: 7.9 gm
- Sugars: 3.81 gm
- Protein: 25.32 gm
- Vitamin A: 2 %
- Vitamin C: 1 %
- Calcium: 17 %
- Iron: 16 %
How Many Apricot Seeds Can I Take Daily?
Experts recommend starting with just one Apricot seed per day and gradually increasing the amount to no more than 10 per day. Also, it is important to check for allergic reactions and other uncommon symptoms like dizziness, headache etc. If you have any chronic health problems, it is advised to stay away from these seeds.
Amazing Apricot Seeds Benefits For Skin, Hair & Health:
Here we enlisted 17 best apricot kernel benefits for health, hair and skin. Let’s have a look into them.
1. Natural Exfoliator:
Apricot seeds have mild and gentle exfoliating properties to remove the dead cells and blackheads on your skin. You can prepare an effective scrub from apricot seeds in a couple of minutes. By mixing the powdered form of apricot seeds with olive oil and using it on the skin, you can achieve not only proper exfoliation but also skin radiance that brings attraction. It also deep cleanses the skin well. The glowing complexion is something you will love.
2. Controls Blood Pressure:
Vitamin B17 in apricot seeds is one of the benefits that can help you strike a balance with the blood pressure levels and also reduce the high blood pressure issues in a lot of people. You can use them in various dishes to get the advantage. This is however not an evidence-based statement and is important to check with a doctor before consuming it.
3. Has Anti-Cancer Properties:
The vitamin B17 is one nutrient known for prevention of cancer and it is present in apricot seeds in good amounts giving you a taste of this benefit. Apricot seeds help in killing the cancer cells as soon as they are made. However, studies also show that the compounds in these seeds can harm the body, along with destroying the malignant cells and is therefore not recommended to use Apricot seeds for Cancers without consulting a doctor.
4. Strengthens Immune System:
To maintain the immune system, one needs to eat apricot seeds in daily meals. This means prevention as well as a treatment for common ailments like colds and flu. This happens when the body strength is stimulated with natural products like apricot seeds. It helps the body fight all kinds of infections.
5. Culinary Benefits:
Apricot seeds add good flavour to the dishes. The oil from the seeds is what is used for cooking benefits and can be used in various salads as well. This is one of the benefits that you would love to adhere to. It becomes important to understand the daily dosage limit of this oil to avoid unwanted health disorders.
See More: Apricot Benefits
6. Relieves From Arthritis:
The anti-inflammatory properties of apricot seeds make it a perfect home remedial treatment for curing arthritis. It relived the pain and swelling in the affected areas if taken on a regular basis. You can slowly start taking one or two seeds a day to check for any alleviated symptoms of Arthritis.
7. Nourishes Your Hair:
Mix apricot seeds powder or oil with any of the carrier oils like coconut or olive oil and massage the scalp well. It is known to treat damage of the hair as well as the chemically treated hair. Along with this, apricot seeds add shine and strength to the hair strands that you are going to fall in love with.
8. Makes Skin Soft and Supple:
Apricot seeds oil can be used as a moisturizer for various areas of the skin like elbows, hands, knees and feet. It adds softness and smoothness to the skin. It is a perfect one for dry skin, especially in chilly weathers. You can even try using creams and lotions enriched with the goodness of Apricot seeds for added benefits.
9. Helps in Massage Therapies:
Apricot seeds oil can be used as massaging oil solely because of the great absorbing properties making it perfect for a massage. Apart from this, it reduces pain and stress on the body as well as inflammation if any. Besides, it also hydrates your skin and makes it smooth and glowing. This is said to be one of the important apricot seeds health benefits.
10. Promotes Glowing Skin:
Apricot seeds can be grounded and made into oil, something that can act as a brilliant night cream. The moisturizing khubani seeds benefits have already been discussed and this time we extend the goodness to a whole new level by adding apricot to your nighttime skin ritual. You will notice younger, fresher looking skin with every application.
11. Aphrodisiac Properties:
Apricot seed is considered to be a good aphrodisiac, something that’s filled with lust and invokes sensual feelings. Apricot seed benefits in the UK diaries have mentioned apricot as a fruit that can enhance and encourage sexual drive.
12. Keeps Heart Problems At Bay:
Health benefits of apricot seeds also include taking care of your tender heart and making sure everything works on order. Here we are talking about cholesterol and fat storage in the ventricles and arteries of your heart, something that apricot seed can burn out. With your cholesterol contained and your saturated fats out of the clogging passage, your heart can beat safe and steady.
13. Treats Minor Cuts and Scrapes:
Apricot seed is good anti-inflammatory products, one of the main reasons why swelled up red cuts and scrapes, scratches and open wounds can definitely be treated with apricot seed powder. The anti-inflammatory properties soothe and calm the area while treating the swelling reducing the pain as well.
See More: Apricots In Pregnancy
14. Cures Acne and Pimples:
Apricot seeds also benefit is removing the acne on your skin by reducing inflammation. It has already been mentioned how apricot seeds have always helped in giving you clear skin. Along with bringing down the severity of the eruptions, these seeds can also treat blemishes and dark spots.
15. Delays Signs Of Aging:
This is where we talk about apricot being a boon for your skin at a veteran age. Apricot seeds powdered can be consumed or applied as an applicator to the wrinkled old skin. Not only does it improve the elasticity of your skin, but also works on removing the other signs like dark spots, fine lines and dryness.
16. Anti-Microbial Properties:
Anti-microbial in nature, apricot seeds are good for remedies that include fungal or microbial infections, both on skin and scalp. One can use the goodness of apricot seeds to keep fungal issues from consistently reappearing in your body.
17. Treats Respiratory Diseases:
Medical practitioners in China believe in the power of Apricot seeds in treating many respiratory tract diseases. Patients with Chronic Bronchitis and Asthma were said to get relief from the discomfort of severe cough, breathing problems and infections due to the expectorant properties of Apricot seeds.
Side Effects Of Apricot Seeds:
Although Apricot seeds are healthy, their potential risks outweigh their benefits. In fact, it is illegal in the US to make claims about the health uses of Apricot seeds. These seeds contain a substance called Amygdalin, which converts into Cyanide. Let us take a look at some of the most feared side effects of these seeds:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Mental Confusion
- Cardiac Arrest
- Breathlessness
- Coma
- Death
Many brands who produce Apricot seeds claim that the effect of Cyanide poisoning due to these foods is quite minimal and not as dangerous as people believe them to be. However, research reports state otherwise. This is why it is important to exercise caution before consuming these seeds. The best ways are to go for topical applications to enjoy clean skin and healthy hair. You can also try using the Kernel oil in little doses to avoid missing out on its nutrients!
