17 Insane Benefits of Apricot Seeds: The Ultimate Source of Vitamin B17

Written by Ryan Richardson - Published on June 12, 2023

Vitamin B17, also referred to as amygdalin or laetrile, is a naturally occurring nutrient found in many nuts, seeds, and plants. B17 is most potently found in apricot seeds, but it also exists in apple seeds, spinach, lima beans, clover, sprouts, some berries, eucalyptus leaves, and watercress among many other healthy foods.

B17 is known for its connection to an impressive variety of potential benefits for human health.

When taken as directed, B17 consumption is safe and may improve well-being in a multitude of ways, which we will explore in detail in this article.

Many people believe that vitamin B17 is an essential nutrient to support human health and consume it on a regular basis. From heart and digestive health support to hair loss prevention, B17 contains many incredible potential benefits. We encourage you to conduct your own research to see how it can help you.

Bitter apricot seeds contain the highest density of consumable B17 in a naturally occurring food. In addition to their potent B17 power, they also contain a multitude of additional nutrients that support health in diverse manners. From digestive health to immune support, we’re excited to share some of the benefits of B17 and apricot seed consumption!

Apricot seeds are composed of 5% fiber per seed. Since they are rich in fiber, consuming them may help to support digestive health.

Dietary fiber, or fiber consumed by eating vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, plays a major role in the function and health of digestive system organs. Fiber keeps your colon healthy, while regulating the digestive tract and processes. 

Eating a diet high in fiber may improve regularity of bowel movements and help control excess gas and bloating. Fiber is often used to treat gas, diarrhea, and constipation, and it may be consumed regularly to help prevent digestive irregularities.

Apricot seeds contain high levels of thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, which some research shows may help lower blood pressure and maintain heart health. Thiamine may encourage pump (systolic) and fill (diastolic) pressure to and from the heart, possibly aiding in the prevention of congestive heart failure. 

Furthermore, in a study conducted in New Zealand, results showed that thiamine may have beneficial effects on lowering the blood pressure levels in individuals with early stage hypoglycemia. 

Apricot seeds also contain omega-3, an essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce on its own. According to Harvard University, omega-3 may improve circulation and lower heart rate.

Apricot seeds are also known for their potential to reduce inflammation. Research shows that the fiber content within the seeds may trap acid and other toxins in the body and assist in their removal.

Studies display that apricot seeds may even support extreme cases of inflammation like arthritis. In a South Korean study conducted on rats with arthritis, apricot kernels were successful in reducing pain associated with arthritis.

Apricot seeds contain a considerable amount of the essential trace mineral Zinc. Zinc is found in high traces in healthy human eyes. Zinc plays a vital role in transporting Vitamin A to the retina in order to create melanin. 

Lack of Zinc has been linked to poor night vision, cloudy cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Studies show that consuming a healthy amount of Zinc per day may slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

B17 may promote liver health and may help reverse some of the effects of autoimmune hepatitis, a disease characterized by inflammation of the liver. In a study where adult mice were injected with the virus, the group treated with B17 saw significant changes in healthy T-cell growth

and a decline in disease.

Vitamin B17 is best known for its immune defense properties. Studies have shown that B17 may help boost immunity by slowing down the spread of illness throughout the body by killing harmful cells.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in apricot seeds may improve mental health in adults. Studies have shown that omega-3 may reduce mood swings, bipolar episodes, schizophrenia relapses, and violent behavior in individuals with psychiatric disorders.

Further, research has also linked regular intake of omega-3 with an increased resistance to age-related mental decline and diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease.

Apricot seeds contain the bone-building mineral calcium. Calcium is an essential nutrient that your body cannot produce; it is thus vital to your health to consume enough calcium daily. Calcium contributes to bone health by helping to regenerate bone cells and increasing

bone density. A deficiency of calcium can lead to brittle bones that are prone to injury.

As discussed, B17's inflammation-suppressing qualities may dull the effect of ear pain by trapping acid and toxins in the body and assisting with their removal. Additionally, the Zinc present in apricot seeds may help fight ear infections and disease. This micronutrient helps activate and produce T-cells, which are our bodies’ defender cells that recognize and destroy bacteria, viruses, and other harmful diseases.

Apricot seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids (oleic and linoleic), vitamins A and E, and can moisturize and nourish skin; especially for dry and mature skin. It is widely used in cosmetics; especially in creams, soaps, and skin lotions. The oil is easily absorbed by the skin and will not leave an oily residue. It is, therefore, popular as a massage oil and as sunbathing oil.

Akin to its immunity boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, B17 is thought to protect against and assist in the removal of free radicals that cause damage and age the skin. Consuming B17 or using B17-infused skincare products may help promote healthy, youthful skin and skin cell regeneration.

Apricot seeds are composed of a significant amount of protein and amino acids, which are essential for muscle repair and growth. Daily consumption of 10 apricot seeds spread throughout the day can contribute up to 20-25% of the daily recommended amount of protein

for men and women.

Apricot kernel oil is often used in hair care routines to promote moisture and stop rapid hair loss. The essential fatty acids and vitamin A and E may help heal dry scalp and promote shine

and moisture in hair follicles. 

Additionally, some people attest that rubbing the oil into their scalp helps prevent hair loss and fosters hair regrowth in cases of balding.

Apricot seeds contain considerable amounts of the minerals iron and phosphorus which both assist in the maintenance of energy and reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Iron helps promote blood volume and oxygen levels, leaving our bodies healthy, strong, and energetic. 

Phosphorus has a direct relationship to energy production in the body. A deficiency of either of these nutrients may lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, and may cause slow downs in the normal

functioning of your body systems.

Apricot kernels have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support respiratory health for centuries. Studies show that active ingredients in apricot seeds may act as expectorants, or

substances that increase airway secretions, by increasing water content. 

Increased water content allows the body to expel disease that can cause inflammation, infection, asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and other respiratory issues.

Apricot seeds contain a high content of phenols and alpha tocopherol - a fat-soluble form of vitamin E, which studies show may have antioxidant effects. 

In a study published by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Study, when these compounds came into contact with free radicals, phenols and alpha tocopherol was shown to lower the presence of these toxic substances.

In addition to its high content of B-17, apricot seeds are also a great source of vitamin B-15, also known as Pangamic Acid. B-15 may increase oxygenation of the heart, brain, and other vital organs. For this reason, it is often used to increase athletic performance and endurance. 

The claimed antioxidant property of vitamin B15 helps explain why it’s so favorably publicized for its capability to confer defense against city air pollutants, prolong cell life, motivate increased response of the immune system, lower levels of fat and cholesterol in the plasma, protect the human liver from alcohol effects, cure fatigue, keep hangovers at bay, and facilitate hormone

regulation. 

It follows, therefore, that B15 is used aimed at improving exercise stamina.

It’s a treatment for asthma, besides other related diseases; conditions of the skin, including eczema; problems with the lungs; painful joint and nerve conditions; cancer; and, arthritis.

It’s utilized in improving the amount of oxygen in the brain, heart, and other essential organs in the human body.