I Have a Need, A Need for Seeds!

If you’re a fan of Apricot Power, you’ve probably seen my last blog post on apricot seeds and everything you need to know. If you’re looking for a history lesson on apricot seeds and their relationship with cancer, check that one out first! This blog post is going to serve as a guide to how apricot seeds can impact your wellness and the different options you have for taking them. Let’s get started with this question:

Why should you care about apricot seeds?

You should care about apricot seeds because they are a great option for B17. It is found in many fruits, nuts, grains, and vegetables. The apricot seed has the highest level of B17, however, compared to other food. B17 is found in many foods that the average American does not consume adequate amounts of. B17 is found in foods like wild blackberries, bamboo, alfalfa, boysenberries, huckleberries, raspberries, strawberries, squash seeds, black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, cashews, macadamia nuts, spinach, watercress, sweet potatoes, and yams. With satisfactory amounts of B17 in our bodies, your are  more well-equipped to defend your bodies from illnesses and diseases. 

Are apricot seeds good for your skin?

Apricots are used as ingredients in many skin care products. If you’re scouring the internet for good ways to use apricot seeds (besides eating them), you’ve probably found some DIY recipes for how to make apricot seed oil or a scrub. Apricot seeds (ground up) can be a natural exfoliant for the skin. Additionally, apricot seeds are a great source of fiber. Apricot seeds are made up of 5% fiber. Numerous studies are coming out regarding the link between gut health and skin health. 

When I was growing up I had pretty severe eczema outbreaks on my face.  Of course I know now that this had to do with my immune system, hormones, and diet.  But back then I thought it was just about my skin.  So I used an apricot seed scrub.  It definitely didn’t get rid of the eczema, but it did sluff off all the scaly dead skin and felt very refreshing.

Are almonds the same as apricot seeds?

No, they are not! They may look the same and their benefits can be similar, but the tastes are wildly different. Almonds are rich in magnesium, vitamin E, and fiber. You can also eat more almonds per day than you can eat apricot seeds. Almonds are a great healthy snack option for protein and calcium as well. 

What should my dosage be?

According to Apricot Power, the suggested use for adults is 3 seeds per day. Consume no more than two seeds per hour or five seeds per day. If bitter apricot seeds aren’t to your liking, there is a capsule version as well with no bitter taste! The suggested dosing for the capsule version is one capsule before a meal (not going over ten capsules in one day and not consuming more than one capsule per hour). Not interested in capsules either? There’s a tablet version as well. For the tablets, Apricot Power recommends taking one tablet per day with a meal. 

For each B17 option Apricot Power has, there are different strengths and quantities

For example, there is a 100mg option in capsule form, a 500mg option in capsule form, a 500mg option in tablet form, the Bitter Apricot Seed capsules (50mg of B17, or 2.5 ground up apricot seeds), and the apricot seeds themselves. There are many options to choose from depending on the strength you are looking for and how you want to consume them. 

Can my dog take them?

Yes and no. We should not be giving our furry friends necessarily the same types of supplements that we take, but they can absolutely benefit from B17! This is similar to some dog-friendly omega-3 products you see on the supplement market - something that we humans can take, but in the correct dosing and quantities for a dog. A study in the 1980s determined that there may be a pain relief benefit in vitamin B17 for animals. 

After speaking with your vet, you can better determine how much B17 extract to sprinkle on their food. 

What are the side effects?

Keep a close eye on how you are feeling. If you are feeling dizzy or develop a headache or stomach ache, you are overconsuming the seeds. If you are unsure of where to start, I recommend booking a consultation with me. 

What is everyone saying About Apricot Power?

Jean G. bought the Organic Bitter Raw Apricot Seeds and says, “They taste great and not that bitter. 1-2 are fine to eat. Small and easy to chew. And healthy.” 

Ben L. says, “Great Product. Delivers on what it says.” 

Mary P. bought the B17/Amygdalin 500 mg tablets and says, “I take B17 because I have active cancer. It is highly recommended in helping to kill cancer cells.” 

Can I use apricot seeds in recipes?

Yes, you can! Here is a recipe I got from Apricot Power:

Apple Bites

Ingredients:

8 oz. package of cream cheese

16 apple seeds

16 raisins

1 apple, grated

3 tablespoons apricot seeds, ground

Pinch of mace

Directions:

Mix apple with cream cheese. Place apple seed inside of raisin. Form a small ball of apple and cream cheese with raisins in the middle. Roll in the apricot seeds. Chill for several hours.

Concluding Thoughts

Apricot seeds are quickly becoming a popular option for a seed snack. Only a handful of recent clinical trials have been published regarding anticancer properties. My hope is that in the coming years we will see an increased presence of apricot seeds in trials and experimentation. In the meantime, I recommend reading up on this fascinating topic. 

Interested in finding out more about Apricot Power or want to discuss your health goals for 2023? For a customized plan for the new year, schedule a consult with me, Carly Neubert BA, NC.