What is Vitamin B17?

Vitamin B17 was the name given to the purified form of Amygdalin by a biochemist named Ernst T Krebs in 1952. It is a non-toxic natural product found in over 1,000 foods. Today Amygdalin is extracted from apricot seeds/kernels.

Why is B17 Important?

We believe that a balanced diet is essential to a healthy life. Few of us consume enough vitamins and minerals from the foods we eat. Vitamin supplements become necessary for optimal body function. B17 is just one of the many vitamins our body needs.

Are there side effects?

Some people experience subtle side effects when first consuming apricot kernels, due in part because most people don’t regularly eat foods rich in B17. Side effects (headache or dizziness) that may occur are temporary and act as a signal that you’re consuming too much B17 at one time. Monitor your body as you would when taking any food supplement.

Good Cyanide vs. Secret Agent Cyanide

Secret agent cyanide is different than the cyanide found in the food we eat. B17 does contain the cyanide radical (CN-) and so does vitamin B12, garbanzo beans and strawberries along with a host of other foods we consume.

B17 Found in Hundreds of Foods

In addition to apricot seeds, B17 is found in wild blackberries, wild crabapples, elderberries, apple seeds, cherry seeds, nectarine seeds, peach seeds, pear seeds, plum seeds, prune seeds, fava, bamboo, alfalfa, eucalyptus and cassava. Other foods that contain lesser amounts of B17 are boysenberries, huckleberries, raspberries, strawberries, squash seeds, black beans, black eyed peas, lentils, lima beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, cashews, macadamia nuts, spinach, watercress, sweet potatoes and yams.

Why the Apricot Kernel?

Of all the foods containing B17, the apricot kernel has been found to have one of the highest levels, in addition to containing B15 and enzymes.

Ways to Enjoy the Apricot Kernel

Some people like the bitter, amaretto like flavor when eaten alone, while others do not. Popular ways to enjoy apricot kernel include: dipped in honey; inside a dried apricot; ground and sprinkled on a sandwich or salad; in a blended drink or added to trail mix.

What is the Shelf Life of Kernels?

The shelf life of apricot kernels at room temperature is four months but if kept under refrigeration it is about a year.

Because of their unusual flavor, many people consider them to be a spice. As with most spices, however, the flavor may not be pleasing when consumed alone or in large quantities. Ground up, they are especially tasty on hot vegetable dishes, fruit, baked potatoes, and soup. They are also great when mixed into cold cereal or yogurt!

If you haven’t consumed apricot kernels before you should introduce them into your system gradually. As a general rule one kernel per hour for the first few days is adequate for the average person.