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Vitamin B-17 Best Food Sources Infographic from Dr. Axe |
What is Vitamin B17 (aka Laetril and Amygladlin)?
"Laetrile is the patented drug made from the natural compound amygdalin, found in the seeds of many fruits, such as apricot, plum and peach pits, apple seeds, and quince, as well as in almonds. Laetrile is also known as Amigdalina B-17 or vitamin B17, although there is very little evidence it warrants classification as a vitamin. Amygdalin contains glucose, benzaldehyde, and cyanide. Cyanide is believed to be the active cancer-toxic ingredient in Laetrile. However, cyanide is toxic to all cells, so Laetrile’s overall toxicity is a concern. Some Laetrile proponents claim that it’s more toxic to cancer cells than to normal cells.4 Getting cyanide poisoning from apple seeds or almonds is extremely unlikely. In 1924, Laetrile was synthesized from amygdalin and promoted as a cancer treatment. By 1978, it was estimated that more than 70,000 Americans had tried it—despite its being banned in the US since 1963." (New Film "Second Opinion" Exposes the Truth About a 40-Year Long Cover-Up of Laetrile Cancer Treatment, Mercola.com)
What are Vitamin B17's Potential Health Benefits?
According to Dr. Josh Axe, the author of this infographic, Vitamin B17's potential health benefits include protection against cancer, boosting immunity, reducing pain, and lowering high blood pressure. Read the full article here: Vitamin B17 Controversy: Poison or Cancer Cure? DrAxe.com)
Supplements and Whole Food Sources
Although Laetrile extract (the synthetic form of B-17) can be given by injection, or taken orally as a pill, it is strongly advised that supplements, particularly controversial supplements, should only be taken by individuals under the care of and as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Amygdalin, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring compound found in various plant foods, including those listed in this infographic:
✿ Apricots (kernels/seeds)
✿ Fruit Seeds (from Apples, Cherries, Peaches, Prunes, Plums, Pears)
✿ Lima Beans
✿ Fava Beans
✿ Wheat Grass
✿ Almonds
✿ Raspberries
✿ Elderberries
✿ Strawberries
✿ Blackberries
✿ Blueberries
✿ Buckwheat
✿ Sorghum
✿ Barley
✿ Millet
✿ Cashews
✿ Macadamia Nuts
✿ Bean Sprouts
✿ Bamboo Shoots
Additional Resource:
'Vitamin' B-17: Separating Myth from Reality, Canceractive.com
Related:
Health Benefits of Seeds (MS & Inflammation)
Health Benefits of Seeds (Optimal Nutrition)
Six Food Based Medicines That May Save Your Life
10 Daily Nutrients
Supplements vs. Food Visual Guide
Top 10 Healthy Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Top 25 Vitamin E Rich Foods