Vitamin B-17, also referred to as laetrile or amygdalin, is one of the most controversial substances in medicine. There are some scientists who believe this compound has preventative and therapeutic effects against many forms of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, however, there is no clinical evidence supporting the fact that vitamin B-17 protects against cancer. Vitamin B-17 is found in many common foods that are consumed on a daily basis.
Fruit Seeds
Vitamin B-17 is found in very high concentrations in the seeds of many stone fruits including apricots, peaches, cherries, nectarines and plums. The seeds of apples and pears contain lower concentrations of vitamin B-17. Citrus fruits do not contain vitamin B-17 in any concentration.
Fruits
Other fruits contain a significant concentration of vitamin B-17. This vitamin is found in high concentrations in elderberries, wild blackberries, crab apples and chokecherries. Vitamin B-17 is also present in boysenberries, raspberries, mulberries and quinces, although the vitamin concentration is less in these fruits.
Nuts
Some forms of nuts contain a high concentration of vitamin B-17. The bitter almond contains the highest concentration of the vitamin. A significant presence of vitamin B-17 is also found in macadamia nuts. Cashew nuts are another dietary source of this vitamin, but the concentrations are much lower in comparison to the bitter almond and macadamia nuts.
Beans
Many varieties of beans are also good dietary sources of vitamin B-17. The types with the greatest concentration are fava and mung beans. Lima beans and lentils also possess a significant concentration of vitamin B-17. Additionally, this vitamin in found in black beans, garbanzo beans, kidney beans and black-eyed peas in lesser concentrations.
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