Laetrile, also known as vitamin B-17, is a compound that some scientists believe may have cancer fighting abilities. The chemical in laetril that is responsible for the anti cancer properties is amygdalin. According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, amygdalin in broken down into several compounds, including cyanide, after it is metabolized in the body. Amygdalin is naturally occurring and is found in many foods you consume regularly.
Seeds
The seeds of many common fruits contain the greatest concentrations of laetrile. The pits of stone fruits such as apricots, plums, peaches, cherries and nectarines are among the fruits with the greatest presence of laetrile. Don't confuse the pits of these fruits with the seeds. If you crack open the pits of these fruits with a nutcracker, the seed is actually inside the pit. These seed, not the pit, contains the laetrile. Other fruit seeds such as apples and pears also contain laetrile, but in far lower concentrations. The seeds of any form of citrus fruit have zero laetrile concentration.
Bitter Almond
The seeds of the bitter almond also contain a very high concentration of laetrile. Almonds are classified into two types, sweet and bitter. The sweet variety is the type most people are familiar with and consume regularly. Bitter almonds contain amygdalin whereas sweet almonds do not. The amydalin content is what gives bitter almonds the bitter smell and flavor. According to Kenneth M. Olsen Ph.D. of Washington University in St. Louis, this food contains a cyanogenic glycoside, which is a sugar bound to a cyanide molecule. When eaten, the bond between the sugar and cyanide breaks, leaving free cyanide to roam throughout the body. The free cyanide is considered the cancer therapeutic property believed to kill cancer cells.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are another rich source of laetrile. In addition to the potential of free cyanide in the body, there are other health benefits associated with consumption of these nuts. A study conducted by the University of Newcastle in Australia and published in April 2003 in the "Journal of Nutrition" notes that consumption of macadamia nuts had a positive effect on regulating blood lipid profiles in men with elevated lipid levels.
References
- Vitamin B17.org: Foods Containing B17 (Nitrilosides)
- National Cancer Institute: Laetrile/Amygdalin (PDQ®)
- "Journal of Nutrition": Macadamia Nut Consumption Lowers Plasma Total and LDL Cholesterol Levels in Hypercholesterolemic Men
- National Cancer Institute: Laetrile
- Washington University: Beware the Smell of Bitter Almonds
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Amygdalin
