B vitamins are vitamins that have many types. Not only vitamin B1, B9, B-12 are available. It turns out there’s vitamin B-17, you know. Ever heard of this vitamin B-17? So what is the function of vitamin B17? Let’s check out the review below.
What is B17 Vitamin?
Vitamin B17 or called amygdalin is a vitamin often found in raw beans, fruit seeds and whole grains. Vitamin B17 has become controversial over the past decade, its uses and needs still being studied more thoroughly. Unlike other vitamins that needs must be met daily, vitamin B17 does not have such standards.
B17 Vitamin is also commonly referred to as Laetrile. There is actually a slight difference between laetrile and vitamin B17. Laetrile is the name of a type of drug formed with the content of amygdalin or pure vitamin B17. This is often wrong, people call it that laetrile is vitamin B17.
Well, Laetrile is what is used as an anticancer drug to help cure cancer.
What is Amygdalin?
- Amygdalin is a natural compound (cyanogenic glucoside) found in many fruits, nuts and seeds; especially in the family of plants Rosaceae, genus Prunus, Fabaceae, and Poaceae.
- Common sources of natural amygdalin are apricots, peaches, bitter almonds, flaxseeds, and millet.
- This plant has an enzyme (called emulsin) that is necessary to break down amygdalin into benzaldehyde, glucose, and hydrocyanic acids.
- The enzymatic damage of amygdalin makes this product work as a plant defense mechanism. Therefore, amygdalin and its enzymes are stored in the outer shell of fruits and nuts.
- Storage of toxic residual products will ensure the safety or survival of the fruit while killing pests or pathogens.
B17 Vitamin Benefits
#1. Prevent and cure cancer
There is no evidence yet to prove that this vitamin itself can independently prevent and cure cancer. But this vitamin has been very trusted from time immemorial able to prevent and cure cancer and contain anti-cancer substances. I
n the research that has been done proves that to be able to prevent cancer in addition to taking this vitamin also needs to be supported the consumption of food and other drugs appropriately in addition to the need regular exercise.
#2. Lowers blood pressure
Research has found that taking this vitamin regularly and at high doses lowers high blood pressure. But please note that taking B17 vitamin especially for hypertension patients must consult a doctor first. Because it could be with improper use will even cause harmful side effects.
Read also:
Vitamins For High Blood Pressure
#3. Strengthens the immune system
The immune system is able to protect our body from disturbances from the outside and inside, whether it is disturbances caused by food, drink or air that we breathe. A low immune system will cause us to get sick quickly.
Vitamin B17 is able to overcome this problem, since it is able to improve our immune system. But again it is worth emphasizing, taking vitamin B17 supplements should be with the doctor’s instructions.
Read also:
How To Boost Your Immune System
Foods that contains vitamin B17
Some foods known to contain natural amygdalin and are labeled as vitamin B17, among others:
#1. Red beans and green beans
Green beans are usually processed into porridge, ice, or pastry stuffing. Meanwhile, red beans can be made into soups.
In addition to amygdalin, red beans are known to contain antioxidants and are high in fiber that are good for digestion and prevent premature aging.
Not much different, green beans also contain other nutrients that nourish the body, such as folic acid, complete B vitamins, iron, potassium, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients can help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
#2. Apricot seeds
Apricot seeds are known as the richest source of vitamin B17. However, other fruits are also known to contain significant amounts of vitamin B17. Some of them are apples, apricots, cherries and pears.
#3. Berries.
Vitamin B17 is found in berry family fruits, some of which are raisins, gooseberries, quinces, cranberries, Swedish cranberries, loganberries, huckleberries, boysenberries, elderberries, mulberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.
#4. Whole grains and nuts
Whole grains and nuts, cashew nuts, and macadamia nuts are also a great source of vitamin B17. In addition wheat, buckwheat, hemp, and millets also contain vitamin B17.
#5. Sprouts and tubers
Sprouts and tubers are also a source of vitamin B17 for the body. Bamboo shoots are also a rich source of vitamin B17. In addition sweet potatoes, and cassava are also among the foods that are vitamin B17.
