3 Foods that contain amygdalin aka vitamin B17

Vitamin B is known for its various types. Call it vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, and B12. However, have you ever heard of vitamin B17? This vitamin is quite controversial because of its potential for health as well as side effects. Where can this vitamin be obtained? Come on, see the rows of foods that contain vitamin B17 below.

Get to know the controversial vitamin B17

Vitamin B17 is not technically a pure vitamin. Vitamin B17 is actually amygdalin that is found in food sources, such as fruit seeds or unripe nuts. When packaged as a supplement or drug, it is labeled as vitamin B17.

Why is it not a type of vitamin? Vitamin B17 is different from real B vitamins, because it does not have a standard amount of intake needed by the body. In addition, until now its usefulness is still being studied more deeply.

Not only vitamin B17, amygdalin is also known as Laetrile. However, this is a mistake. Because, Laetrile is a drug containing Amygdalin or vitamin B17.

Meanwhile, Amygdalin refers to the content of plant compounds that contain sugar and produce hydrogen cyanide.

So, a natural source of amygdalin (vitamin B17) can be found in plants. While Laetrile, refers to drugs containing amygdalin.

Laetrile became known after one of its ingredients, namely hydrogen cyanide, was considered to be anticancerous. However, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States (FDA) does not approve the use of this substance because of its side effects, such as headaches and even poisoning if consumed in large quantities.

Not only in America, this drug is also not circulated and traded in Indonesia.

In a review compiled by Bethesda, MD, of the National Cancer Institute, Laetrile showed little anticancer activity in animals. However, it does not show anticancer activity in humans.

Meanwhile, another study in 2008 published in the Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin reported different things. Amygdalin is known to have the potential to reduce inflammation-induced pain in mice. It's just that, further research is needed on this potential so that it can be used as a treatment in the future.

Foods containing vitamin B17

Do you understand that vitamin B17 is actually amygdalin? Well, some foods that are known to contain natural amygdalin and labeled as vitamin B17, include:

1. Red beans and green beans

Among the types of beans that contain vitamin B17, green beans and red beans are among the most commonly consumed foods in Indonesia.

Mung beans are usually processed into porridge, ice, or cake filling. Meanwhile, red beans can be made as a complement to vegetable tamarind, krecek, or made into soup.

Apart from amygdalin, kidney beans are known to contain antioxidants and are high in fiber which is good for digestion and prevents premature aging.

Not much different, green beans also contain other nutrients that are healthy for 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. Almonds

Apart from kidney beans, almonds are also included in the ranks of foods that contain vitamin B17 (amygdalin) when they are still raw.

Other nutrients present in almonds include vitamin E, manganese and magnesium as well as antioxidants. Its benefits can protect body cells from oxidative stress and maintain blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

3. Apples

Apple fruit is a fruit that contains vitamin B17, especially in the seeds. A study published in the journal Food Chemistry shows that the amygdalin content is lowest in packaged apple juice than fresh apples or apple seeds. That is why eating fresh is better for the body.

Apples contain vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K, fiber, antioxidants and vitamins B1, B2, and B6. Apart from being good for the immune system, the nutrients from apples also have the potential to maintain heart health and control cholesterol levels.

You need to pay attention

Amygdalin in small doses of food is classified as safe for the body. However, if consumed in large quantities it will cause dangerous side effects, such as poisoning.

That is why, consult your doctor or nutritionist if you plan to eat foods that contain more vitamin B17 than usual.