Vitamin B17, or laetrile, is called the anti-cancer vitamin. It is an alternative treatment for cancer. Vitamin B17 works to reduce tumors and prevent metastasis or the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body. It kills cancer cells, strengthens the immune system and prevents cancer cells from developing in the future, this according to Cancer Tutor. Foods with a high content of Vitamin B17 are called nitrilosides. They include a variety of seeds, grains and nuts and sprouts and tubers as well as leaves and beans.
Vitamin B-17 is an important nutrient that is gaining attention for its cancer-fighting abilities. Though conclusive evidence has not been presented, B-17 has been used in cancer treatments since the 1800s.
B-17 and Laetrile
Also known as Amygdaline, B-17 is a glycoside, meaning it bonds to other nutrients through sugar. Glycosides are often used in medications, and B-17 is no exception. The extracted version of B-17 is called laetrile, a substance used to help cancer patients fight diseased cells.
B-17 and Cancer
Studies have shown that B-17 helps to increase the body's ability to fight cancer. B-17 does this through the creation of hydrogen cyanide, which is released into the body's tissues. This compound then attacks and subsequently destroys cancer cells. It is not used alone, however, but rather in conjunction with other important processes that involve enzymes, a diet that favors anti-carcinogenic foods and exercise. Clinical tests have shown that B-17 reacts well with vitamins A, C, E, B-15, pancreatic enzymes and other nutrients in order to break down malignant cells.
Other Benefits of B-17
B-17 is also touted as being able to reduce arthritic pain. It has shown itself to lower high blood pressure, strengthen the immune system and generally contribute to maintaining good health. As with most nutrients, it is best to consume B-17 as a part of those foods that contain it.
Seeds
The apricot seed is the richest source of Vitamin B17. The kernel of the apricot can be cracked open to get to the seed. Other fruits with seeds rich with Vitamin B17 are peaches and plums as well as the seeds in cherries, prunes and nectarines. The tiny seeds in apples, grapes and those in berries, such as, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, elderberries and wild crabapples are high in Vitamin B17. Keep in mind when purchasing bottled fruit preserves that the ones with seeds are also a good a source of Vitamin B17.
Grains and Nuts
Grains like millet, buckwheat and barley and flax are good sources. Nuts like bitter almonds, pecans, cashew nuts and macadamia nuts are excellent sources of Vitamin B17.
Sprouts and Tubers
Bamboo sprout contains a high amount of Vitamin B17 while alfalfa, fava and garbanzo and mung sprouts have medium range amounts. Tubers like yams, sweet potatoes and cassava are foods with a good supply of Vitamin B17.
Leaves and Beans
Leaves that are rich sources of Vitamin B17 include alfalfa, beet greens and spinach, watercress and eucalyptus. Beans that are good sources include black-eyed peas, black beans and green peas and lima beans, kidney beans as well as lentils. These leaves and beans may be prepared as healthy side dishes or used for making soups.
Eating apple seeds as well as the seeds from other fruits is an excellent way to receive the nutrient. Other foods include:
Blackberries, boysenberries, cranberries and raspberries
Brewer's yeast
Brown rice
Butter beans, fava beans, and garbanzo beans
Currants
Flax seeds
Cassava
Loquats
Wheatgrass
Side Effects of B-17
Some people can be sensitive to B-17, whereby they experience side effects such as weakness or headache. Drinking lemon, orange, grapefruit or grape juice will usually alleviate these symptoms right away. Additionally, you can take hydrochloric acid to prevent a reaction.