is a fascinating article on the Hunza people who are virtually free of disease, including cancer. It is an overview of their lifestyle and diet which includes apricots.
Prof Scott-Mumby, who is very pro the holistic approach to medicine, refutes the idea that apricot kernals (and derivative, Laertrile) are of any benefit to cancer patients.
Interesting!
is a fascinating article on the Hunza people who are virtually free of disease, including cancer. It is an overview of their lifestyle and diet which includes apricots.
Prof Scott-Mumby, who is very pro the holistic approach to medicine, refutes the idea that apricot kernals (and derivative, Laertrile) are of any benefit to cancer patients.
Interesting!
I remember Laetrile and the publicity that surrounded it many years ago when Steve McQueen tired it.. What are your views it? I personally have no count the Professor is right about it
I remember Laetrile and the publicity that surrounded it many years ago when Steve McQueen tired it.. What are your views it? I personally have no count the Professor is right about it
I've not been quite sure about it and not had he necessity to try it myself. In as much as the active chemical found not only in apricot stones and in apple pips is cyanide, I can understand that the body may not actually need it and may struggle to detox it, hence as Prof Scott-Mumby says it is not a vitamin. It didn't save Steve McQueen did it?
Hi Caroline
Looking at the article, what stood out for me was the life style that these people have, they appear to be more in tune with the planet and living with what the planet naturally provided them with, which according to the article, food appears to be in short supply, so although diet might well be playing a part in their good health and longevity, the lack of stress and the harmony that they enjoy seems to be playing a much bigger role. 🙂
Hi Caroline
Looking at the article, what stood out for me was the life style that these people have, they appear to be more in tune with the planet and living with what the planet naturally provided them with, which according to the article, food appears to be in short supply, so although diet might well be playing a part in their good health and longevity, the lack of stress and the harmony that they enjoy seems to be playing a much bigger role. 🙂
I agree. I am also sceptical about the experiments with rats being in any way relevant. Scientific method in 1925 was a lot less rigorous than it is now..
It is almost impossible to prove conclusively that ANY diet or lifestyle is beneficial. There are too many variables. That doesn't mean I don't believe in the potential benefits of diet and lifestyle. As far as Laetrile is concerned I am positive these people ate apricots.. I am less convinced that they ate the stones..............
CarolineN, my understanding is that the enzymes produced in the the cancer cells attract the Laetrile. The cyanide, to my understanding, is in every seed except lemons. If no cancer is present, they are naturally eliminated. The cancer cells are very resilient, but have this attraction to the laetrile which, allegedly, causes their demise. I was taking apricot seeds for many years with no apparent side effects. I still have a good supply of them, but as time went on, I was taking fewer and fewer of them. Could it be that as my need for them diminished, I had less tolerance for them ? I'm still a believer in them and many other naturally occurring substances. My quest to be free of cancer many years ago led me to many things which I believed could achieve that goal, so I did ALL of them. I still say increasing one's pH and MSM are two of the best !!!
kcat:)
I read that the kernels of Hunza apricots are more akin to an almond and are nothing like the kernels of a western apricot as we would know it.
I would imagine, much like any other nut or seed, they must be very nutritious.
Can you get Hunza apricots in the UK does anyone know?
There is a supplier in Edinburgh:
Thanks Jabba. I've been thinking of adding them to my diet as a bit of 'insurance'.
If my understanding is correct their value is more preventative than curative.
I've heard good things about it on Earth Clinic.
I do not believe it to be bogus, from what I've heard and read. But I have no real experience, it's just hearsay really.