What toxic chemical, classified as a cyanogenic glycoside found in the apricot kernel, is metabolized by the body into cyanide?
Answer
Amygdalin
The primary danger associated with consuming apricot kernels, particularly the bitter variety, stems from the presence of amygdalin. Amygdalin is categorized as a cyanogenic glycoside, meaning that upon ingestion, the body metabolizes this compound into highly toxic cyanide. The bitterness in the kernel is a direct indicator of higher amygdalin content. Laetrile is mentioned as a semi-synthetic form of amygdalin that the FDA does not approve for cancer treatment due to proven inefficacy and known cyanide toxicity. NMP is found in essential oils for packaging applications, and beta-carotene is a beneficial precursor to Vitamin A.
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