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Nutrition and daily life

Apricot — fruit card: the sun of Ordubad

Ordubad apricots, fresh and dried, taste of summer sun. This card explains how to choose and eat apricots safely during treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Apricots and dried apricots on a dark board.
Figure 1.Ordubad apricots, fresh and dried.

01Short answer

Apricots provide beta-carotene (a source of vitamin A), potassium and fibre. Fresh apricots have thin skin, so wash them carefully; during neutropenia it is safer to peel them or make compote. Dried apricots are rich in potassium and sugar; avoid loose market ones and choose sealed packs. Do not eat the kernel inside the stone: it contains toxic amygdalin. "Vitamin B17" does not treat cancer and is dangerous.

02Simple explanation

Apricots: beta-carotene.

Dried apricots: sealed packs.

The kernel is toxic.

"B17" is not a treatment.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: amygdalin/laetrile ("vitamin B17") does not treat cancer and can cause cyanide poisoning.

WHO: at least 400 g of fruit and vegetables a day is recommended; during treatment the amount may vary with appetite and your doctor’s advice.

FDA: wash produce under running water before cutting or peeling, because a knife can carry germs from the skin into the flesh.

04What happens in the body?

Dried apricots

Sealed factory packs; during neutropenia cooking them in compote is safer. They may help constipation.

A sealed pack in front, market dried apricots behind.
Figure 2.Choose a sealed pack.

Compote

Apricot compote is boiled, so it is both tasty and safe.

Apricot compote simmering in a pot.
Figure 3.Apricot compote — Apricot — fruit card: the sun of Ordubad

Washing and peeling

Wash your hands, rub the fruit under running water, dry it with a clean towel, then peel or cut it. Soap or bleach solutions are not needed.

Cut fruit

Keep cut fruit in the fridge and eat it within 1 day; do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

05Fruit: four steps

Whole fruit, swap bruised, wash and peel, eat cut fruit soon.

Whole fruit — No spots.1Whole fruitNo spots.
Not bruised — Fresh and whole.2Not bruisedFresh and whole.
Wash and peel — Running water.3Wash and peelRunning water.
Eat soon — Fridge, 1 day.4Eat soonFridge, 1 day.
VitaminsA natural source.
FibreFor the gut.
SafetyWashing.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Dried apricotsSealed factory packs; during neutropenia cooking them in compote is safer. They may help constipation.
CompoteApricot compote is boiled, so it is both tasty and safe.
Washing and peelingWash your hands, rub the fruit under running water, dry it with a clean towel, then peel or cut it. Soap or bleach solutions are not needed.
Cut fruitKeep cut fruit in the fridge and eat it within 1 day; do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

07Key terms

Beta-carotene
A pigment the body turns into vitamin A.
Amygdalin
A kernel compound that releases cyanide.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils, raising infection risk.
Potassium
A mineral for the heart and muscles.
Fibre
The part of plants that helps the gut work.

08Key points

  • Apricots are tasty.
  • Choose dried apricots in packs.
  • Do not eat kernels.
  • Wash under running water.
  • Eat cut fruit soon.

09Frequently asked questions

Do apricot kernels help cancer?

No, and they can cause poisoning.

I have a potassium limit; can I eat dried apricots?

They are high in potassium; agree it with your doctor.

Does this fruit treat leukemia?

No. It is a pleasant part of eating, not a treatment.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Do apricot kernels help cancer?

  2. I have a potassium limit; can I eat dried apricots?

  3. Does this fruit treat leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Laetrile/Amygdalin (PDQ®)–Patient Version
  2. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Diet Guidelines for Immunosuppressed Patients
  3. U.S. FDA. Selecting and Serving Produce Safely
  4. NHS. 5 A Day: what counts?
  5. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  6. USDA. FoodData Central
  7. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2020. Management of Cancer Cachexia: ASCO Guideline
  8. FoodSafety.gov (U.S. HHS). 4 Steps to Food Safety
  9. FoodSafety.gov (U.S. HHS). Cold Food Storage Chart
  10. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Leftovers and Food Safety
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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