Is bitter almond extract safe?

Bitter almonds has benzaldehyde produced by the decomposition of amygdalin in bitter almond can inhibit the activity of digestive enzymes.So bitter almonds can not be eaten casually, if the use of bitter almonds as traditional Chinese medicine, dosage must comply with the doctor's advice.

Almost all natural toxins have special therapeutic value, and bitter almonds are no exception. When a small amount of bitter almond was used, amygdalin contained in it could be decomposed by the enzyme of bitter almond itself or the microbial enzyme of large intestine to produce trace hydrocyanic acid, which had an inhibitory effect on the respiratory center and had the effect of antitussive and antiasthmatic.

Benzaldehyde is produced when amygdalin is decomposed, and its metabolites have certain anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.As for its inhibitory effect on digestive enzymes, if used properly, it has no benefit in preventing excessive rise of blood sugar and blood lipids after meals.

A few foreign researchers have promoted amygdalin as an anticancer substance. Although no sufficient scientific evidence has been obtained, it has been reported that amygdalin extract can inhibit cell mutation.

Bitter almond extract can be stripped of 90% of their toxins by soaking, changing water, grating and boiling. When the bitter taste is removed, the content of B vitamins and potassium in almonds drops significantly, and the carbohydrate decreases slightly, but calcium, magnesium, zinc, protein, fat and other components do not change much.