The secret of bitter almonds and bitter melon: Why is one sought after and the other ignored?
Among many foods, bitter melon has won the love of many people with its unique bitterness. However, bitter almonds, which are also bitter ingredients, do not seem to be equally favored.
This has aroused people's curiosity: Why is one sought after and the other ignored?
To understand this phenomenon, we need to start from the perspective of history and culture. Bitter melon, as a traditional ingredient, has a long history in China. Especially in the southern region, people are not only accustomed to its bitter taste, but also regard it as a good product for clearing heat and detoxification, and maintaining health. On the contrary, although almonds also have a place in traditional Chinese medicine, bitter almonds are not popular for consumption due to their strong bitterness and potential toxicity (containing cyanide).
In addition, there is also a lack of cultural tradition of using bitter almonds as ingredients.
From a nutritional point of view, bitter melon is rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber and various minerals, which are of great benefit to human health. Although bitter almonds also contain nutrients such as protein and vitamin E, their toxic components limit people's acceptance of them. Therefore, in the pursuit of a healthy life today, people prefer to choose safe and nutritious food.
The psychological perspective also provides an explanation for this preference difference.
People's taste preferences are affected by many factors, including early experience, social and cultural background, etc.
For people who have been exposed to bitter melon since childhood, they may be more likely to accept and like this taste.
For bitter almonds, which are rarely seen on the table, people lack a sufficient adaptation period to cultivate their love for their taste.
The acceptability of food is also closely related to the cooking method. The bitterness of bitter melon can be adjusted through different cooking methods, such as pickling, stir-frying or pairing with other ingredients to reduce its bitterness.
In contrast, the scope of use of bitter almonds is relatively limited, and usually requires special processing before consumption, which also increases its difficulty in using in the home kitchen.
Behind people's different attitudes towards bitter melon and bitter almonds is the combined effect of complex historical culture, nutritional science and psychological factors.
Although bitter almonds have unique nutritional value in some aspects, due to issues such as food safety, taste acceptance and cultural habits, it has not become a popular ingredient like bitter melon.
Bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which can be hydrolyzed by intestinal microbial enzymes or amygdalin contained in the bitter almonds themselves, producing trace amounts of hydrocyanic acid and benzaldehyde, which have an inhibitory effect on the respiratory center, achieving antitussive and antiasthmatic effects.
Almonds are bitter and gas-relieving, and are rich in fatty oils. Fatty oils can improve the lubrication of intestinal contents on the mucosa, so almonds have the function of moistening the intestines and relieving constipation.
Amygdalin powder, also called vitamin B17 powder,is a form of amygdalin that has been procssed into a fine powder and is often used for easier consumption or added to supplements and marketed as a dietary supplement with purported health benefits such as boosting the immune system,improving overall health and even treating dysplasia.lt is a naturally occurring compound found in the seeds of many fruits,such as apricots,almonds,peaches,and pums .lt is often associated with the controversial compound"laetrile," promoted as a dysplasia treatment.Here are some critical points about vitamin B17:lt is a cyanogenic glycoside that releases cyanide when metabolized.it is found in high concentrations in the seeds of apricots and other stone fruits.
for millennia,traditional Asian medicine has employed it to treat a wide range of ailments.in the 1950s ,it was promoted as an alternative treatment for dysplasia.Despite its popularity in some circles,clinical studies have not shown it is effective for dysplasia.
Amygdalin Mechanism Of Action
Amygdalin powder's mechanism of action,particulary in treating diseased cell populations, involves its metabolism and the release of cyanide.Here is an overview of its action:
1.Metabolism:
lt is a cyanogenic glycoside,which releases cyanide when metabolized.After ingestion,vitamin B17 is broken down by enzymes in the body.
2.Cyanide Release:
The release of hydrocyanic acid (HCN) is the critical step.The essential enzyme in mitochondria that generates ATP, cytochrome c oxidase, is strongly inhibited by cyanicde.
3.Diseased Cell Targeting Hypothesis:
Proponents of using it to treat diseased cells believe that cancer cells have higher levels of β-glucosidase than normal cells,resulting in selective toxicity to diseased cells.
Follow safety precautions and speak with a healthcare professional before using vitamin B17 for medical purposes.if you need, Xi'an Sonwu can supply amygdalin.Xi'an Sonwu is looking forward to hearing from you.