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| - Last Updated on September 26, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A video on social media claims that people in Pakistan’s Hunza Valley never get cancer. The reason given is that they eat apricot seeds. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
The people of the Hunza Valley in northern Pakistan allegedly consume apricot seeds, which an Instagram post claims protects them from cancer. Additionally, it suggests that apricot seed consumption prevents cancer cells from surviving in the body. The post has received 235,222 likes till we last checked.
A screenshot of the post has been attached below:
Fact Check
Do people in Pakistan’s Hunza Valley never get cancer?
Not exactly. No evidence supports the claim that people in Pakistan’s Hunza Valley never get cancer. Claims about the exceptional longevity and good health of people in Pakistan’s Hunza Valley have been made for decades. However, there is no credible evidence supporting the notion that they are cancer-free or enjoy extraordinary lifespans. While some studies have explored the health and longevity of the Hunza people, they do not provide conclusive evidence that they are immune to cancer. Other factors, such as the relatively small population size and limited access to medical resources, may also influence the reporting and diagnosis of cancer cases in the region.
The health of the Hunza people has been the subject of various books, and their diet has been marketed for promoting longevity. However, no studies specifically focusing on cancer rates in the valley have been found.
Contrary to claims, published evidence indicates that people in the Hunza Valley have indeed experienced cases of cancer. A 1986 article by Dr. William Jarvis, a public health professor, debunked the myth of ‘cancer-free societies‘ and mentioned that the presence of cancer was confirmed among the Hunza people by a team from Kyoto University.
What contributes to development of cancer?
Cancer is a complex disease that can develop in individuals regardless of their geographical location. While it is true that certain populations may have lower cancer rates, attributing it solely to living in the Hunza Valley would be an oversimplification. To draw accurate conclusions about cancer rates in any population, rigorous scientific studies involving large sample sizes, long-term observation, and comparison with control groups are necessary.
Several factors contribute to cancer development, including genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices (such as smoking, diet, and physical activity), exposure to carcinogens, and access to healthcare and early detection. It is important to consider these multifactorial aspects when studying cancer prevalence.
The remarkable health of Hunza Valley residents raises questions about alternative cancer treatments, such as homemade porridge, that some believe could play a role in cancer prevention.
Can eating apricot seeds prevent cancer?
Not exactly. No scientific evidence supports the claim that eating apricot seeds can prevent cancer. Apricot seeds may have gained attention due to their content of a compound called amygdalin, also known as vitamin B17. This compound can release cyanide when ingested. Some proponents of alternative medicine have claimed that amygdalin-rich foods, such as apricot seeds, can prevent or treat cancer.
However, scientific research does not support these claims. The cyanide released from amygdalin can be toxic to human cells and can potentially cause serious health risks. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings against consuming apricot seeds or products containing amygdalin due to their potential toxicity.
Consuming apricot seeds can actually be harmful as they contain a compound called amygdalin, which can lead to cyanide poisoning. Laetrile, a purified form of amygdalin, gained popularity as an anti-cancer treatment in the past but showed little anti-cancer activity in animal studies and no effectiveness in human clinical trials. Evidence has consistently found insufficient evidence to support the use of laetrile or amygdalin for cancer treatment. Moreover, the consumption of raw apricot kernels can cause cyanide poisoning, leading to their ban in several countries.
There are numerous inconsistent theories that claim to cure cancer. We have previously debunked the notion that rife machines cure cancer completely. But it is important to note that cancer is a complex disease. Effective treatments necessitate rigorous scientific investigation, including clinical trials, to ensure safety and efficacy.
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