What is useful dried apricots? Dried apricots: useful properties and contraindications. Daily rate and calorie content of dried apricots. Dried apricots in cooking

Bright and juicy dried apricots are a favorite delicacy of many sweet teeth. Dried apricots make a tasty and healthy compote, it, like any other dried fruit, has a lot of useful qualities. Dried apricots are unusual in their taste, the benefits and harms to the body lie in the amazing chemical composition of the dried fruit, which includes almost all fortified and mineral components.

Compound

The amazing advantage of dried apricots is that it perfectly satisfies the feeling of hunger. Moreover, having tasted a sweet dried fruit, you no longer want to be oversaturated with other types of sweets. Not in vain in clinical nutrition this dried fruit is useful alternative consumption of sugary and sugary foods.

What is useful dried apricots?

The main advantage of a bright dried fruit is its chemical composition.

Vitamin A - normalizes reproductive function human being has a beneficial effect on internal structure nails, hair, skin;
Vitamin B2 is indispensable for stabilizing the metabolism. This component qualitatively improves memory and the work of all brain activity, helps to increase the endurance of the body;
Vitamin C is the best stabilizer of the body's defenses. The component takes care of the normal state blood vessels, has a positive effect on the formation of collagen, increases the resistance of the whole organism against harmful factors;
Vitamin E - has a rejuvenating effect, it has a positive effect on the external and structural condition of the skin, nails, hair, improves general state women in PMS period, slows down the aging process, helps to cleanse the whole body of harmful and toxic compounds;
Vitamin PP - responsible for the normal content bad cholesterol in the blood, restores protein balance, stabilizes the metabolism;
Iron - actively normalizes the functioning of the nervous system and the condition of the heart and blood vessels;
Potassium - fully forms correct work all internal processes;
Calcium is responsible for normal condition bone and whole muscular system, improves the process of digestion;
Phosphorus - gives strength to the whole body;
Magnesium - stabilizes the proper functioning of the whole organism;
Copper - actively helps in the absorption of iron, has an invaluable effect on the elasticity of the skin.

It is important to note that in all useful parameters, dried apricots are in many ways superior to fresh apricots.

Dried apricots are amazing in their full composition, beneficial features and contraindications of this product relate to the fact that it cannot be called dietary. Calorie content of dried fruit per 100 gr. equals 213 calories. High the energy value product by the fact that it contains a large number of sugar substances. But if you recalculate the ratio of the piece-calorie content, then it turns out that dried apricots can be used in the process of losing weight, because one dried apricots contains about 20 calories.

Useful qualities

What is the benefit of dried apricots for the body?

In terms of its positive qualities, dried fruit is superior to fresh apricots. The main advantage lies in the content of a sufficient amount of beta-carotene, which is responsible for the normal visual function and also helps to cope with various eye diseases.
Dried fruit is an amazing product that stabilizes the work of the body's defenses, it helps to increase the activity of resistance against infectious and viral illnesses.
Dried apricots have a general strengthening effect, a valuable chemical composition in general normalizes the performance of all internal systems body, giving a person an additional charge of energy vigor and strength.
Sufficient quantity iron in dried fruit helps to restore the disruption of the heart and vascular systems. Dried apricots is excellent tool curing anemia, it has preventive properties against the risk of various heart diseases.
Dried fruit is used to normalize the gastrointestinal tract. Regular use of the product helps to combat chronic disorder stomach.
Dried apricots are actively used for diseases of the upper or lower respiratory tract. The anti-inflammatory properties of the product increase the overall resistance of the body, and the expectorant effect helps to thin and get rid of sputum in the respiratory tract.
Dried fruit is able to cope with the heat. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities effectively reduce temperature conditions body to normal.
The intake of dried fruit with beriberi is shown. rich content nutritional components helps the body cope with the lack of fortified substances and resist the attack of immune diseases.
Dried apricots are used to heal and cleanse the liver.
It is indispensable to take dried fruit for hypertension, as well as diseases endocrine system in particular the pancreas.
Due to the mild diuretic effect, this bright product is often prescribed for diseases of the kidneys, as well as the entire genitourinary system.

Benefits for the body of men

Unique ratio useful components in dried fruit helps the male body cope with the risk of heart disease. The use of this product serves as an excellent prevention against heart attack or stroke.

Dried apricots also have a positive effect on the nervous system, freeing the male body from nervousness, irritability, and attacks of aggression.

In addition, it has been proven beneficial effect product for potency. With regular use of dried apricots in male body rises sexual attraction, potency stabilizes.

Is dried apricots good for children?

Small children also benefit from the use of dried apricots. This oriental sweet is recommended to replace harmful chips or crackers in the diet of babies. Dried fruit reliably supplies the baby's body useful composition vital necessary components, has a beneficial effect on brain activity child, gives an additional flow of energy forces and provokes the body to the proper development and fast growth.

Useful qualities of dried apricots for women

Since ancient times, dried apricots have been called "women's dessert". The whole point lies in the extraordinary qualities and usefulness for the entire female body.

To begin with, it should be noted that regular consumption of dried fruit has a good effect on the general condition of the entire skin, hair and nails. Dried apricots promotes youthfulness and good mood. Dried fruit copes well with the nervosa, which ladies in PMS are often prone to.

Is dried apricots useful during pregnancy? Gynecologists recommend to include in the diet future mother this dried fruit. Rich in fortified and mineral components perfectly fill the gap useful substances in a woman's body. Subsequently, the flow of useful components is transmitted in the womb and to the baby. Dried fruit is indicated in the diet for women who experience a decrease in hemoglobin during pregnancy. The product also helps to cope with constipation, which often torment expectant mothers. BUT rich content fiber in dried apricots contributes proper formation fetus.

Is it possible for a nursing mother dried apricots? Despite the significant advantage of this dried fruit, dried apricots breastfeeding in excess is not recommended. Large portions dried fruit can provoke the appearance gastric disorders at baby. But a small amount of dried fruit is recommended for a young mother and her baby, because the product is able to replenish the supply of nutrients in the body.

Harm dried apricots

Undoubtedly, the benefits and harms of dried apricots are invaluable for human body, but there are also features of the use of dried fruit.

Pregnant women and lactating women should not eat dried apricots in large quantities;
With exacerbation of pancreatitis, dried fruit should not be consumed;
Dried apricots at diabetes can be consumed only in small proportions and only after the permission of the doctor;
With excess weight, it is forbidden to eat a lot of dried fruit;
With exacerbations of gastritis or ulcers, the consumption of dried apricots is prohibited;
Do not get carried away with the product allergic reaction for apricots.

Proper selection and storage of dried apricots

In stores, preference should be given to dense and strong dried fruits that do not differ in a rich orange hue. The aroma of high-quality dried apricots is honey-spicy.

Apricot and dried apricots. The difference between dried fruits lies in the fact that apricots are presented in the form of dried apricots, and the stone is completely absent in dried apricots. In addition, the drying of apricots occurs natural way i.e. under the sun. But dried apricots are always dried in special drying cabinets.

How to store dried apricots at home?

Dried fruit can be stored in clean glass jars or cellophane bags. If it is needed for a long time store the product, it is recommended to transfer it from clean and dry wooden containers.

Healthy Recipes

Strengthening the defenses. Useful mixture, dried apricots, for immunity. All products are taken in 300 gr., crushed, mixed. The resulting remedy is taken every morning for 1-2 tbsp. spoon. If juice 1 is added to the composition: honey, nuts, dried apricots for immunity, then you get a remedy that will be an excellent method for preventing influenza and winter colds.
Strengthening immune forces. Such a mixture for immunity - dried apricots, honey, nuts - contributes to the rapid strengthening of the defenses and contributes to active opposition viral infections. The method of preparation is similar to that described above.
Diseases of the spine. A mixture (1 pc.), Dried apricots (5 pcs.), (1 pc.) for the spine is recommended by folk healers. To eliminate pain, it is necessary to be treated with this composition for 1.5 months.

In this article, we will answer the question of how and for whom dried apricots are useful, learn the secrets of the proper use of dried apricots, and learn how to make dried fruits at home.

Dried fruits are a delicious and healthy hello to summer. When eaten, they stimulate digestion, normalize blood pressure, are important for the work of the heart, brain, nervous system, muscles.

Dried fruits appeared in our diet thousands of years ago. During this time, the process of preparing dried fruits practically did not change: only open space, shade and dry warm air were needed.

All fruits were dried, but the most famous of them: dried apricots, raisins, prunes, dates, figs. drying out naturally, dried fruits retained the taste, vitamins, nutrients and trace elements of fresh fruits. However, the time of transformation of apricot into dried apricots took several months.

Modern dried fruits are made using new technologies: using chemicals and dyes. That is why they not only got prettier, but also lost all the vitamins.

IMPORTANT: Before you buy dried fruits, smell them: quality product cannot smell of gasoline or rubber. The presence of a foreign pungent odor indicates the use of an express drying method.

The application of the express method assumes that the fruits are dried in ovens. At the same time, furnaces are heated not only with firewood, but also with waste rubber production, diesel fuel
For disinfection, dried fruits are fumigated with sulfur dioxide or sulfur dioxide ( food supplement E220)
Plums and grapes even dry in the oven for several days. Before drying, the fruits are placed in a solution of caustic soda. This treatment thins the skin of the berries, and they dry faster.
After express drying, the fruit looks shriveled and faded. To give them a marketable appearance, they are tinted, impregnated with sugar syrup, preservatives.
Now raisins, dried apricots, prunes look bright, attractive: they are ready to go to your table

IMPORTANT: Before eating, bright dried fruits should be put in hot water for 15 minutes, then rinsed with running water.

How to choose dried fruits correctly?

Natural dried fruits cannot be bright colors. Naturally dried fruits are unsightly and tough
Dark raisins retain the bluish bloom characteristic of fresh grapes
Light grapes in the process of drying becomes reddish or light brown.
Dried apricots are tough, brownish in color

Natural prunes with pit. Leaves no ink marks when kneaded between fingers

IMPORTANT: Natural dried fruits are matte, without oily sheen.

Recipes for dried apricots, prunes and raisins

Thanks to modern kitchen appliances, harvesting dried fruits at home has become quite easy process. Fruits or berries need to be sorted out, washed, pitted and placed in a special dryer. As a result: all winter you will enjoy homemade dried fruits.

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What is dried apricots?

Dried apricots are not the only product from dried fruits apricot. There are such varieties of it as kaisa and apricots.

Kaisa- a whole dried apricot without a stone. This type of dried fruit is rich in iron, minerals, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium. It contains a lot of organic acids, pectin substances, glucose, sucrose, fructose. Unfortunately, there are not very many vitamins in kais
dried directly on the branches of a tree and retains all the vitamin and mineral composition fresh berries. Uryuk is always with a bone. Considered the most useful view dried apricots

Video: Dried apricots or apricots?

Dried apricots: vitamins and minerals

IMPORTANT: 100 g of dried apricots are equivalent to 40 mg of iron preparations or 250 g of beef liver.

Varieties of dried apricots and its calorie content per 100 g of product

Dried fruits are higher in calories than fresh fruit. This is explained simply: during drying, dried fruits turn into a kind of fruit concentrate.

Dried apricots - 232 kcal (977 kJ)
Apricot - 261 kcal (1095 kJ)
Kaisa - 275 kcal (1151 kJ)

For example: the calorie content of 100 g of fresh apricots is 45 kcal (185 kJ).

Daily rate and calorie content of dried apricots

The calorie content of 1 medium dried apricots is 23.2 kcal (97.7 kJ).

IMPORTANT: 4-5 pieces of dried apricots provide our body daily allowance potassium, iron, carotene, vitamin B group.

The glycemic index of dried apricots is within 30. And yet, use it better in the morning or in the afternoon until 16:00.

The use of dried apricots

Inhabitants Central Asia and the Middle East called dried apricots "a gift from Allah." It is difficult to argue with such a definition, because dried apricots are indispensable for the human body.

The benefits of consuming dried apricots are greater than those of consuming fresh apricots.

This is due to the high content of nutrients and minerals.
Beta-carotene in dried apricots helps improve vision, protects eyes from inflammation
The high content of potassium in dried apricots, among other things, prevents the loss of calcium by the body.

Dried apricots remove harmful substances

radionuclides
toxins
heavy metals
bad cholesterol
slag

Due to the large amounts of pectin and fiber in the composition, dried apricots improve intestinal motility in case of constipation, contribute to the normalization of activity beneficial microflora intestines.

Means for strengthening the immune system and cleansing the body

Recipe:

Grind 200 g dried apricots, 200 g prunes, 100 g peeled walnuts
Mix with 2 tablespoons of honey. If you suffer from constipation - add 50 g to the mixture wheat bran. Such bowel cleansing with dried apricots will be mild and will not cause discomfort.
The resulting mass is stored in the refrigerator in a hermetically sealed container.
Use 2 tablespoons: in the morning - 30 minutes before. before breakfast, in the evening - before bedtime
The intake of the mixture can be combined with

Dried apricots and beriberi

One of the most common spring ailments is beriberi.
Its symptoms:

drowsiness
weakness
increased irritability
dry skin
hair loss

Helps fight disease vitamin blend from lemon and dried apricots.

Recipe:

Grind 1 medium lemon (with zest), 100 g dried apricots
Mix with 2 tablespoons of honey
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container
Take 1 teaspoon every morning before meals

The benefits of dried apricots for the heart

Cardiologists call dried apricots "food for the heart."

The high concentration of potassium and magnesium in dried apricots normalizes the work of the heart, increases the level of hemoglobin, and eliminates vascular blockages.
Dried apricots will help maintain normal blood pressure and thus become a reliable tool in the fight against hypertension.
In case of pathology of the cardiovascular system, it is recommended to consume 100-150 g of dried apricots daily
With atherosclerosis, dried apricots are consumed in the form of a crushed mixture, 1 tablespoon three times a day
For heart diseases, it is recommended to take an infusion of dried apricots.

Recipe:

Pour 50 g of dried apricots with boiling water (200 ml)
Insist 4 hours
Take 0.5 cup every day 30 minutes before meals

IMPORTANT: Take only freshly prepared infusion!

You can also make compote from dried apricots, the benefits of which will be somewhat less than the benefits of the infusion.

IMPORTANT: For the first time dried fruit compote was prepared for the French king Louis XIV.

Video: Dried fruits benefits and harms. Dried fruits compote

A decoction of dried apricots for babies

Properly prepared compote, infusion or decoction of dried apricots is quite suitable for a fragile baby's body. The first acquaintance of the baby with a drink from dried apricots can take place at 6 months, when complementary foods begin to be introduced. However, if the child suffers from constipation, a drink of dried apricots and prunes (low concentration) can be administered from 3 months.

IMPORTANT: For children's drinks, only organic dried fruits (naturally dried) are used!

Advice:

The correct proportion of the drink: 100 g of dried fruits per 1 liter of water (boiling water)
It is better not to boil a children's drink, but to insist 5-6 hours
No sugar added to baby drink

IMPORTANT: Multi-component drinks are offered to children after 6 months if the baby is already familiar with each individual ingredient.

Is it possible to drink a decoction of dried apricots during fasting

A lot has been said about the benefits and harms of curative fasting. Those who have experienced healing hunger themselves know that the most difficult thing is to get out of fasting. Output errors are fraught with serious problems for the body.

IMPORTANT: Therapeutic fasting should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

Dr. Ziganshin has developed his own method of therapeutic fasting, which is softer and more acceptable even for an elderly organism. During the "velvet starvation" of Ziganshin, the patient should drink an infusion of dried apricots (preferably apricots) and water.

At the end of the day, the patient eats soaked dry apricots from the decoction. It keeps the stomach from stopping. In addition, soaked dried apricots (apricots) consist of hard veins that perfectly cleanse the large intestine.

Fasting according to the Zingishin method

1 day: 5-7 dried apricots (dried apricots, apricots) are brewed with boiling water (repeatedly). A warm drink is drunk throughout the day. The berries are eaten at the end of the day. In addition to the infusion of dried apricots, pure water is drunk. All liquid is consumed in small sips of 0.5-1 glass at a time. Total liquid per day 2.5-3 liters.
During the day you need to take:

1 tsp powder seaweed. This allows you to provide the body with the necessary trace elements.
1 clove of garlic. The slice is divided into tiny pieces, which are carefully chewed and swallowed, which allows to achieve an antimicrobial and antiseptic effect.

2 day: An infusion of dried apricots is taken. At the end of the day, the berries from the infusion are eaten. Drinking clean water. The total amount of liquid is 2.5-3 liters.
During the day you need to eat:

1 tsp seaweed
1 clove of garlic
1 orange. Eaten in slices throughout the day

3-4 days: only water in a volume of 2.5-3 liters
Day 5 to Day 14 the cycle repeats
Third week: way out of hunger

Dried apricots: diet for weight loss

If a therapeutic fasting perceived by you as extreme way recovery, but you need to get in shape, try the “Monodiet of dried apricots and apricots”. The duration of the diet is 3-5 days. Such a diet is carried out 1 time in 2-3 months.

Daily menu:

0.5 kg of fresh apricots and 0.3 kg of dried apricots. Fruits are divided into 5-6 meals
Before use, dried apricots must be crushed and diluted with freshly squeezed apricot juice to a puree state.
In addition, during the day you should drink up to 2-3 liters of liquid: water, herbal tea without sugar, infusion of dried apricots without sugar

CONTRAINDICATIONS: diabetes mellitus, intestinal obstruction, obesity, gastritis, ulcer. More than 5 days you can not use dried apricots! After a diet, you should strengthen your diet with protein-rich foods!

The benefits of dried apricots for women

Dried apricots are vital for the female body. The use of dry apricots normalizes the production female hormones. Antioxidants, which dried fruit is so famous for, prevent the development of fibroids, cysts, and oncological diseases.
Hercules porridge with dried apricots and nuts will not only improve the lactation of a nursing mother, but also compensate maternal organism trace elements given to the baby.

Hercules porridge recipe with dried apricots and nuts:

Pour into boiling water (1 l) cereals(1.5 tbsp). Add salt, sugar to taste
After 5 minutes, add finely chopped dried apricots (0.5 cups), peeled chopped walnuts to the flakes
Cook, stirring constantly, for another 10 minutes.

Dried apricots during pregnancy: benefits and harms

Pregnancy is a period in a woman's life that requires special attention. Each of the foods during pregnancy should be taken very carefully, especially dried apricots.

The benefits of dried apricots:

has a general strengthening effect due to the large number of trace elements and vitamins
fructose and glucose satisfy the need for sweets without raising blood insulin levels
prevents the appearance of anemia, alleviates the condition with it
saves from beriberi
relieves toxicosis
is a prophylactic for constipation
eliminates heartburn
normalizes blood pressure
has a diuretic effect and prevents the appearance of edema
preserves the condition of teeth, hair, nails

Contraindications:

hypotension
allergies
diarrhea
bronchial asthma
individual intolerance

IMPORTANT: Eating dried apricots with diabetes requires a mandatory consultation with a doctor! The sugar content in dried apricots is 84%!

The benefits of dried apricots for men

Sailors, setting off for distant and long journeys always took with you great amount dried fruits.

In addition, doctors found that dried apricots - good remedy to improve potency. And the “Hippocratic Mixture”, known to the ancient Greeks, saved more than one male heart.

Video: The benefits and harms of dried fruits

Recipes with dried apricots: photo

Casserole with cottage cheese and dried apricots

1. Finely chop 1 cup dried apricots. Add to it 1 egg, 4 tablespoons of semolina, 0.5 teaspoon of salt
2. Add 0.5 kg of cottage cheese of any fat content to the mixture. If the cottage cheese is lumpy, it is advisable to pass it through a meat grinder
3. Stir the mass until completely homogeneous.
4. Put the curd mass in a rectangular shape (size 18x25). Grease the mold with butter or vegetable oil. Spread the mass carefully and evenly over the bottom of the mold.
5. Grease the top of the curd mass with sour cream of any fat content.
6. Bake in a well-heated oven at 180 degrees for about 40 minutes

Well, if for some reason you do not like dried apricots, take the advice and pamper your face with a mask of dried apricots. Your skin will thank you.

Recipe:

Take 1 cup dried apricots
Fill with water and let it swell
Grind in a blender, food processor or meat grinder
Mix with 2 teaspoons of powdered milk
Apply on face for 15 minutes
Gently clean your face with a tissue
Rinse your face with warm water

The mask is suitable for any type of skin, nourishes it, promotes regeneration. It should be done 2 times a week (especially in winter).

Video: Sambuk from dried apricots. Very tasty

What are the benefits and is there any harm to the body from eating dried apricots? The benefits of dried apricots for the body can not be overestimated, but few people know about its dangers. Reading!

AT Eastern countries tea is traditionally served with a dish of dried fruits - figs, raisins, dried apricots. Fruits are valued for their rich vitamin and mineral composition, rich taste and natural aroma. Unlike the others, amber apricot slices are not as sweet, and in limited quantity even included in diets.

Depending on the variety, they distinguish: apricots, kaisy and dried apricots. Small specimens with a stone, large-fruited elongated fruits and apricots from cultivated and wild trees (poles) are equally useful. Due to the high content of fructose, glucose, sucrose, the calorie content of 100 g of fruit is 210 calories. However, in terms of pieces, a high energy value is not critical. One dried fruit has only 20 calories. To replenish the reserves of the body, it is recommended to eat 5 pieces of dried apricots daily.

Chemical composition of dried apricots

By nutritional value dried fruits are superior to fruits plucked from a tree.

Beta-carotene is responsible for eye health.
Vitamin A provides strength to the horny plate, shine to the hair, and smoothness to the skin.
Vitamin B2 normalizes metabolic processes, improves brain function, increases endurance.
Vitamin C supports defensive forces body, the work of the digestive tract, activates the production of protein compounds - collagen and elastin.
Vitamin E is known as an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, Tocopherol restores the walls of damaged cells, is responsible for youth, beauty of hair, skin condition.
Vitamin PP regulates protein balance, controls the content of harmful cholesterol, metabolism.

mineral complex

Due to the high content of iron (2.8 mg), the production of red blood cells is stabilized in spinal cord maintaining hemoglobin levels.

Copper (0.13 mg) helps to absorb iron, provides the synthesis of enzymes and proteins, hematopoiesis, and gives turgor to the skin.
Magnesium (15 mg) is involved in DNA processes, in 300 enzymatic reactions, protein production. The trace element is indispensable for the breakdown of glucose, the assimilation of ascorbic acid, thiamine and pyrodoxine.
Potassium (445 mg) is in one bundle with magnesium. Supports the work of the heart muscle, the balance of salts and alkalis, is indispensable in the transmission of nerve impulses, improves the supply of oxygen to the brain.
Calcium (16 mg) strengthens the skeleton, increases muscle mass.
Phosphorus is needed to provide chemical reactions in cells, stimulation of mental activity. The trace element is involved in fat, carbohydrate, protein metabolism. In dry fruits there is still a lot of zinc, iodine, manganese, sodium, chlorine, nickel. Among essential acids, which are 7 in dried fruit, most of all tryptophan, lysine, threonine.

Benefit for health

Dried apricots are used in diseases of the respiratory tract, as it dilutes and removes sputum. Plentiful drink relieves fever, treats colds and hypertension. Dark varieties of apricots are especially useful for the liver, pancreas and thyroid gland. Due to the diuretic action, the kidneys and the genitourinary system are cleansed.

A large amount of fiber (4 g per 100 g) improves peristalsis, cleanses the villi small intestine from accumulated deposits. With systematic use, apricot prevents the development of:

atherosclerosis;
anemia;
hypertension;
thrombophlebitis;
atherosclerosis;
colon cancer.

Studies have confirmed that dried apricots remove radionuclides, salts of heavy metals. The unique ratio of vitamins and minerals is effective for the prevention of heart attacks and strokes. Men consider dried fruit an aphrodisiac. It gives sexual strength, stimulates libido. There are no contraindications provided that the norm is observed. Use with caution in people with diabetes, low blood pressure, weak stomach.

Simple and delicious

Sweet fruits - a delicacy that quickly satisfies hunger and saturates the body natural vitamins. Children are happy to drink compote from apricots. It is necessary to lower the fruits in hot water and leave to infuse overnight. In order not to get bored with the taste, raisins are added. A healthy drink is obtained from figs, dried apricots, raisins and mint. He cleans bile ducts and saturates the body with bio-substances.

If you flavor porridge, cottage cheese, yogurt with mashed potatoes or chopped fruits, the dishes will acquire a different taste. Kids are given fruits instead of crackers from bags and chips. Homemade sweets in the form of slices dipped in melted chocolate, pies with aromatic filling are useful.

Recipe for wellness

At chronic fatigue and vitamin deficiency will help a mixture: 250 g of dried apricots, 200 g of prunes, walnut kernels. 2 tablespoons of honey are added to the homogeneous mass, the juice of 2 lemons is added. If you get bitter seeds from citrus, you can grind it with the peel along with dried fruits. The remedy is taken in a spoonful before breakfast and dinner.

What is the harm of dried apricots

Above, we talked about the benefits of fruits dried naturally under the sun for a week without prior chemical treatment with sulfuric acid, the addition of dyes and caramelization in sugar syrup. Products from supermarkets, having gone through several stages of preparation and aged in drying chambers (dehydrators) with hot streams or under infrared radiation, only bring harm.

After harvest cleaning detergents, processing in pairs with pesticides, phenols, the use of aggressive technologies, half of the vitamin C, group B is lost. To preserve the presentation, the fruits, in addition, are treated with sulfur dioxide (E220), coated with cheap vegetable oil or glycerin for gloss.

AT industrial environment manufacturers contrive to make candy out of nothing. Rotten fruits are cut into pieces, treated with chemicals that prevent further decomposition, then dried or covered with sweet glaze. The cheaper they are, the more questions arise for the manufacturer regarding technology.

How to make sure the quality of dried apricots

To check garden products for the presence of dyes, just dip the slice in a glass of water for 10 minutes. Color tells not only about the content of the pigment, but also its quantity.

A few buying tips:

Dried fruits must be purchased labeled "bio". This means that chemicals are used to a minimum.
Mixes of different fruits in one package should not be purchased, since different technologies are used for each type. Compositional combinations of chemicals are clearly not beneficial.
Caramelized fruits, aged in sweet molasses, are no different from sweets.

Preferred products from Turkey, Central Asia, Northern China - the regions of growth of apricot trees, for the most part supplying dark orange or brown dried apricots without bright red and yellow hues.

If production technology is embarrassing, the fruits are dried at home. Fresh apricots are washed, cut, lowered into the water with citric acid for 5 minutes. Then they are removed, placed in a colander, aged for a couple of 5 minutes, dried, laid out on a glass or pallet. First, they are kept in the shade in a draft for 4 hours, then they are rearranged for a week under bright rays. If there is no desire to engage in drying, the fruits can be frozen in the chamber, spread out in plastic containers.

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No one knows exactly where dried apricots were first made. But its homeland is usually attributed to China, as the Chinese have been growing apricots for over 5,000 years. Or they indicate Armenia, since according to historical data, the Romans mentioned a dried fruit called “Armenian apple”.

Fruit apricots slowly spread around the globe, because for a long time China was a rather closed country. But as more people became aware of palatability and the benefits of this fruit, the need to store the product for longer lines became an acute issue. Experimenting with the processing and storage method, apricot eventually came up with dry. And so the dried apricots appeared.

The composition of vitamins, useful properties

Dried apricots are halves dried according to a certain technology. apricots. Product good quality has a pronounced orange color, elastic structure, medium softness, sweet and juicy taste.

Fragrant and very tasty dried fruit contains vitamins and minerals such as:

vitamins A (3.5 mg), B1 (0.015 mg), B2 (0.074 mg), B3 (2.6 mg), B4 (13.9 mg), B5 (0.52 mg), B6 (0.14 mg), B9 (0.010 mg), C (1 mg), E (4.3 mg), K (0.031 mg);
potassium - the highest content of this vitamin among other products;
calcium;
phosphorus;
magnesium;
sodium;
iron;
zinc;
copper;
manganese;
selenium.

Useful properties of dried apricots:

Thanks to great content magnesium in the composition of the product (32 mg), dried apricots have a positive effect on the nervous system.

Potassium (its concentration in the product is 1160 mg). The trace element promotes muscle contractions and normalizes water balance in the body. Increased amount This salt, as well as the content of glucose and fructose in the composition of the product, normalizes insulin processes in the body, which is very important for diabetics.

Carotene and vitamin C are beneficial for the immune system.

Improves metabolism.

Cleanses the intestines.

Promotes tissue regeneration, which slows down the aging process.

Has a diuretic effect.

Helps improve eyesight thanks to vitamin B.

Used as a laxative.

Helps in the treatment of many types of diseases: anemia, heart disease (although some sources mention that in this case it is better to use apricots, dried whole apricots with a stone). The magnesium content (32 g) is also beneficial for the heart.

Increases hemoglobin due to the presence of iron (2.7 mg).

Recent studies show that dried apricots affect the reduction cancer cells in the patient's body.

Removes excess cholesterol from the body.

Since dried fruit is saturated large quantity useful minerals, it contains a small amount of protein and almost no fat, and the carbohydrates contained in it are easily digested, it is useful for a still fragile child's body. A baby dried apricots can be eaten from 1-1.5 years. For a child, you can also make gruel and compote from dried fruits.

For both adults and children, dried apricots are useful for beriberi and hypovitaminosis.

For men, it is important to receive a full set of vitamins and minerals per day, as well as non-empty calories, since their work is often associated with either physical labor, or with complex mental activity. Heavy loads and frequent stress contribute to the development various diseases. Adding dried apricots to your diet can help balance, improve health, and make your workflow more efficient.

In the process of processing dried apricots loses a large amount of vitamins, while the amount minerals on the contrary increases, which enhances its medicinal properties.

At the same time, it is worth remembering that the rate of consumption of dried apricots per day is no more than 100 grams. It is advisable to subject it to heat treatment as little as possible so that it does not lose its useful qualities.

calories

While the calorie per 100 grams fresh apricots is only 45 kcal, in dried form it rises to 241 kcal. As a result, it is useful to eat only 3-4 pieces per day (no more than 100 grams).

Compound dried apricots:

water - 30.89 g;
protein - 3.39 g;
fats - 0.51 g;
carbohydrates - 62.64 g.

The daily rate of dried apricots is similar to 40 g iron-containing preparation or 300 g of beef liver.

Dried apricots in a normalized amount daily can be used not only as a dried fruit, but also to make it a decoration or a specific additive to other dishes.

Compote made from dried apricots and other dried fruits is especially useful and fortified. Its calorie content per 100 grams is only 70-100 kcal.

Use during pregnancy

The use of dried apricots in the diet normalizes the production of female hormones.

During pregnancy and at breastfeeding breastfeeding this dried fruit replenishes many vitamins and minerals that provide healthy development both fetus and newborn.

The benefits of eating dried apricots for pregnant:

The calcium content in the product (120 mg) helps to strengthen the bones of the fetus of the unborn child. Also, this mineral strengthens teeth, allows hair and nails to have a healthy and well-groomed appearance, which is very important for women.

Dried fruit has a laxative effect, which is useful for problems with stools.

It is a diuretic, allows you to remove excess fluid from the body, to prevent edema.

With toxicosis, dried apricot compote helps.

Harm and contraindications

With particular scrupulousness, you need to monitor the dosage for diseases of the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and low blood pressure, diabetics and everyone who has chronic diseases.

Exceeding the norm can not only not bring benefits, but also exacerbate general state health.

People who are allergic to this product should not eat it. Symptoms, in which you need to urgently see a doctor: swelling and itchy rashes.

When buying dried apricots, you need to choose a slightly darker and matte color. Increased brightness and gloss of the product usually speaks of chemical additives, which harmful for the body, and also significantly reduce the number of useful properties.

Often for improvement appearance add this to dried apricots Chemical substance, how anhydride. Thanks to him, the final product acquires an unnaturally bright orange color. Eating dried fruit with such an additive can cause severe poisoning and even bronchial asthma.

We make dried apricots at home

For making dried apricots, it is best to use large fruits cultivars of apricots. You need to take fresh and ripe fruits, rinse well and remove the seeds from them. To preserve their natural color, you can hold them in a colander over boiling water for about 15 minutes. Then lay them out on a clean cloth to get rid of excess fluid. During the drying process, the fruits lose up to 90% of water.

You can dry dried apricots in the usual way, under the bright scorching sun. The duration of this method is about 1-2 weeks. And at night, the future dried apricots must be cleaned in a dry place.

Also, pre-prepared apricots can be dried in a dryer or oven.

In the dryer, the technology is as follows:

The procedure takes 2-3 hours. At the beginning and at the end, it is necessary to dry at a temperature of no more than 60 degrees, then it is desirable to increase it to 65-80 degrees.
In the oven, dried apricots can be dried for 8-10 hours at a temperature of 65 degrees.

The benefits of dried apricots are well known. Only 5-6 fruits a day, and your the cardiovascular system will work like clockwork, and hemoglobin will meet the required standards. Delicacy and medicine at the same time - dried apricots. Nothing exotic, dried sweet apricots, familiar from childhood, are an excellent vitamin and mineral supplement in the off-season, when the deficiency of nutrients is felt especially acutely.

Delicious, Affordable, Easy

Dried apricots are very popular among culinary specialists. Its discreet aroma and pronounced sweet and sour taste goes well with meat and complements desserts.

Dried fruits are the main delicacy of those who fast or prefer vegetarianism..

Women (and men too) often take dried apricots with them on the road or to work for a snack - a few berries will not settle on the waist, but from obsessive feeling hunger will be relieved for a long time.

Dried apricots are usually divided into dried apricots and apricots.. The latter has a more modest size and a bone. Dried apricots are made from large dessert apricot varieties, from which the stone is previously removed without violating the integrity of the halves of the berry.

There are several ways to dry an apricot. If this is an industrial scale, then the process cannot do without sulfur dioxide, although non-toxic, but still a chemical. It gives that unique golden and appetizing color that store-bought dried apricots have.

The oldest and easiest way, which is also the most environmentally friendly, is to dry peeled apricots in the sun and breeze. The main thing is to make sure that the workpiece is not spoiled by sudden rain or cloudiness. Apricots are dried for at least 8-10 days.

Modern housewives do not need to worry about the weather at all, since wonderful kitchen appliances for drying fruits and vegetables have been invented. Harvested homemade dried apricots or apricots will be much more useful and cheaper than imported dried apricots.

A bit of history

It is clear that the history of dried apricots goes in parallel with the history of the conquest of the world by the apricot plant. Mention of these trees appeared more than 4 thousand years ago. They were grown in northeast China.

Due to the certain closeness of this ancient power, the spread of apricot trees around the world was rather slow.

The first after the Chinese, the ancient Armenians and Mesopotamians tried the apricot fruits, and in 400 AD, the Arabs brought the seeds of the plant to the Mediterranean. England and Spain became aware of the existence of the apricot by the 16th century.

Western, or rather "overseas" "apricot apples", or "peach plums", came to the territory of Russia in the middle of the 17th century. Very soon, the plant became a favorite tree and decoration of the monastery and boyar gardens.

Later, in the 18th century, apricots were known everywhere, but they were still grown in greenhouse conditions and were just beginning to try to cultivate them in open field in the southern regions of the country.

Drying as a way of preparing most food products has been familiar to mankind since the dawn of civilization, so it is not surprising that the history of dried apricots goes back several thousand years.

Chemical composition

Scientists claim that dried apricots are far from the champion in vitamin content, but its mineral composition can compete with any of the fruits.

More about the elements that make up 100 grams of dried apricots:

nicotinic acid (vitamin PP) - 4 mg;
beta-carotene - up to 3.5 mg;
vitamin E - more than 5 mg;
retinol (vitamin A) - 580 mcg;
ascorbic acid (vitamin C) - 4 mg;
thiamine (vitamin B1) - up to 0.1 mg;
riboflavin (vitamin B2) - up to 0.2 mg;
protein - 5 g;
carbohydrates (including saccharides) - up to 50 g;
fats - 0.3 g;
fiber - up to 19 g;
saturated and unsaturated fatty acids - 0.1 g each;
organic acids - 1.5 g;
ash substances - 4 g;
starch - 3 g;
water - up to 18 g;
minerals: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium (1717 mg!).

The calorie content of dried apricots is approximately 230 kcal.. Properly dried fruits have almost the same composition as fresh apricots, so keep your body tasty and beneficial fruits possible all year round.

Both adults and children know that dried apricots are useful. And why it is so important to use it every day, not everyone knows.

1. Don't be intimidated high content carbohydrates - in dried apricots they are practically harmless, since they serve only as a source of long-term energy, and contribute to an increase in efficiency.

2. Dried apricots prevent, improve intestinal motility, remove decay products - toxins.

3. The product helps cleanse blood vessels from cholesterol plaques and thrombi.

4. Due to the high content of iron, it increases the level of hemoglobin, so dried apricots are definitely recommended during pregnancy and during various types anemia, as well as before and after surgery.

5. Heavy metals will leave the body thanks to pectins and organic acids, which are contained in dried apricots.

6. As a mild diuretic, the product is acceptable for kidney pathologies and urolithiasis.

7. Vitamin E and beta-carotene guard the beauty and youth of hair and skin.

8. Dried apricots slow down the growth of benign and malignant neoplasms.

9. Magnesium helps with high blood pressure, therefore, dried apricots are recommended for hypertensive patients.

10. This delicacy has a very high content of potassium, which is indispensable for the work of the heart muscle. Dried apricots effectively replenish potassium reserves if a person is forced to take diuretics.

11. Dried fruit is indicated for people suffering from diabetes, as it has a beneficial effect on hormonal levels..

Contraindications

As for the harm of dried apricots for the body, we cannot talk about any strict prohibitions on the use of this dried fruit - it will not lead to fatal consequences.

Rather, mention should be made of caution, moderation, or temporary avoidance of this product in some cases:
if there are suspicions of exceeding the norms of chemicals in the production of dried apricots;
if a person is hypotonic (dried fruit helps lower blood pressure);
with excessive use of dried apricots, indigestion may occur;
if a person is allergic to apricots.

When choosing dried apricots in a store or on the market, be guided by the one that was brought from Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan) - it is often produced by traditional drying in the sun. But Turkish dried apricots undergo chemical processing. Be healthy.