What are the benefits of apricots for the body. What is the best way to eat apricot? Dried apricots and apricots: useful properties and contraindications

There is such a people - the Hunza. He lives on the border of India and Pakistan and differs from others in enviable health and longevity, as well as high efficiency.

Scientists have been trying to understand the secret of his excellent health for a long time, and what was their surprise when they discovered that the basis of the diet of its inhabitants is apricot.

In what form do they eat it and, in fact, does the product have such miraculous properties? Let's find out together in the article "What are the benefits of apricots."

According to the results of the research of the found stones, the first trees with fruits of apricots grew in Armenia 5 thousand years ago. Later, Alexander the Great brought them to Greece, and from there the delicacy came to the tables of Europeans and to Russia (the last happened in the 17th century).

And even then people appreciated not only the taste, but also the beneficial properties of the fruit. The Persians made dried apricots out of it, the sale of which accounted for the bulk of their income, and folk healers widely used it in folk medicine.

Avicenna noted the healing properties of apricots for women, focusing on the benefits for the skin. In ancient China, the product was recommended to be eaten in order to restore the vital functions of the body. Modern doctors have gone even further and named about 7 reasons for eating apricots. They are needed for a woman's body in order to:

Fresh fruits contain sugar (about 10%), tartaric and malic acids, vitamins P, H, phosphorus, silver. In Armenian varieties, iodine was found in large quantities, which prevents the development of thyroid diseases. Apricots also have other useful properties: due to its diuretic effect, decoctions from it are used to cleanse the kidneys, to treat respiratory diseases.

Harm from the use of the product is detected only in case of overeating or ignoring contraindications.

Benefits and harms for men

• Prevent muscle cramps and support heart health.
• Normalize blood pressure due to the content of nicotinic acid.
• Improve potency. This happens due to fiber, which activates the intestines, simultaneously improving blood circulation in the pelvic organs. It is also useful for men because it prevents the development of urological ailments, including prostatitis. Along with this, the hormonal background improves, the work of the testicles for the synthesis of spermatozoa is activated.

By the way, they knew about this in ancient times, when they ate the fruits of apricots with might and main to prolong the time of love joys.

Men, as a rule, notice the harm of delicacies only if they are consumed in large quantities. Then they have bloating, heaviness in the stomach.

Benefits and harms for pregnant and lactating women

To the question of whether apricots are useful in an interesting position and after childbirth, doctors answer unequivocally: “Yes.” And first of all, because tidbits are an excellent source of iron. Most of the representatives of the beautiful article suffer from its deficiency already in the second trimester. To make up for it, gynecologists recommend introducing apricots into the diet along with green apples.

They are also useful for pregnant women because they enrich their body with phosphorus, which is necessary for the fetus to form bone tissue, as well as B vitamins. In addition, the product improves the quality of sleep during this period, which is especially important for women in the later stages, who Having a big belly has trouble falling asleep. And it also prevents the development of diseases of the nervous system in the fetus.

As an aid, doctors can prescribe apricot juice to pregnant women with low acidity and gastrointestinal pathologies that are associated with putrefactive processes. And all because it has antibacterial properties.

Also, apricots are advised to eat in order to recover faster after childbirth, to strengthen the immune system. By the way, that is why sweet fruits are included in the diet of patients after surgery. They are also valued for their diuretic properties, thanks to which they help to effectively fight edema.

The calorie content of apricots is about 40 kcal per 100 g. First of all, this applies to varieties growing in our latitudes. Tajik and Uzbek varieties are sweeter - they contain up to 80% sugars, so it is quite natural that they are contraindicated in large quantities during gestation and lactation, as well as during a diet if a woman eats fractionally and wants to keep her figure as much as possible.

Harm from eating treats can manifest itself in case of overeating, individual intolerance to this type of stone fruit.

Contraindications

Eating apricots on an empty stomach, and especially on an empty stomach, is prohibited - they disrupt digestion. You should not feast on them after a hearty meal of meat dishes - the effect will be the same.

Other contraindications:

• diabetes;
• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, especially ulcers, gastritis with high acidity;
• urolithiasis disease;
• kidney failure;
• hypotension or low blood pressure;
• reduced thyroid function (in this case, vitamin A, which is in fruits, is not absorbed).

According to doctors, apricot kernels are detrimental to the body, only 20-30 g of which per day can cause severe poisoning, even death.

As for the pulp, it is better to stop at an amount of 10 - 15 pieces for adults and no more than 4 for children. Overeating is fraught with diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure to critical levels, an increase in breathing rate, heart rate, dizziness.

What is the best way to eat

Oddly enough, but when asked what is more useful, dried apricots or apricots, doctors call the first one. It turns out that due to its condition, such a product contains more nutrients per gram of weight.

But this does not mean at all that you need to completely abandon fresh fruits. They need to be eaten, especially in season. Dried apricots should be replaced in the diet of sweets. By the way, the very hunzas that were mentioned at the beginning of the article love both fresh and dried fruits.

Useful and juices, compotes from apricots. The leaves of the tree can be used to brew fragrant and healthy tea, and a decoction of them can be used to remove worms and cleanse the kidneys. Fruits are chosen for making jam, preserves, fillings for pies.

Despite online assurances that apricot seeds protect against cancer, it is not recommended to use them without first consulting a doctor. Remember that everything is individual. At the same time, making scrubs from them to cleanse the skin is quite. By the way, finished products can be bought in the store.

How to choose

The main point that you need to pay attention to when buying is the appearance of the fruit. The good ones:

• even color without dots and spots (reddish or yellowish areas are allowed);
• characteristic aroma that can be felt even through the skin;
• dry surface and elastic pulp, which does not deform when pressed on the skin;
• no cracks, impact marks, signs of decay.

When choosing dried apricots, it is better to give preference to a dark orange or brownish product with a matte surface (it is more natural and healthy). It itself should be crumbly, not stuck together, have a harsh surface and not have any foreign smell and taste, especially sour, as well as shine. The latter speaks of processing with glycerin.

Apricot is a fruit tree and the fruit itself. It is believed that China is the birthplace of the apricot. But this tree began to spread to Europe from Armenia. Today, apricots grow everywhere, but the most optimal conditions for them are provided by the temperate climate zone.

The fruits of the apricot tree are drupes. They are medium in size and have an oblong-flattened berry shape. In diameter, the fruit can reach a size of 2-4 centimeters, and inside it is a hard bone. Apricots can range in color from pale yellow to bright orange with reddish streaks and flecks. Since apricots tend to deteriorate quickly, they are plucked long before ripening, and during transportation the fruits have time to ripen. It is customary to eat not only fruits, but also their bones.

Useful properties of apricot

Apricots have been used in nutrition for over a thousand years. Not only do they have excellent taste, they quickly dull the feeling of hunger, apricots enrich the human body with the necessary mineral and biologically active substances. It is the composition of the fruits of the apricot tree that allows us to talk about their beneficial properties. Apricots provide the body with strength and vigor, protect it from various diseases, which increases a person's efficiency.

Due to the high content of iron in apricot fruits, it is useful to add them to the diet of those suffering from anemia and diseases of the cardiovascular system. It is very useful to consume fruits for those who are found to be deficient in potassium.

Apricots have a mild laxative effect due to the high content of coarse dietary fiber that stimulates the intestines. Fruits normalize the work of the digestive tract. Apricots have a mild expectorant effect, so it is useful to eat them when you cough: sputum liquefies and freely leaves the surface of the respiratory tract and throat. Moreover, they have antipyretic and thirst-quenching effects, which are especially pronounced with long-term use of diuretic drugs. For children's health, apricots are a real find. They not only provide the growing body with energy, building material for growth, but also contribute to health promotion.

The tenderness of apricot fruits allows them to be included in the diet of patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. They contribute to the slow excitation of the glandular apparatus of the stomach, but a stable and lasting result. Thus, apricots normalize the acidity of secreted gastric juice. In turn, this ensures the normalization of the activity of the pancreas, and as a result - the work of the gallbladder and liver. Apricots are indicated for people suffering from inflammatory diseases of the urinary system. They help to remove toxins from the body.

The pulp of apricot fruits contains many powerful antioxidants. They capture free radicals and neutralize them, protecting the body from the development of malignant tumors. So, it is believed that apricot counteracts the occurrence of cancers of the lungs, esophagus, throat and stomach, as well as the bladder. To protect yourself from cancer, it is enough to eat a few fresh or dried fruits a day or drink a little less than a glass of apricot juice. Moreover, the fruits of this tree contain a lot of magnesium and phosphorus - elements that help improve memory and ensure that a person works during the day.

Fresh apricots contain a lot of fiber, vitamins and minerals. It contains easily digestible carbohydrates - fructose and sucrose, which are quickly absorbed into the blood and give the central nervous system a signal of saturation. The pulp of the fruit is an excellent dietary product, as it contains little energy.

Apricots are useful in any form: both dried and fresh. But dried fruits contain a lot of calories, so their use during a weight loss diet should be taken with caution.

Nutritious and tasty juice can be obtained from the fruits of the apricot tree, and in their bones there is a small kernel. By its aroma, taste, composition and useful properties, the kernel resembles almonds. Fatty and healthy vegetable oil is produced from apricot kernels, which is widely used in the medical industry as a solvent.

In China, apricot seeds are used in folk medicine as an antitussive and sedative. Their use helps to relieve hiccups. With bronchitis, tracheitis, nephritis and whooping cough, the kernels are recommended to be used in combination with drugs, as they enhance their therapeutic effect.

What vitamins are in apricots?

Apricots contain many vitamins that ensure the proper functioning of all systems of the human body.

Vitamin A (retinol)

Thanks to vitamin A, apricots have the ability to reduce the risk of developing cancer of vital organs. In addition to vitamin A, fruits contain beta-carotene (provitamin A), which is converted into a vitamin substance in the body itself, improving vision.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Thiamine regulates metabolism at the cellular level, delivering carbohydrates to the cells that currently need the most energy. Vitamin B1 promotes the speedy healing of wounds on the skin.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Riboflavin is a very important element involved in the formation of antibodies that increase the body's resistance to various infections. It also participates in the processes of hematopoiesis and ensures the normal functioning of the human reproductive organs.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

Pantothenic acid is a substance that regulates the functioning of the nervous system and provides lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Vitamin B5 contributes to the proper functioning of the human internal glands.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6 provides hematopoietic processes and the formation of antibodies. Provides digestion of proteins and carbohydrates. Pyridoxine promotes the synthesis of amino acids that prevent aging of the body.

Vitamin B9 (folic acid)

Folic acid stimulates the processes of hematopoiesis in the body and destroys bad cholesterol. Vitamin B9 improves immunity.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Ascorbic acid is necessary for the formation of antibodies that increase the body's resistance to various infections. Vitamin strengthens the walls of blood vessels and resists cancer.

Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Vitamin E is called the beauty vitamin for a reason. It provides elasticity and firmness to the skin, good condition to the hair.

Vitamin PP (niacin)

Nicotinic acid, or niacin, contributes to the normalization of blood pressure and improves the lipid composition of the blood. The vitamin is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.

Apricot contraindications

Despite the beneficial properties of apricot, it has contraindications. First of all, this applies to people with diabetes. The fruits of the apricot tree contain a lot of easily digestible sugars.

It is not recommended to eat apricots along with protein foods or immediately after eating them, as this will lead to a violation of the digestive function. With pancreatitis, it is better to reduce the consumption of apricots. The same applies to liver dysfunction.

If you get carried away with apricot berries and eat more than a dozen or two fruits at a time, then diarrhea is possible due to the laxative effect.

Apricot calories

Apricot is a dietary product, since its energy value is only 44 kilocalories per 100 grams of fresh pulp. Moreover, the fruits, due to the content of light carbohydrates in them, quickly satisfy hunger. However, the taste of apricot can play an insidious role: you want to feel it in your mouth all the time. Therefore, it is worth listening to your body and stopping in time. Otherwise, the dietary product will not help in the fight against extra pounds, and the result will be a stretched stomach that can accommodate more and more food.

Frequently asked Questions

Can breastfeeding mothers eat apricots?

Apricots can be eaten by pregnant and lactating women, if they have no other contraindications for this. All the beneficial properties of the fetus will be transferred to the baby through the placenta in the womb or with milk during feeding.

Is it possible to eat apricots with gastritis?

Gastritis is not a reason to refuse to eat this fruit. This is due to the ability of fruits to control the degree of acidity in the stomach.

Is it possible to eat apricots with pancreatitis?

You should not completely refuse to include apricots in the diet for pancreatitis. But you need to follow some rules. You need to eat only ripe and sweet fruits in a small amount after eating.

Is it possible to eat apricots in case of poisoning?

Apricot is a fruit that helps to normalize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. When poisoned, it helps to cope with its symptoms and removes toxins.

Experts still disagree, arguing about where apricots first appeared. The benefits and harms of the product itself are of interest to scientists around the world, because it is eaten by residents of many countries.

Historical roots

It is said that the Chinese knew what apricots looked like back in the 13th century. The benefits and harms of unusual fruits, however, were still a secret with seven seals at that time. Like any other novelty, they were studied, trying to understand all the secrets that lie inside the juicy fruits. But residents of the Middle East do not agree with this opinion. Some believe that it was Armenia that was the very country that opened the world to apricots.

The benefits and harms of products were also unknown to them. But the fruits turned out to be so tasty and fragrant that they soon became one of the main items of trade. Some historians are inclined to believe that it was in this way that sweet orange fruits came to Europe. From the Caucasus, they were brought to Greece, and from there they got to Italy. But there are facts that contradict this statement. Even before our era, there is a mention of "Armenian apples" in the annals. Perhaps that was what apricots were then called, the benefits and harms of which, over the years, aroused increasing interest among the population.

Vitamin cocktail

Every child knows that the properties of any product depend on what is inside it. Here it is more about the structure at the elementary level. From this it is clear that the benefits and harms of apricots directly depend on its chemical composition. First of all, you need to pay attention to the rich vitamin complex. It is he who turns an ordinary fruit into a unique product. Take, for example, carotene. Once in the body, it contributes to the formation of a large amount of vitamin A in it, which not only improves the condition of the skin and hair, but also increases the overall resistance of the body to the negative effects of any infections. The lack of this component can lead to problems with the liver, thyroid gland, and even “night blindness”.

In addition, the benefits and harms of apricots are strongly associated with B vitamins, and the juicy fruit contains a lot of them: B1, B2, B15 and B17. It is these elements that help create the conditions for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Their presence in the body is a guarantee against all kinds of strokes and heart attacks. No less important are vitamins P and PP, without which the benefits and harms of apricots become especially evident.

Difficult ascorbic

Of the whole set, the main one, of course, is vitamin C. Without it, it is impossible to fully understand the benefits and harms of apricots. This component is present in fruits in the form of ascorbic acid. Some people think that it is just a flavoring additive that gives the fragrant sweet pulp a little sourness. But it is not so. Having a complex chemical structure, vitamin C affects almost all processes that take place inside the human body. It improves the functioning of the digestive system and helps a person fight from the inside even with such a dangerous infection as cancer. In addition, ordinary ascorbic acid makes it easier to endure even serious respiratory diseases. Indeed, without her participation, as you know, the treatment of pneumonia, as well as the most advanced stages of tonsillitis and bronchitis, is not complete. Therefore, any doctor can confirm that the benefits and harms of apricots are inseparable from the vitamin, which is sometimes called "fruit".

Influence of chemical elements

People often use fruits just to diversify their diet, without realizing what effect they have on the body. For example, few people know how good an apricot is. The benefits and harms to human health from eating this fruit largely depend on those macro- and microelements that are in it in large enough quantities.

First you need to pay attention to calcium, which helps the process of blood clotting and strengthens bone tissue. Potassium is equally important. It not only strengthens the heart muscle, but also helps in the work of the kidneys, removing the accumulated excess fluid from the body. In this case, apricots resemble cucumbers. In addition, mineral salts of iron are very important for a person, which take part in the formation of blood, which saves from possible anemia. But that's not all, it is the apricot that distinguishes from all fruits. Health benefits and harms are also associated with phosphorus and magnesium salts. They help food to be absorbed by the intestinal walls, maintain the desired acid-base balance and normalize the overall course of metabolic processes.

Properties of dried apricots

Almost everyone has known a delicacy called “dried apricots” since childhood. It is a dried apricot in a certain way. The benefits and harms to the human body of this product are not limited to a delicate taste and pleasant aroma.

Its composition is rich enough and contains everything you need for good nutrition. Dried apricots retain all the properties of a fresh apricot. This makes it possible at any time of the year to provide yourself with the necessary vitamins and useful minerals. Especially this dried fruit is useful for cores, as well as for those who have problems with pressure or blood condition. What else is good dried apricot? The benefits and harms to the body are due to the presence of a large amount of pectin and fiber. With their help, it is possible to remove unnecessary compounds of heavy metals, toxins, radionuclides, slags, as well as cleanse the body of other harmful substances. In addition, they are able to reduce the amount of cholesterol and normalize intestinal motility in the event of a disorder.

Product value

When introducing apricots into your diet, the benefits and harms, calorie content, as well as allowable amounts of consumption, are what you need to know first. Not everyone can afford to eat different foods in any quantity. This gift of nature can be classified as low-calorie.

One hundred grams of pulp contains no more than 44 kilocalories. Perhaps that is why apricot is often used in a variety of diets. After all, the number of calories can only be lower in watermelon, melon, cherry plum and citrus. If we talk about dried fruits, then things are somewhat different. In 100 grams of dried apricots, the number of kilocalories increases to 240. This must be taken into account when organizing proper nutrition or creating a personal diet. However, its nutritional value is quite high. This is mainly due to the high content of various sugars (more than 10 percent). Despite this, with the help of apricots, you can still lose weight. The rules are very simple. It is necessary to eat no more than two kilograms of fresh fruit per day. The duration of this procedure is from 3 to 5 days. As a result, for every day you can lose up to 1 kilogram.

For expectant mothers

Women who are in position should know everything about apricots. Benefits and harms during pregnancy are two interrelated concepts. On the one hand, the fruit contains everything that a new growing organism needs. And a glass of juice (150 grams) with daily use will provide a daily dose of carotene, which is simply necessary for the baby.

In addition, the expectant mother should be all right with digestion. This is also true for apricots. By creating the necessary acidity in the stomach, they thereby ensure the correct course of all processes. But, like any other product, apricots have their limitations and contraindications. Firstly, they should not be eaten in the morning or washed down with water to avoid upset. Secondly, a pregnant woman may have her own health problems that prevent the use of the product in the desired quantities. In this case, you should act, guided by the advice of a doctor, and only in the interests of the child. Otherwise, apricot is a real "accumulator of health" and good mood.

Fruits occupy a special, almost honorable place in our diet, because they are the most important source of nutrients for the body. Each fruit has its own characteristics and composition, different sets of minerals and vitamins - and in order to lead a healthy lifestyle, you need to understand this.

For example, apricots - they have a wonderful taste and they have a lot of useful substances and vitamins. They are used not only as food, they have also been used in cosmetology - masks and scrubs are made on the basis of apricots.

What is an apricot made of?

Apricot is a low-calorie fruit. Only 40 kilocalories per 100 grams. So it is ideal for diet food.

Ingredients of apricot:

• water- 86.2 grams,
• carbohydrates- 9 grams,
• alimentary fiber- 2.1 grams,
• protein- 0.9 grams,
• fats- 0.1 grams.

Apricots also contain a rich set of vitamins: A, B5, C, E, PP and beta-carotene.

Mineral elements of apricot:

• calcium- strengthens bones and teeth,
• magnesium- affects the nervous system
• iron- Helps with anemia
• silicon- maintains the elasticity of connective tissues,
• cobalt- speeds up the recovery of blood,
• vanadium- promotes metabolism.

Useful properties of apricot are contained not only in its pulp, but also in the stone and peel.

How to eat apricots

apricot pulp

Apricot pulp in its fresh form is a storehouse of vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system. With regular use of apricot, the mineral elements contained in it stabilize the pressure and work of the digestive system. And the potassium also contained in apricots is useful for diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Can you eat apricot pits?

By themselves, apricot seeds contain hydrocyanic acid and in large doses can harm the body, but in small doses they are good for the heart and increase brain activity. In addition, they are rich in protein, which is so important for the healthy development of muscle tissue.

Urbech from apricot kernels

Urbech is a mass obtained by grinding the nucleoli without any processing. Maybe with honey. It can pass both for a small tasty and satisfying snack, and for a medicine - due to the high content of vitamin B in apricot seeds, urbech is used as a prophylactic for cancer.

Apricot kernel oil

Produced by pressing apricot kernels. This oil contains a large number of substances useful for the body. It is used to treat colds (laryngitis, bronchitis). It is also used cosmetically as a skin and hair moisturizer.

Apricot pulp jam

Even after heat treatment, apricot pulp retains most of its useful elements: calcium for bones, vanadium for metabolism, and so on.

apricot juice

Can you eat green apricots?

Do not eat unripe green apricots in any form. Useful substances in them are still simply absent. In addition, there is a risk of damaging digestion.

What are the benefits of apricot?

Fruits should always be present in the diet of any person in order to maintain the balance of vitamins in the body.

The effects of apricots can be completely different - it depends on in what form and who eats them.

The benefits of apricots for women

For women, apricot is a real spring of nutrients to improve the appearance of skin and hair, and they also strengthen the nervous system. Moreover, they are low-calorie, and you can eat them at your pleasure, without fear for the figure. The abundance of vitamin A contributes to good vision and the smooth functioning of the heart.

The benefits of apricots for men

It will be useful for a man to know that apricots stimulate the growth of muscle tissue well, and at the same time slow down the aging process and have a positive effect on male potency. The constant use of this fruit is a good and proper prevention of vascular and heart diseases.

The benefits of apricots for children

There is no doubt that apricots are very, very important and useful for a growing organism, because they contain carotene, which stimulates growth, as well as potassium for the heart, phosphorus for the brain, and all other important and useful elements.

Even during the development of the fetus during a woman's pregnancy, already during this period, the minerals contained in the apricot stimulate the healthy maturation of the fetus and the well-being of the expectant mother.

Apricots in cosmetology

Apricots are widely used in cosmetology - for the preparation of various ointments and oils, pulp, seeds, and juice are used. They cleanse the skin, nourish it and help restore. Masks are made by mixing the pulp with various bases, such as: milk, cottage cheese, egg white, honey, cream, olive oil.

Seed oil can be both an independent cosmetic product and the basis for ointments and scrubs.

What harm can apricots cause?

How many apricots can you eat per day?

Knowing about the many beneficial properties of apricots, we should not forget that overeating this fruit can harm the body. The daily dose of apricot is 300 grams, and for pregnant women at all - 100 grams per day, no more. The most harmful thing about an apricot is its pit, which contains hydrocyanic acid.

Who shouldn't eat apricots?

In addition, apricot has a high sugar content, so it should not be eaten by people with diabetes. Women should not eat it during lactation - in order to avoid indigestion and abdominal pain.

Contraindications to the use of apricot:

• thyroid dysfunction,
• stomach diseases,
• ulcers
• violations of the process of assimilation of carotene,
• diabetes.

Fresh apricot fruit is a low-calorie product. The energy value of 100 grams of this fruit averages only 44 kcal. The main part of the calories comes from carbohydrates, since there are very few fats and proteins in the composition.

The main carbohydrate in this fruit is glucose, a simple six-carbon sugar that is a universal source of energy. In addition, the apricot fruit contains a lot of biologically active substances and minerals:

Composition and nutritional value of dried apricots

In winter, apricot is more available in the form of dried apricots - dried fruits. This is a more concentrated product in terms of nutritional value. Its calorie content is 232 kcal. During drying, almost all useful components are preserved, and in terms of 100 g, their content becomes even greater:

The table shows that some loss of vitamin C occurs during drying. However, dried apricots contain almost three times more fiber than fresh fruits - 29% versus 10%.

Both fresh and dried apricots may contain strontium, a trace element involved in calcium metabolism. It is necessary, for example, for the prevention of osteoporosis and caries. However, in excess, strontium becomes toxic and causes a number of complex pathologies - "strontium rickets", pulmonary fibrosis, etc. Dried apricots of this element contain 70% of the daily norm per 100 g, and fresh fruits - 52%.

The value of apricot for human health

An analysis of the chemical composition of the fruits of the apricot tree gives grounds for conclusions about the benefits that they can bring to health:

Apricot is also extremely valuable for the body of people undergoing chemotherapy, working in hazardous industries and living in areas with poor ecology.

Apricot kernels: benefits and harms

In addition to the pulp of the fruit, there is another potentially useful product in the apricot - kernels. Mistresses often replace them with almonds. Apricot kernels have a rich and complex composition, including essential and fatty oils, tocopherol, a number of valuable amino acids, B vitamins and trace elements. Not without reason in Chinese medicine they are used for the preparation of natural medicines.

Apricot kernels help fight the following diseases:

• chronic cough and whooping cough;
• avitaminosis;
• helminthiases;
• anemia;
• skin diseases.

In addition, they have a slight sedative effect, improving the condition with increased excitability and insomnia.

Useful apricot oil is made from the kernels, which is widely used in cosmetology and dermatology. It heals burns and wounds well, and also helps with a runny nose. Naturopaths advise using it for rhinitis instead of medications, instilling 1 drop into the nostril.

Despite all the listed beneficial properties, nucleoli can be harmful to health. They contain a rare substance - amygdalin, otherwise called vitamin B 17. On the one hand, it actively fights cancer cells. On the other hand, during its decay, hydrogen cyanide is released - hydrocyanic acid, poisonous to humans.

To benefit from apricot kernels, while avoiding possible harm, you should not use them if they are very bitter. The more bitter the nucleoli taste, the more amygdalin they contain. Also, you don't need to eat a lot of them. An adult can eat 40 g of nucleoli per day, a child - no more than 20 g.

The benefits of apricots for women

For a woman's body, apricot in all forms is a real storehouse of useful substances.

During pregnancy

With the onset of pregnancy, a woman's need for vitamins and minerals increases. Fruits, vegetables and berries in the diet are able to completely cover them and do without the use of synthetic drugs.

Apricot fruits, rich in potassium, reduce the manifestations of preeclampsia in late pregnancy, helping to reduce swelling and blood pressure. Normalization of the condition eliminates the risk of oxygen starvation of the developing baby and the threat of premature birth.

Often in the later stages, pregnant women complain of constipation. Pectin and fiber in the composition of the fruit contribute to the regulation of stool.

High doses of vitamin A are contraindicated for pregnant women. If the daily norm (3 mg) is exceeded, the risk of developing intrauterine pathologies increases. This is the potential harm of apricot for expectant mothers. They should not eat too much of this fruit, even if they really want to. Daily dose - 200 g of fresh fruit or 50 g of dried apricots.

With age-related hormonal changes

With the onset of menopause in women, the production of the hormone estrogen is significantly reduced. With its deficiency, characteristic symptoms develop:

• hot flashes;
• fragility of bones;
• increased anxiety and instability of the emotional background;
• weight gain;
• alopecia.

You can correct the situation only by taking hormonal drugs, which is also not always useful.

Apricot fruits contain phytoestrogen - a natural non-steroidal compound with a milder effect than synthetic hormones. Daily use of apricots and dried apricots will facilitate the age-related hormonal restructuring of the female body.

Help with mastopathy

Mastopathy is a common disease that affects women over 35 years of age. With it, the breast tissue grows pathologically, cysts form, pain and discharge from the nipples are observed. This condition requires medical supervision and adequate drug therapy, and apricot nucleoli are suitable as an adjuvant.

The previously mentioned amygdalin helps to defeat mastopathy. You need to use the nucleoli strictly according to the scheme: 5 pieces 2 times a day. To reduce toxicity, you can ignite them a little in the oven.

For weight loss and against cellulite

To combat excess weight, a fresh apricot with a low calorie content is more suitable. The fiber and pectins found in the pulp will improve the digestion of women on a strict diet. And potassium and glucose will not allow the development of apathy and chronic fatigue - conditions that occur with prolonged restriction of the diet.

As for cellulite, massage with apricot oil is excellent against it.

For home beauty treatments

Apricot is also useful for cosmetic procedures:

• The oil of this fruit stimulates the regeneration of skin cells and acts no worse than expensive anti-aging creams. It is very useful to use it after treating the skin with scrubs and peeling products.
• Apricot oil is very useful for restoring the structure of hair after coloring, curling, constant drying with a hot hair dryer, etc. It is applied to washed hair along the entire length and left for 30 minutes, after which it is washed off.

You can also make a face mask from fresh apricots by mashing the peeled fruit in a puree and dropping a little heavy cream into it. This composition is especially good for dry skin.

The benefits of treats for men

Men can also get a lot of benefits from apricot fruits.

Apricot, and especially dried apricots, is an excellent source of energy. Glucose in its composition is extremely important for the synthesis of ATP in the mitochondria of cells. If it is not consumed immediately, it is deposited in the muscles in the form of glycogen. That is why apricot fruits, juices and dishes with dried apricots give a lot of strength to men who experience increased stress at work - both physical and intellectual.

Apricot is also useful for sports activities. Before visiting the gym or after a workout, it is enough to eat a few fresh fruits to replenish strength.

For chronic fatigue and stress

It's no secret that modern men often suffer from chronic fatigue amid constant stress. The symptoms of this condition are familiar to many:

• decrease in working capacity;
• headache;
• impaired concentration;
• reduced emotional background;
• frequent exacerbations of chronic diseases, in particular - hypertension;
• sleep disorders;
• decreased libido.

With the appearance of all these symptoms, men should definitely introduce a daily portion of apricot into their diet. Fresh fruits need about 300 grams, and dried apricots are enough 100 grams mixed with almonds.

Help with reduced potency and infertility

Erectile dysfunction is a frequent companion of chronic overwork. Therefore, if there are no other reasons for reducing potency, eliminating the symptoms of fatigue, you can achieve the normalization of sexual life.

Apricots also have another important feature - the ability to improve the quality of ejaculate. This is facilitated by beta-carotene, which is very abundant in the fruits of this plant. It has been proven that this substance restores the activity of spermatozoa. Thus, the regular use of apricot is indicated for men with poor spermogram.

The benefits of fruit for children

Bright and fragrant apricots are a favorite children's treat. Unfortunately, these fruits are an allergenic product, so not every child can afford them. If no allergic reactions are detected, apricot fruits will become an excellent component of the children's diet.

0 to 1 year

Many mothers are afraid to give apricots to babies up to a year old, for fear of diathesis. But healthy children without serious digestive problems usually tolerate this product well.

You can start introducing apricot complementary foods from the age of eight months. You need to do this literally on a spoon, gradually increasing the portion. Practice shows that with such a scheme, negative reactions do not develop.

Over 1 year old

Children over 1 year old can eat both fresh fruits and soaked dried apricots as part of cereals and curds. In this form, apricots stimulate the intestines well, and children do not have constipation.

You need to be careful not to give babies unripe fruits. A high content of tannins can have the opposite effect and slow down intestinal motility. Apricot kernels are also contraindicated in children.

For teenagers

During puberty, children's need for nutrients increases dramatically. Hormonal changes, growth spurts and increased school loads require the introduction of foods high in glucose, vitamins and trace elements into the diet. Apricots in their own way will be useful for both boys and girls of adolescence:

• In boys, especially those involved in sports, there is a rapid increase in muscle mass at puberty. To do this, they desperately need glycogen, which is formed from glucose. Apricot fruits will fully provide the required amount of this carbohydrate.
• For girls, phytoestrogens will help to establish a regular menstrual cycle. Also, biologically active substances will reduce the manifestations of hormonal surges, which are expressed in tearfulness, mood swings, and depression.

Adolescents of both sexes at this age grow very quickly, so they experience a great load on the cardiovascular system. Apricot potassium will eliminate the risk of developing vegetovascular dystonia and more formidable pathologies.

Apricot for the elderly

For older people, the use of apricots helps to overcome many age-related violations of the physiological functions of the body. The substances contained in this fruit support cardiac activity, muscle tone, normal functioning of the nervous and digestive systems. But besides this, apricot fruits can help with very specific diseases, sometimes developing in old age.

in oncological processes

Cancer is the scourge of our civilization, and people of all ages suffer from it. But the older a person becomes, the more mutations and errors accumulate in the nuclei of his cells. This process is inevitable, and it puts older people at risk for cancer.

Giving the body a complex vitamin and mineral nourishment and effectively freeing it from metabolic products, apricot pulp improves the overall biochemical background. This greatly reduces the risk of tumors.

To prevent cancer, older people can also eat apricot kernels a little - no more than 10 pieces a day. At the same time, it is important not only to know how to take this remedy and in what quantity, but also to closely monitor the condition. If any alarming symptoms appear - numbness of the fingers, tremor, nausea - the use of the product should be stopped.

Apricots should by no means be considered a panacea for cancer. This is not a cure, but a mild prophylactic.

The anti-cancer properties of apricot kernels have not yet been scientifically confirmed. Conclusions about their effectiveness are drawn from numerous private observations. Therefore, if a tumor has already been found in an elderly person, it is strongly not recommended to replace scientific and medical methods of treatment with the use of apricot kernels.

For Alzheimer's disease

One of the most unpleasant senile ailments that everyone is afraid of is Alzheimer's disease. This pathology is associated with severe dysfunctions of the cerebral cortex and is expressed by the following series of symptoms:

• At an early stage - memory impairment that develops gradually, rapid fatigue during intellectual work, the rejection of mental stress, a decrease in the emotional background.
• At the stage of clinical manifestations - the appearance of memory lapses, disorientation in time, the development of dementia.
• At a severe stage - depression, psychosis, impulsive-volitional disorders, severe dementia, fecal and urinary incontinence, gait disturbance, loss of speech.

Among the many causes of this disease, a special place is occupied by insufficient intake of substances that are responsible for the transmission of a nerve impulse. It is this reason that apricot helps to eliminate.

Potassium ions, which are contained in fruits, are directly involved in signal transmission from one nerve cell to another through synaptic connections. With a lack of this element, hypokalemia develops, leading to numerous metabolic disorders. Against their background, all sorts of cognitive disorders gradually appear - the first swallows of the coming disease.

The daily need for potassium in an elderly person can be satisfied by including only 250-300 g of dried apricots per day (about 30 pieces) in his diet. It is advisable to break this portion into three doses, giving 10 dried apricots for dessert.

Contraindications

Possessing a mass of useful properties, in some cases, apricots can be harmful. Entering them into the menu, you need to take into account contraindications. Limiting the use of these fruits is for people with the following problems:

• diabetes;
• thyroid disease;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• pancreatitis;
• hepatitis;
• hyperacid gastritis.

A contraindication to the use of apricot is also a tendency to allergies and asthma attacks. According to the degree of allergenicity, this fruit is comparable to citrus fruits, and this quality is not lost either during drying or during heat treatment. An atypical reaction to the product may manifest itself in the form of itchy skin rashes, nasal congestion, redness of the face, dry cough or swelling of the airways.

Summary

Apricot is a unique creation of nature, as if specially created to maintain human health. It is useful for people of any age, helping them to avoid many serious diseases. This fruit has very few contraindications, and with reasonable use it does not bring any harm to health.

Video: the benefits and harms of apricots for human health