The benefits and harms of apricots have been studied quite well, as a result of which not everyone is recommended to consume them. Dried fruits have always been considered the simplest and most delicious food products. The most popular is apricots. As many people know, it not only has a pleasant sweet taste, but also has a large number of healing properties. The topic of the benefits of products is always relevant, but they talk about the harm much less often. However, before you start consuming apricots, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the contraindications in advance or consult with your doctor.
The difference between apricots and dried apricots and kaisa
Uryuk is a dried apricot with a pit. Such dried fruits have a large number of healing properties and nutritional components. At the moment, there are several types of dried apricot.
Dried apricots are halves of dried apricots without seeds. Color varies from bright yellow to dark brown. Bright color indicates the presence of chemicals. It is not recommended to purchase such dried fruits.
Kaisa is a whole fruit from which the seed has been removed. The trace of the bone remains, there is emptiness inside.
An apricot is an apricot that has ripened and ripened on a branch. Under the influence of the sun, the fruit lost moisture and turned into dried fruit, ready for consumption.
Contraindications and harm of apricots
It's no secret that modern industry makes it possible to extend the shelf life of a product or improve its consumer characteristics with the help of chemicals. A large number of dried fruits are produced with additional treatment with sulfur dioxide and dried in special ovens and warmers. Such apricots not only lose some of their vitamins, but also become dangerous to health. To be fair, it should be said that an environmentally friendly product, which has a rich vitamin and mineral composition that is extremely beneficial for the body, can cause negative reactions when consumed.
Possible harm of apricots can manifest itself as follows:
- Development of food allergies
. People prone to food allergies should use apricots with great caution. If you have an individual intolerance to a product, it should be completely excluded from the diet. - Exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases
. If you are diagnosed with gastritis, colitis and other gastrointestinal diseases, you should adhere to a strict diet. Active consumption of dried fruits can cause an exacerbation of the disease. - Increased sugar levels
. Fructose and glucose, which are part of apricots, are not contraindicated for diabetes, but their excessive consumption can lead to negative results. - Disorders of the digestive system in children under 1 year of age
. Consumption of apricots in the early period of life is contraindicated, because can cause bloating, colic and disruption of the digestive system.
It is known that the composition of dried apricot is dominated by carbohydrates, which are easily absorbed by the body. However, the product has a high calorie content, so it should be used with caution, especially for people who are prone to excess weight.
Chemical composition and calorie content of apricots
Dried apricot contains:
- protein;
- carbohydrates;
- triglyceride;
- phosphorus;
- potassium;
- calcium;
- iron;
- organic acid;
- cellulose;
- vitamin A;
- B vitamins (1, 2, 5, 6);
- vitamins of groups C, E, K.
The nutritional value of the product is due to the presence of sugar. The fruit contains the most carbohydrates, the least - proteins. Calorie content per 100 g is 213 kcal.
A sunny gift from Mother Nature
For those who believe that dried apricots, apricots and dried apricots are the same thing, I will clarify. Yes, the raw materials for the production of these products are ripe apricot fruits. However, it's all about technology. Under natural conditions, apricot fruits dry together with the pit in the sun and apricots are obtained.
But fruits dried in seedless drying chambers special for this purpose are already dried apricots. This quality product has a dense pulp texture, a honey-spicy taste and an orange tint. Its calorie content in 100 grams is 200 kcal.
During the drying process, fresh fruits lose most of their liquid through evaporation, which is why the finished product acquires greater sweetness due to the increased concentration of fructose and glucose.
The presence of these nutrients, unlike sugar, is very important for humans. After all, they are absorbed more slowly through the intestinal walls, allowing the body to receive energy for a longer period of time.
Dried apricots are very useful for both men, women and children. Heat treatment does not interfere with preserving all the beneficial substances of ripe fruit to the maximum; it contains:
- A bouquet of vitamins from groups A, B, E, PP, C. 100 grams of dried apricots contain from 5 to 12% of the daily requirement.
- Complex of important microelements:
- Gland;
- Potassium;
- Copper;
- Phosphorus;
- Magnesium.
- Amino acid series:
- Tryptophan;
- Isoleucines;
- Lizinov;
- Tresninov.
Useful properties of apricots
Apricots are beneficial for the heart; also, due to the high content of nutrients, this type of dried fruit is used to maintain health and good condition in both men and women, as well as children.
Many experts recommend eating dried apricots for people with poor eyesight. The product is also used as an anti-aging agent. Due to the fact that dried fruits contain a large amount of magnesium salts, they are used for hypertension. Regular consumption of apricots in small quantities brings blood pressure back to normal.
In those people who constantly eat dried apricots, fractures are an infrequent occurrence, since the product helps strengthen bone tissue. Since edema cannot be avoided during pregnancy, apricots can be used as a diuretic, but you must consult your doctor, as there are contraindications.
For women
Apricots are beneficial for a woman’s body, nourishing it not only from the inside, but also from the outside. The main useful properties include:
- during pregnancy, dried apricot helps normalize hemoglobin and eliminates anemia at the initial stage of development;
- in the last stages of gestation helps to cope with delayed bowel movements;
- for those who love bronze skin color, you can use the product if you get sunburn;
- in some cases helps prevent infertility;
- helps blood clot.
As you can see, dried apricots are very beneficial for health, as a result of which women appreciate the product.
For men
Apricots also benefit the male body. If a man is actively working out in the gym and strives to achieve a sculpted body, then apricots are an indispensable component in the diet. It restores muscle fibers, promotes weight gain, and thanks to its nutritional content, the feeling of hunger does not occur for a long time. It is recommended to consume dried fruits daily if your work involves heavy physical labor.
Due to their high potassium content, dried apricots normalize heart function. Men often experience high blood pressure, dehydration, and heart rhythm disturbances. In these cases, the product helps resolve the problems. Dried apricots contain beta-carotene, which allows the prostate gland to function normally and, therefore, improves potency. Green tea with apricots is also useful, but in small quantities.
For children
If you add dried fruits to your children's diet, you can protect them from many diseases. Ailments include:
- vision problems, which is important during study;
- prevention of infectious and colds;
- digestive problems, constipation.
Since apricots have a pleasant sweet taste, they can be used to make delicious desserts, thereby replacing unhealthy granulated sugar. Dried fruits can also be used to make compotes.
Important! Children are given apricots after they are 1 year old. It is recommended to give this dried fruit to children prone to allergies after 3 years.
If you overfeed a child, problems will begin: bloating, abdominal pain, food allergies. Before introducing apricots into your child’s diet, you must first consult with your pediatrician.
The benefits and harms of apricots for the human body
All adults and children love the sunny apricot fruit. Apricots are eaten not only fresh and as canned fruit, but also dried. When dried, pitted apricots are called dried apricots. But there is another very useful type of dried apricot, only with a pit, it is called apricot. The fruit has long been common in many countries of Europe and Central Asia; it has been used for many centuries not only as a fruit for food, but also as a remedy in medicine and cosmetology.
What are the benefits of apricots?
Indispensable in cooking, especially as one of the main ingredients in the preparation of pilaf in Eastern countries. It is used as a natural flavoring and as a sweet additive in drinks (liqueurs, kvass, tinctures, tea, compotes).
Sweet dried apricots are a favorite delicacy of many people.
They contain a large amount of substances beneficial to the body, and if consumed wisely, they are suitable for food even for people suffering from diabetes and obesity.
Undoubtedly, taking a handful of dried fruits every day will be useful not only for women who care about their attractiveness, but also for men. Let's look at the benefits of dried apricots for the stronger sex.
There are different types of dried apricots, it all depends on the method of processing the fruit. So, apricots are sun-dried fruits with a seed. Kais are dried fruits without seeds. Ashtak is made like this: first, the core is taken out and dried, then the grain without the shell is put back in.
Compound
The fruits contain almost the entire complex of amino acids, and 12 of them are essential for humans. Carbohydrates are represented by sucrose and fructose, they maintain energy balance and nourish brain cells.
Dried apricots are rich in dietary fiber and pectin, which has a positive effect on intestinal function. The beneficial properties of dried apricots include reducing the level of “bad” cholesterol and removing toxic substances and heavy metal salts from the body.
The amount of food ingredients per 100 grams of product is as follows:
- Proteins – 3g;
- Fats – 0.5g;
- Carbohydrates – 53-55g.
Calorie content depends on the variety and is approximately 230 kcal. Despite the sufficient energy value, a 100-gram serving will not cause harm to people trying to lose weight.
The vitamin composition is presented:
- Vitamin A, necessary for vision and normal production of sex hormones. With a sufficient amount of retinol in the menu, the synthesis of structural fibers occurs in the skin, which slows down the aging process.
- B vitamins that take part in enzymatic reactions. They improve hematopoiesis processes and ensure normal conduction of impulses along nerve fibers.
- Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that neutralizes peroxidation and thereby protects against cancer and aging. Ascorbic acid is especially necessary for men with nicotine addiction. It is known that smoking increases the consumption of vitamin C, so it is recommended to additionally saturate the body with it.
Read: What should you do to quit smoking quickly and easily?
- Nicotinic acid, which cleanses blood vessels.
Of the minerals, the most important are:
- Magnesium and potassium, as they help the harmonious functioning of the heart muscle;
- Iron is the main component of hemoglobin, it protects against the development of anemia and oxygen starvation of tissues;
- Iodine is a necessary element for the synthesis of hormones and normalization of metabolic processes;
- Calcium and phosphorus are responsible for bone health, and phosphorus additionally stimulates mental activity;
Product properties
Dried apricots have a gentle effect on the intestines and help with regular bowel movements. People suffering from constipation are recommended to brew 5 pieces of dried apricot with boiling water overnight, and in the morning eat them on an empty stomach and drink the remaining liquid.
For diseases of the heart and blood vessels, the inclusion of fruits in the diet helps normalize blood pressure, which is important for hypertensive patients. Many heart patients complain of swelling of the legs, which can be eliminated with a fasting day on dried apricots. To do this, 500 grams of fruits are divided into several doses and eaten throughout the day. For drinks, unsweetened herbal or green tea and rosehip infusion are recommended.
Unlike diuretic drugs, which remove necessary minerals from the body, dried apricots do not deplete a person of valuable components. On the contrary, daily consumption of fruits is a guarantee that the body will receive the necessary elements.
Taking dried apricots is a prevention of ophthalmological diseases, anemia, and malignant tumors. The elements it contains enhance immunity and prevent the growth of cancer cells.
The fruit has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system and helps cope with mental fatigue.
It is recommended to regularly include a handful of dried fruits in your diet for conditions such as:
- Anemia;
- Constipation;
- Heart and kidney diseases;
- Edema of various origins;
- Violation of blood lipid composition;
- Atherosclerosis;
- Thrombophlebitis.
Benefits for men
The elements that make up dried apricots are involved in the synthesis of sex hormones, which is important for the full synthesis of testosterone. The fruit increases desire and improves potency, so it is recommended for men who are thinking about their sexual health. Dried apricots are considered an aphrodisiac - a product that increases libido.
Due to the high calcium content, dried apricots saturate bone tissue with this mineral, and testosterone becomes free for other functions. Nicotinic acid cleanses blood vessels, which means blood circulation improves, including to the pelvic organs. Good blood supply ensures proper functioning of the testicles and thereby stimulates the process of sperm formation.
Read: Ways to increase the quantity and improve the quality of sperm.
Fruits in the amount of 100 grams per day will bring benefits. If you eat kilograms of them, even a healthy person will not be able to avoid intestinal upset. There are other contraindications that men should consider.
Harm to health
The use of the product is not recommended for diseases:
- Pancreatitis. Dried fruit can only be consumed in steamed form during the remission phase.
- Peptic ulcer and gastritis. Since dried apricots contain a large amount of dietary fiber, this can affect the condition of the gastric mucosa.
- Diabetes. In case of illness, it is not advisable to completely exclude the product; it can be used as a replacement for sugar and honey. It is advisable to limit its consumption to 5 pieces per day. Since apricots contain a sufficient amount of sugars, it is better for people with diabetes to ask their doctor for permission before including them on the menu.
- Allergy to the product, which occurs occasionally in some people.
- Hypotension. Since dried apricots lower blood pressure, hypotensive patients can eat it in small quantities or avoid it altogether.
Methods of application
Here are healthy recipes using dried apricots.
Compote of dried apricots
The decoction retains all the qualities of whole dried fruits: relieves swelling, improves mood, normalizes digestion, reduces weight, and increases performance. Used as a remedy for urolithiasis.
Compote is prepared at the rate of 100 grams of fruit per liter of water, boiled for no more than 6-7 minutes. You can add sugar to taste. If you follow a healthy diet, it is better to do without additives. In any case, the drink will have a pleasant sweetish taste.
Mixture of nuts, dried fruits and lemons
A tasty and healing supplement that is used to strengthen the immune system, cleanse blood vessels, and prevent heart and colds. To prepare, you will need to take 250 grams of each ingredient, dried apricots, raisins and nuts and grind through a meat grinder. Add a glass of honey and 1 lemon, crushed along with the peel.
Take a tablespoon on an empty stomach 1 or 2 times a day. You can store the fortified supplement in the refrigerator in a glass container for six months.
Chocolate (black) dried apricots
It can be seen on store shelves at a price that is 2 times higher than the cost of apricots. However, manufacturers claim that chocolate dried apricots are prepared without any chemical treatment and are classified as healthy food products.
The fruit has a sweeter taste and tender juicy pulp; its taste is little reminiscent of ordinary dried apricots. Due to the high amount of calories and sugar, it is not recommended for diabetes and obesity; in other cases, you can eat chocolate dried apricots without fear.
They eat dark dried apricots in combination with sprouted green buckwheat grains (you can buy them in the store). Grind fruits and cereals in a blender until smooth, adding a little water, you get an excellent healthy breakfast. Add a large apple cut into slices into the porridge; you can sprinkle it with cinnamon or other fruits.
Selection of dried apricots
Manufacturers often treat fruit with paraffin or sulfur in order to extend shelf life and give it a marketable appearance. Externally, such apricots are juicy and shiny, have a bright orange color. However, the nutritional value of the product is questionable. It is better to purchase dried fruits that are small in size and have a grayish tint: they have been dried naturally and will bring health benefits.
When purchasing, pay attention to the presence of mold and dark spots: this indicates a violation of the storage process. It is best to ask the seller for one piece to try, so you will evaluate not only its appearance, but also its taste.
Storage methods
When you bring your purchase home, first rinse the dried apricots under water to remove harmful impurities and dust. Dry with paper towel. After this, the fruit can be placed in a glass container or plastic container and stored at a temperature no higher than 18 degrees. If necessary, you can place apricots in the freezer, so they will retain their properties for 1.5 years.
Standards of use
A daily 100-gram serving will be an excellent vitamin and mineral supplement to your diet. This is approximately 5-6 large fruits.
Dried apricots can rightfully be considered a healing product and can be used to maintain and restore strength, prevent diseases and strengthen the immune system. Men should include dried apricots in their diet to maintain long-term health.
Are apricots allowed during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
During pregnancy, you can eat apricots, as they contain a large amount of useful substances that are so necessary for expectant mothers:
- strengthens the immune system;
- prevents anemia in the early stages;
- eliminates constipation.
It is also worth considering that dried apricot contains sulfur dioxide, which has a beneficial effect on the health of the woman and the unborn child.
Advice! Pregnant women are advised to eat no more than 6 fruits per day, otherwise there is a risk of gaining excess weight.
Dried and fresh apricot are classified as lactogenic products, as a result of which the fruit should be used during breastfeeding. It is worth understanding that it is necessary to observe precautions and take into account contraindications. A young mother can eat dry apricots only after the child is 3 months old. They need to be introduced into the diet carefully, several times a day, while monitoring the general condition of the child.
Benefit for health
The main benefit of dried apricots for the body is based on 7 striking features of the composition: a lot of fiber, potassium and provitamin A, no saturated fat, vitamin E, copper, manganese and even zinc with selenium and calcium.
What does such a wide range of useful nutrients give us?
Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements and can help relieve constipation if accompanied by plenty of water each day. Take a look at the “Health Nutrition” section of DietDo.ru. We have described a proven comprehensive scheme for how to say goodbye to constipation without medications. Diet 3 is also described in detail.
Potassium is a mandatory highlight of the program for the whole body. The rhythmic functioning of the heart and muscle strength, maintenance of water-salt balance in tissues and normal osmotic concentration of blood depend on it.
- If you have heart or kidney pathology, if you are not overweight or have diabetes, it is beneficial to eat dried apricots constantly - 5-6 small fruits per day, pre-soaked in water.
Provitamin A (or beta carotene) is a safe form of one of the most important vitamin antioxidants that is not toxic even in accidentally increased doses. For strong immunity, A, C, E, in combination with zinc and selenium, must be supplied to the body daily in sufficient quantities.
- Do you have vision problems? Take a closer look at salads with carrots and dried apricots: accompany them with any protein dishes. For children we prepare a dessert version with walnuts and orange, seasoned with sour cream. The video below will show one of the great options.
Copper is a harmonious composition of the blood, effective absorption of oxygen by tissues and strong bones. Manganese - healthy hematopoiesis and proper synthesis of sex hormones.
The B vitamins present in dried apricots (B3, B6 and B5) provide many important functions. B5 - stimulation of the adrenal glands to produce healing hormones, healing of the gastrointestinal mucosa, mild enhancement of intestinal motility and participation in the synthesis of neurotransmitters. B3 is involved in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates and the production of many enzymes. B6 is extremely important for the functioning of the nervous system and proper DNA synthesis.
- Is your baby developmentally delayed, underweight, apathetic or moody? Include dried apricots in baby food, accompanying fermented milk dishes prepared at home using natural sourdough.
Calcium, albeit in relatively small quantities, in the company of vitamin K, phosphorus, copper and manganese makes dried apricots very beneficial for the nutrition of strict vegetarians and women after menopause.
- With a salad that combines dried apricots, almonds, cabbage and green leafy vegetables, a vegetarian receives a well-digestible complex of substances for effective calcium metabolism. And for children and women, it is useful to season such salads with sour cream or add a little hard cheese.
Find out reliable facts about the famous mixture of dried fruits, honey and lemon for immunity, heart and digestion. Masterpiece or dummy? Who will it help and who will it harm?
Is it possible to eat apricots while losing weight?
Sugar apricots are beneficial even for those trying to lose weight. The beneficial properties of dried fruit for weight loss include:
- helps improve intestinal function. People who are overweight experience intestinal problems, as the composition of the biocenosis changes;
- the body receives a large amount of fiber, which is very useful for losing weight;
- dried apricot helps the body fight chronic inflammation, which causes excess weight.
Before you start using this product, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications in advance, and it is best to consult with your doctor. It is not recommended to use large quantities of apricots for the following reasons:
- the product has a sweet taste. All sweets, even those with minimal calories, are harmful. Sweet foods have a negative effect on the brain, thereby forcing a person to consume more and more high-calorie foods;
- dried apricots are high-calorie foods. The use of this product cannot saturate the body due to the lack of proteins and fats, but at the same time it actively whets the appetite;
- Dried fruits only help you gain weight. The body is overloaded with calories, which later turn into fat deposits.
Don’t think that because of the negative aspects, you should give up dried fruits while losing weight. They can be used for food in small quantities.
Thus, you can eat apricots while losing weight; in small quantities, they help you lose excess weight. Considers optimal 4-5 pieces during the day. If you consume more, there is a chance that the weight will not decrease, but, on the contrary, will increase.
Uruk for weight loss
Uryuk has proven itself well in a variety of diets. But there are some reasons why lovely ladies cannot lose weight. This happens because women do not eat apricots in their pure form, but use special “assorted” dried fruits. These assorted fruits often add large amounts of sugar, which does not remove excess weight, but instead adds new pounds to a woman’s waist. Before eating such a fruit mix, carefully study its composition and the amount of sugar in it.
Apricots contain a huge amount of easily digestible carbohydrates. In one fruit they make up 90 percent of the total weight of the product. Our body processes such “light” carbohydrates very easily and they are not deposited on our waist (if consumed correctly). Fruit sugar or easily digestible carbohydrates are very beneficial substances for the entire human body.
When losing weight, it is advised to consume a lot of fiber, because it helps cleanse the gastrointestinal tract of “heavy” and harmful substances. Also, apricots are a diuretic - this is an important fact when losing weight.
It is important for those women who are losing weight to know: it is better not to eat more than 100 grams of product per day.
How to eat apricots
Dried apricots are recommended to be consumed in small quantities. If you adhere to this rule, then it is possible to enrich the body with vitamins, and not cause irreparable harm to it.
It is impossible to accurately determine the daily intake of apricots. This is due to the fact that the fruit is a food product, not a medicine. In order not to harm your health, it is recommended to eat no more than 5 pieces of apricots.
Before you start consuming the product, it is recommended to rinse the dried fruits under running water, soak for 15 minutes and rinse again
Useful properties of dried apricots
Dried apricot is a storehouse of health, vitamins and microelements. In folk medicine it is used quite often. As it turned out, with its help you can cure many different complex diseases, and moreover, even prevent the emergence of new ones.
The beneficial properties of dried apricots are undeniable:
- It is recommended to use it when restoring the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. So, if you suffer from frequent constipation, then use the old method of our ancestors: place 3-4 dried apricots in a glass, pour boiling water over it and leave to steep for 10-12 hours. In the morning, before eating, eat soaked fruit and be sure to drink all the liquid from the glass.
- Helps normalize blood pressure.
- Dried apricots can resist the occurrence of cancer. Cancer is the scourge of modern society. Poor nutrition, stress, genetics - all this leads to serious consequences. But if you make it a habit to regularly eat dried apricots (several pieces a day), you can prevent the onset of cancer or slow down the progression of the disease if, unfortunately, this happens.
- With the help of dried apricots, you can cure vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis in any person, regardless of his age.
- Dried apricots are useful in the treatment of kidney failure and thyroid diseases.
- If you have poor eyesight, you should definitely eat dried apricots every day, drink compotes and jelly from them.
- Helps balance hormonal levels.
- Dried apricots are extremely useful for anemia and are vital for those who have low hemoglobin levels.
- When cleansing the body of toxins and slagging, it is recommended to use dried apricots. It is enough to eat it in its natural form or drink infusions.
The use of apricots in home cosmetology
Often, apricots are used as an additional product for cosmetic purposes. Dried fruit can be added to nourishing and toning face masks. Dried apricot goes perfectly with honey, oats, sour cream - natural ingredients nourish and moisturize the skin.
If you make soap at home, a small amount of apricots can give the finished product a pleasant smell and a golden hue. If you remove the seeds and grind them, this mixture will become an ideal base for scrubs.
How to use?
Apricots (the benefits and harm to the body are determined by the quality and quantity of the product consumed) must be correctly included in the diet and are best consumed at a certain time.
How much can you eat per day?
Dried apricots should be consumed within reasonable limits, since if the norm is exceeded, side effects may occur in the form of diarrhea, rash, and decreased blood pressure. It is also worth remembering that the dried product contains 2–2.5 times more sugar than fresh apricots.
This is especially important for people who have a disease such as diabetes. A fresh apricot contains only 2 g of dietary fiber, and in the same amount of dried product it increases to 18 g. In this regard, the daily norm should be no more than 60-70 g of dried fruit.
Apricots are high in calories (230 kcal per 100 g), so they should be consumed with caution by obese people trying to lose weight. This category of people should reduce the amount of product consumed to 4-5 pieces. in a day.
Rules for inclusion in the diet
In order to get maximum beneficial properties, apricots (the benefits and harm to the body depend on contraindications) must be entered correctly into the menu.
There are some rules that need to be taken into account when eating dried fruits:
- Apricots should not be combined with easily digestible carbohydrates. Therefore, it is not recommended to add it to a variety of cereals. It is best to eat the product during the day, in between main meals.
- The product must be combined with food containing proteins and fats. Therefore, an excellent option would be to add dried apricot to cottage cheese, plain yogurt and other fermented milk products.
- You should not eat apricots along with a hearty lunch, as the product in this case loads the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to malfunctions in its functioning.
- It is not recommended to consume dried fruits shortly before training, especially if it is performed for weight loss.
- Apricots can be consumed by athletes who want to gain weight.
From these points it follows that the best time to eat apricots is a snack 2-3 hours after breakfast. You should not eat dried fruits in the afternoon if a person is pursuing the goal of losing weight.
Is it possible to eat while losing weight?
Although apricots are considered very sweet and high in calories, they are still included in the menu for weight loss.
A small amount of dried fruits will not cause any harm, but, on the contrary, will benefit the body:
- stabilizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, because often obese people have various problems with intestinal function;
- A large amount of fiber contained in apricots helps with weight loss;
- Dried apricots will help eliminate inflammatory processes that often interfere with weight loss.
Before including the product in your menu, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications. During the period of weight loss, it is enough to include 4-5 pieces in the diet. dried fruit.
It is not recommended to increase this rate for the following reasons:
- Apricots are very sweet, and any sweetness in large quantities is considered harmful. First of all, the harm is expressed in the form of a negative effect on the brain. Secondly, due to this influence, the body requires large amounts of high-calorie food.
- The product has a high calorie content. In this regard, if you regularly consume increased amounts of apricots, you will only gain weight.
The article discusses in detail the benefits and harms of apricots.
However, these reasons do not mean that you should stop eating dried fruits. They need and can be used daily in small quantities.
How to brew apricots correctly?
You can brew apricots as follows:
- Pour 200 g of apricots into an enamel pan.
- Pour 2 tbsp. boiling water and cover with a lid.
- Wrap the pan in a towel and leave for 12-15 hours.
- Strain the finished infusion.
In this infusion, both the berries and the resulting compote are considered edible. They are consumed throughout the day. The infusion and berries help well with hypertension and constipation.
Uryuk in cooking
In countries where apricots are produced on a production scale, they are used almost everywhere. The prepared dishes may seem unusual to some people: apricots covered in chocolate, baked with meat, glazed with sugar, boiled with salt. In Russia, compotes are made from dried fruits. Soaked apricots do not lose their benefits, even if you simply leave them in boiling water for a while.
Often, jam is made from dried apricots. The preparation technology is the same as with fresh fruits: sprinkle with granulated sugar and cook until tender, then pour into glass containers.
The benefits and harms of apricot seeds
As many people know, apricots can bring benefits and harm to the body. It is worth considering that the kernels also contain a large amount of valuable substances, and they have a specific taste. Few people know what beneficial properties seeds have.
The main advantage is the antiparasitic property of the kernels and a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Previously, the nuclei were used to fight cancer cells. Most vitamin B17 is found in bitter seeds.
Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the content of hydrocyanic acid in the kernels, which can become a kind of poison. The presence of bitterness indicates the content of organic poison. If you eat a large number of kernels, you can cause poisoning of the body; for this, 30 g of the product will be enough.
You can avoid harm if you cook or dry the yar in the oven. Harmful substances begin to break down when exposed to high temperatures.
It is not recommended to eat bones if:
- diabetes mellitus;
- liver diseases;
- pregnancy.
The first signs of poisoning appear after 5 hours. The main signs of poisoning include lethargy, headaches, nausea, convulsions, and fainting.
Possible harm
High-quality dried apricots are almost completely safe for health. But it also has contraindications and in isolated cases can cause harm to health.
The main side effects include:
- Obesity. Although dried apricots are marketed as a weight loss aid, they can cause weight gain if consumed in excess.
- Dyspeptic disorders. Excessive intake of fiber into the body is fraught with the development of constipation or diarrhea, pain in the lower abdomen, increased gas formation, and nausea.
- Allergic reactions. Most often they are caused by increased sensitivity of the body not to individual components of dried apricots, but to preservatives (sulfites), which are used to give dried fruit a bright color and increase shelf life. Allergopathologies often manifest themselves in the form of urticaria and edema of the upper respiratory tract. Dried fruit is contraindicated if you have a history of allergic reactions.
Dried apricots are recommended for use by people of all age groups (from 3 years). It is especially useful for older people and pregnant women.
It is recommended to carefully consider the inclusion of dried apricots in the diet due to the presence of contraindications and the risk of side effects.
Harm of apricots and contraindications
Before you start introducing dried fruits into your diet, you need to consider the benefits and harms of dried apricots. The product can negatively affect the general health of a person. If you have an allergic reaction, you should immediately stop using the product. Also, dried apricot is not recommended for people with weak stomachs.
Contraindications include:
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
- low blood pressure;
- presence of intestinal inflammation;
- stomach ulcer;
- children who have not yet turned 1 year old;
- personal intolerance to apricots;
- lactation period.
Dried apricots that have an unnatural appearance and that have undergone chemical treatment can cause particular harm.
Composition and calorie content
How rich is the composition of dried apricots? Enough to be included in food charts for several essential nutrients. For example, in the TOP10 for the content of potassium, copper and beta carotene.
Let's take a closer look at the BJU and calorie content of dried apricots and vitamins and minerals - per 100 grams. For the daily value (DN), we take the average daily requirement of an adult, without taking into account gender, with a diet of 2000 kcal. The percentage of the DV is the second digit with the “%” sign.
- Carbohydrates - 63 g - 21%
- Of which: dietary fiber - 7 g (29% DV), sugar - 53 g
- Proteins - 3 g
- Fats - 1 g
Calorie content - from 235 to 270 kcal (varies depending on the degree of shrinkage).
How many pieces are included in 100 grams depends on the size and shrinkage. On average from 10 to 15. Calorie content 1 pc. dried apricots within 22-27 kcal.
Glycemic index - from 40 to 45. The average level of the indicator is associated with a high content of dietary fiber.
Vitamins (descending):
- Provitamin A - 570 mcg - 72%
- Vitamin E - 4.3 mg - 22%
- Vitamin B3 - 2.6 mg - 13%
- Vitamin B6 - 0.1 mg - 7%
- Vitamin B5 - 0.5 mg - 5%
- Vitamin K - 3.1 mcg - 4%
- Vitamins B9, C, B1 - 1-2%
Minerals (descending):
- Potassium - 1162 mg - 33%
- Copper - 0.3 mg - 17%
- Iron - 2.7 mg - 15%
- Manganese - 0.2 mg - 12%
- Magnesium - 32.0 mg - 8%
- Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium - from 3 to 7%
How to choose apricots when buying
When purchasing already packaged apricots, it is recommended to pay attention to the labeling. If the fruits have been chemically treated, the packaging will bear the corresponding mark – E220. You need to choose by appearance:
- surface of the fruit. There should be no traces of mold or damage on the peel; the peel must be wrinkled;
- color The appearance of the dried fruit should not be attractive - a brown matte shade, wrinkled peel. If the dried apricot is translucent and has a bright color, then it has been treated with sulfur dioxide;
- the pulp is dense, elastic, does not release juice;
- the smell is natural, unobtrusive;
- If the apricot is ripened on a tree, it has a sweet and sour taste.
A sweet honey taste indicates treatment with syrup.
How to choose apricots
In order for the product to bring only benefits to the body, you need to know how to choose the right apricots. After all, only a high-quality product is allowed for consumption. Unfortunately, purchasing real tree-dried apricots is very problematic. And even if you manage to find such a product on the shelves of a market or supermarket, its price will be very high. Some unscrupulous suppliers speculate and sell counterfeits. By what criteria are good apricots selected?
The most useful product is considered to be one made from wild apricots. You can distinguish high-quality apricots by their color. So, you should choose dried apricots of a dull, brown color. The appearance of a good apricot is unsightly. While apricot treated with various chemicals has a bright orange color.
You should also choose apricots based on their smell. The product should have a light apricot aroma. There should be no smell of smoke or soot. High-quality apricots have a sour taste. But if the dried apricot is sweet, it means it was pre-treated with sugar syrup. The surface of the product must be free of inclusions, defects, and mold. It is worth noting that apricots are rarely treated with chemicals, unlike dried apricots. After all, apricots are dried directly on tree branches.
When choosing apricots in a package, you just need to trust the manufacturer. By law, the manufacturer is required to indicate the composition, dyes, and additional components on the packaging. It is important to pay attention to expiration date and production date. Also, the packaging must be transparent so that the buyer can at least evaluate the external characteristics of the product. We can conclude that high-quality apricots are a nondescript, dull product. But the bright and fragrant apricot should be avoided.
How to store apricots
This product is undemanding to storage conditions. The simplest way is to prepare a fabric bag in which the apricots are placed and stored in a dry, dark place that is not exposed to direct sunlight. During storage, high humidity should not be allowed, as dried fruits can easily spoil, but it is not recommended to overdry.
Advice! To ensure that apricots retain their healing properties and aroma, it is best to store them in a tightly closed glass jar.
How to store?
The ideal container for storing apricots is a glass container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. You cannot use any type of bags (textile or plastic) for storage, as foreign odors and moisture penetrate into them.
As a result, the product may deteriorate or moths may appear in it. Ideally, the dried fruit is stored at a temperature of 10°C in a dark, ventilated place, which allows the shelf life of the dried fruit to be extended to six months. At a temperature of 20-25°C, the shelf life is reduced to 2 months.
Uruk has invaluable benefits, but it can cause harm to the body. That is why it is necessary to first clarify contraindications and consult a doctor.