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.
Dried fruit for beauty, health and longevity
Apricots are dried apricot fruits containing the pit. Unlike other dried fruits, it is collected ready-made from the branches of the tree. Drying occurs naturally under the influence of sun and wind. As a result, the fruit retains the maximum amount of vitamins and other nutrients.
Uryuk - healing properties and uses
Types of dried fruits from apricots
Uryuk is not the only dried fruit that is obtained from apricots. Dried apricots and kaisa are also its varieties. How are they different? Let's find out in more detail what kaisa, apricots and dried apricots are, what they look like, and what fruits they are made from.
So, there are three types of dried apricots:
Dried apricots are dried apricot halves. Depending on the method of production, it can be either bright yellow or dark orange or brownish. Fruits with a pale color have the greatest benefits. It is evidence that no chemicals were used in the production of dried fruits. This is what natural dried apricots look like:
Natural dried apricots darken when dried and have a faded, brownish-orange color.
And this is a product in the production of which chemicals were used:
Bright, shiny dried fruits are obtained by treating them with sulfur dioxide or other preservatives.
Dried apricots are dried on an industrial scale using a special chamber or on racks in the open sun. Uryuk is a dried apricot with a pit. It is obtained from small fruits dried directly on the branches of a tree. It is then sorted and sent for sale. They are not subjected to any further processing and are immediately ready to eat. This is what a freshly harvested apricot looks like:
Natural apricots, dried without preservatives, look unpretentious, but these dried fruits are considered especially beneficial for health
The absence of any chemical or thermal treatment of the fruit ensures maximum preservation of useful substances in it. At the same time, it has a fairly long shelf life, since the integrity of its skin is not compromised.
Sometimes you may find seedless apricots on sale. However, despite its similarities, it is actually a completely different type of dried fruit called kaisa. The technology for harvesting it is very similar to obtaining dried apricots, with one small exception - the fruit is not cut before drying, but the seed is squeezed out of it.
Apricots and dried apricots, unlike kaisa, are often found on sale, so everyone more or less knows what they look like. What is kaisa?
This dried fruit is very similar to dried apricots, so they are often confused, but upon closer examination the difference becomes obvious. The kaisa has a hole inside that remains after the seed is extracted. Dried apricots are only half of the fruit and do not have such a cavity. This is what the kaisa looks like:
Kaisa is often confused with apricots or dried apricots, but it is a separate type of dried fruit obtained from apricot
Interesting fact! It is believed that the birthplace of apricot is Armenia. It is not for nothing that the old botanical name of this fruit sounds like “Armenian Apple”.
The benefits of apricots
The indigenous people of Central Asia call apricots a divine gift. Women know it as the fruit of beauty. And in Tajikistan they even make an elixir of longevity from it. Why is he so famous? Its chemical composition will help us find out why Asians value apricots so much, what are the benefits and harms of this dried fruit.
Composition of apricots
Uruk has a chemical composition very rich in useful substances. It contains:
- vitamins – C, A, PP, E, B, beta-carotene;
- macroelements – phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium;
- microelements – iron;
- essential and essential amino acids – arginine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, glycine, serine, alanine;
- sugars – fructose, glucose, sucrose;
- saturated and unsaturated fatty acids;
- proteins;
- fats;
- carbohydrates.
Among vitamins, apricots are especially rich in tocopherol. Its content often reaches 6 mg per 100 g of product weight. There is also a lot of ascorbic acid - about 4 mg. B vitamins are represented mainly by thiamine and riboflavin. Of the minerals, potassium is especially noteworthy. Uryuk is a record holder for its content - as much as 1800 mg per 100 g of dried fruit. There are also macroelements necessary for human health such as phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. It contains only 3.2 mg of iron, however, this amount is quite enough to cover a quarter of the daily requirement.
As for nutritional value, apricots will give a few points of advantage to many other types of dried fruits. 100 g of product contains 242 kcal. However, this does not mean that overweight people cannot eat apricots. The high calorie content of this dried fruit does not prevent them from losing weight with its help. The thing is that the lion's share of calories comes from carbohydrates, which are quickly absorbed in the human body, causing a feeling of fullness. At the same time, they are not stored as excess fat, but are broken down, releasing a large amount of energy. This feature allows even diabetics to eat apricots, of course within reasonable limits and after prior consultation with a doctor.
Dried apricot fruits contain a lot of potassium, vitamins and other useful substances
Therapeutic effect
Due to its rich chemical composition, apricots have the following beneficial properties:
- diuretic
- restorative
- laxative
- expectorant
- hypotonic
- antioxidant
- antitumor
- tonic
- vitaminizing.
For overweight people, it will be useful information to know that apricots speed up cellular metabolism and help burn extra pounds. For headaches, it has an analgesic effect and strengthens blood vessels. For anemia – promotes the production of red blood cells, improves blood quality. Apricots also help relieve stress and stimulate digestion. It has a general rejuvenating effect on the human body, prevents the development of cancer cells, normalizes digestion, relieves swelling, and improves vision.
It is especially worth noting the effect that apricot seeds have on the body. The benefits and harms of these apricot seeds have not yet been fully studied, but there is evidence that the vitamin B17 they contain helps fight cancer cells. The so-called “apricot milk” is made from them, which is used as an antitussive. They also have antiparasitic properties and are used in the treatment of helminthic infestations.
Advice! When purchasing, pay attention to the color of the apricot. The bright, shiny color of the dried fruit will indicate its unnaturalness. It is better to give preference to faded, dark fruits.
Application in medicine
The healing properties of apricots have not gone unnoticed by doctors. It is used in the treatment and prevention of a wide variety of diseases. Cardiovascular diseases, intestinal disorders, colds, flu, nervous diseases - this is just a short list of ailments for which it is used.
Indications
Apricots, both dry and in infusion, are useful for the following diseases:
- migraine;
- hypertension;
- anemia;
- avitaminosis;
- oncology;
- thrombophlebitis;
- constipation;
- depression;
- neuroses;
- vascular dystonia;
- asthma;
- bronchitis;
- diabetes;
- osteoporosis;
- anemia;
- intestinal disorders.
Women will also be interested to know that apricots slow down the aging process and strengthen the structure of hair and nails. For old people, it prolongs life and maintains clarity of mind. The so-called long-livers drink is made from it, which is a water infusion of dried apricots. It is believed that regular use of this elixir can extend life to 120 years.
Regular consumption of apricots can relieve frequent headaches
Contraindications
Apricots have not only beneficial properties, but also contraindications. In particular, it should not be eaten by people with hypersensitivity to plant pigments. Simply put, with an allergy to brightly colored orange or red fruits. This is especially true for young children. It is also not recommended to abuse this dried fruit for the following diseases:
- hypotension;
- severe stage of diabetes;
- individual intolerance.
You should use apricots with caution when breastfeeding, as they can cause weakening of the baby’s intestines. People prone to overeating and diarrhea should also not eat it.
Why apricots are useful, how to use them and choose them, watch this video:
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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.
Use in cosmetology
Eating apricots daily helps improve skin, nails and hair.
In addition, the dried fruit is also used externally:
- They make cosmetic masks. In addition to apricots, cottage cheese, oatmeal, honey and other products are most often added to them. Such masks have a nourishing and rejuvenating effect. Before adding dried fruits to the mask, they are steamed with boiling water and allowed to brew for 1-2 hours.
- They make soap. Due to the apricots in the composition, it acquires a beautiful golden color and an incredibly delicate structure.
- Used for making scrubs. They do not require the apricot itself, but only the seed. It is first ground in a coffee grinder. It is important to remember that the finished scrub based on apricot kernels is rough, so it is most often suitable for foot care. This product is not suitable as a component for a facial scrub, as it can damage delicate skin.
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.
Video: what are the benefits of dried apricots?
Dried fruits are a very popular product among those who monitor their nutrition and health. They contain many useful elements, such as: fiber, which helps stimulate metabolism and quality digestion. potassium and minerals that help with the functioning of the heart and circulatory system. With their help, the intestines are cleansed, they can even help normalize the nervous and muscular systems of the body. Dried fruits include: dried apricots, prunes, raisins, dates, dried apples and dried pear slices.
Dried apricot, also called dried apricot, is one of the most nutritious and delicious dried fruits. What are the benefits of dried apricots? Does it have a negative effect on the body?
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.
Use in folk medicine
Due to the presence of a large amount of potassium in dried fruits, apricots are used for the following health problems:
- hypertension;
- excessive swelling of the body, including the legs and arms;
- arrhythmias;
- various disorders in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Apricots are good for getting rid of constipation. In this regard, even doctors recommend eating 4-5 berries during pregnancy, when problems with stool irregularity are observed. However, contraindications must be taken into account, otherwise, instead of benefit, you can cause harm to the body.
Dried fruits are also eaten to prevent the development of cancerous tumors. This becomes possible thanks to the beta-carotene content in berries, which protects the body from free radicals.
The main way to use apricots in medicine is to prepare a decoction or infusion. Dried fruits are poured with boiling water and infused for 24 hours. Often other dried fruits are added to apricots, for example: prunes, dried apples, figs and others.
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.
Possible harm of dried apricots
Taking into account excess sugars
The potential harm of dried apricots is in the large amount of carbohydrates, due to which the calorie content of dried apricots is also high. The moderate glycemic index softens the blow due to the significant proportion of fiber.
People who have problems with the absorption of glucose - from reduced glucose tolerance to established diabetes mellitus of both types - should not eat dried apricots.
Limiting dried apricots is also beneficial for those who suffer from increased flatulence, unstable stools and acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- It is important to remember that any healthy person can experience intestinal discomfort if they regularly eat more than 100 grams of sunny dried fruit.
How to treat dried apricots when losing weight?
The only weight loss diet that can fit a beauty into is proper nutrition with a balanced diet. It is used for gradual weight loss over several months and then becomes the basis of a healthy lifestyle. With such weight loss, you can eat dried apricots in a limited amount - up to 4 pieces. per day, no later than 16:00, and better not every day.
A profitable way is to eat dried fruits in salads that contain cabbage. Or with a fermented milk product of low or moderate fat content (cottage cheese, kefir, sugar-free yogurt). A good choice according to the regime is to have a snack with our heroine during the second breakfast or an early afternoon snack (before 16:30).
Toxins due to drying technology
In addition to sugars, improperly chosen dried fruits also cause harm to the body. Industrial drying enriches apricots with at least sulfur dioxide. This toxic inorganic compound is hidden on labels under the name E220. Or it is not indicated at all (!).
Due to sulfur dioxide, dried apricots look fleshy and very beautiful. It's lovely to look at the scattering of shades of optimistic orange on the shelves.
Unfortunately, the attractive dried fruits contain significant amounts of a dangerous toxin. If the body receives sulfur dioxide for a long time, it provokes allergic diseases, especially in the respiratory system. Up to 1% of people are hypersensitive to this substance; they risk many times more.
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
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 dry apricots to dried apricots at home
Dried apricots are halves of a fruit. After all, when whole apricots are dried without pits, they get kaisa. But people often confuse the names. All processed blanks are called dried apricots. These concepts have long been combined in everyday life.
Preparation instructions:
- Select apricots of moderate maturity with a smooth, uniform surface. You should not use too soft, juicy, or overripe specimens.
- Rinse off dust, preferably under running water.
- Remove the seeds, carefully separating the halves. If there are traces of spoilage or pests inside, we sort them at the same time.
- Boil water, add 2 tbsp for each liter. l. Sahara.
- Place the apricots in a colander and place in boiling water for a couple of minutes. Sometimes it lasts for a quarter of an hour. There is only a risk of ruining the shape of the pieces.
- Take it out. Leave in a colander to cool and drain.
It is allowed to treat prepared apricots with sulfur smoke. Then the dried slices retain their orange color. Tampons are sprinkled with sulfur powder and set on fire. It is important to know that the substance is poorly tolerated by some people, especially children.
Features of cooking dried apricots
Classic air drying method
Natural drying has been used since ancient times. The method is only suitable for southern regions. Duration is up to two weeks. Rains can ruin the workpiece at any time. Let's figure out how to dry apricots using dried apricots at home in the air.
Instructions:
- Cover the metal mesh with sheets of parchment.
- Place the prepared apricot slices cut side up, skin side down in an even layer.
- Place gauze on top. It will protect against insects.
- Place the apricots in a dark, drafty place. Make it through the day.
- Then dry in the sun. It is advisable to bring it indoors at night to protect it from moisture. There is no need to turn the dried slices over.
You should not use apricot with dark spots. When dried, these elements produce bitterness.
Cooking from the oven
Dried apricot halves also work great in the oven. The only point is that you need to watch carefully. The temperature should not rise above the specified parameters. It's important to let off steam. It is better to dry apricot fruits on a wire rack. Melon, figs, and carrots are also dried in the oven.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Line the racks with parchment and baking paper.
- Place the prepared apricot halves cut side up.
- Place in the oven. You can place several grids at once.
- Set the temperature to 50-60 degrees. Open the door a little. Turn on the heating.
- Leave for a couple of hours. Be sure to keep an eye on the dried slices.
- Take it out. Let the apricot sit on the counter for an hour to distribute moisture.
- Return to the oven, reduce temperature to 40 degrees. Bring the dried fruit to readiness.
There are recipes for the microwave. Drying apricots this way is difficult. Most often it turns out to be boiled fruit. It cannot be stored for long periods of time and loses most of its nutrients.
Drying apricots in an electric dryer
The optimal drying method has many advantages. An excellent solution for bad weather outside. Only technology has its own nuances. Let's find out how to properly dry apricots in an electric dryer. The method is identical to drying peaches.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Remove the mesh trays from the dryer.
- Arrange the prepared apricots, but cut side down. The convex side faces up.
- Return the trays to the device. Close.
- Turn on 60 degrees. Dry for 7-9 hours.
- As soon as the cut surface dries, turn all the dried slices over to the other side.
- Bring the apricots to readiness. On average, the total time is 15-18 hours. Much depends on the size of the apricots, including humidity and temperature.
- Before sending for storage, leave it on the table, let the workpiece lie for 5-6 hours, and cool completely.
To ensure uniform airflow, periodically swap the trays. Remove and reassemble the trays in reverse order.
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.
Healthy recipes with dried apricots
Dried apricots can be consumed unchanged or used to prepare various dishes and drinks.
Below are recipes that will allow you to reap all the benefits from dried apricots.
- Vitamin compote
Dried apricots (300 g) are washed with running water and soaked for 30 minutes. Next, dried fruits, filled with 3 liters of water, are placed on the fire.
Add 3-4 tbsp to the mixture. l sugar. The dried apricot compote is brought to a boil, removed from the heat and left for three hours.
- Mix with honey and other dried fruits
Dried apricot can be combined with other types of dried fruits (dried apricots and raisins); honey can be used instead of sugar.
For liver failure and indigestion, take the compote 30 minutes before meals.
Healthy people can take up to 500 ml during the day. The drink is also suitable for baby food.
- Chicken with dried fruits
In addition to chicken, the recipe contains ingredients such as onions - 2 pcs., tomatoes - 2 pcs., garlic, salt, spices - to taste, oil.
The cooking principle is as follows:
- the carcass is cut into portioned pieces (instead of chicken it is permissible to use any type of meat - duck, goose, rabbit, beef);
- the meat is processed with seasonings, salt and fried in a frying pan with a little added oil;
- tomatoes are scalded with boiling water and the skins are removed;
- apricots or dried apricots are soaked in hot water for 30 minutes and cut into small slices;
- chopped onion and garlic;
- All prepared ingredients are added to the chicken.
After half an hour, the dish is fully prepared and can be served.
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.
Compound
Apricots, the benefits and harms of which to the body depend on the quantity and method of consumption, contain the following components:
Component name | Effect on the human body |
Vitamin A | Helps maintain healthy vision and also helps normalize sex hormones. Slows down the aging process, provided that the vitamin is included in the daily menu. |
Vitamin C | Prevents aging and the development of cancer. Necessary for smokers, as their consumption of vitamin C doubles. |
Vitamin E | Promotes wound healing and supports cardiovascular health. |
Vitamin K | Improves the condition of bones and blood vessels. |
Vitamin B group | Helps normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Stabilizes intestinal function and strengthens the immune system. |
Cellulose | This component is necessary for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. |
Pectin | Helps normalize intestinal functions. |
Potassium and magnesium | These substances improve the functioning of the heart and cardiovascular system. |
Iron | Necessary to prevent anemia. |
Calcium and phosphorus | Helps maintain bone health. |
Carbohydrates | Presented in the form of sucrose and fructose, which nourish brain cells. |
The calorie content of the product is about 230 kcal. However, eating apricots, even when losing weight, despite its high calorie content, does not interfere with this process.
BZHU per 100 g of product is:
- Proteins – 3 g;
- Fats – 0.5 g;
- Carbohydrates – 53 g.
Due to its composition, apricots help reduce cholesterol levels and also help remove harmful substances from the body.
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 of apricots
Dried apricots contain a lot of dietary fiber ; a few pieces of dried fruit can maintain normal fiber levels. The fruit is considered the record holder for potassium content among dried fruits
.
It also contains the following beneficial substances :
- proteins;
- water;
- fats;
- ash; alimentary fiber;
- carbohydrates;
- alpha tocopherol;
- thiamine;
- ascorbic acid;
- riboflavin;
- niacin;
- beta-carotene;
- potassium;
- sodium;
- calcium;
- magnesium.
This product can be added to a weight loss program; it contains complex carbohydrates, which have the ability to suppress hunger for a long time and stimulate intestinal function. When consumed in small quantities, saccharides are converted from fats into energy
. From this, a person begins to feel a surge of vigor and strength.
The difference between apricots and dried apricots
The main difference between apricots and dried apricots is the technology for preparing the fruit ; dried apricots have a seed. But it also has other differences:
- Apricots are more popular and known than dried apricots. According to popular beliefs, the seed cannot be removed from the fruit, so as not to deprive it of its natural part.
- Usually the fruit with the stone is dried directly on the trees and is not subjected to chemical or thermal treatments. This makes it considered an environmentally friendly product for consumption and cheaper.
- Dried apricots contain fewer nutrients and have mainly only laxative properties.
Useful properties of dried apricots
The dried fruit contains a large amount of potassium. It improves the function of blood vessels and normalizes the contractility of the heart muscle
.
It also contains dietary fiber, which can combine harmful toxins and increase the volume of feces
. Dried apricots have the following properties:
- neutralize the effects of free radicals;
- strengthen the capillary wall, stimulate hemoglobin synthesis, improve blood counts, prevent the development of anemia, prevent blockage of veins;
- prevent cell mutation, improve cellular respiration;
- relieve excitement of the central nervous system, increase mental activity;
- normalize the condition of blood vessels, increase oxygen supply to the myocardium, reduce blood pressure;
- improve the functions of the stratum corneum, increase visual acuity;
- transform fat into energy, accelerate the removal of excess fluid from the human body
- strengthen bone tissue, normalize smooth muscle contraction processes;
- reduce pain during migraines.
To obtain a healing effect, you need to consume 150 grams of apricots in the first half of the day.
The benefits and harms of apricots
In complex therapy, apricots are useful for the following diseases:
- avitaminosis;
- anemia;
- arrhythmia, angina pectoris, heart failure, heart attack;
- arthritis, polyarthritis, arthrosis, osteoporosis, osteochondrosis, radiculitis, joint rheumatism;
- myopia, astigmatism;
- bronchitis, whooping cough, tracheitis;
- hypertension;
- headache, migraine;
- depression, neurosis;
- constipation;
- thrombophlebitis, vascular dystonia.
Antioxidants protect the body from inflammation, prevent the development of cancer, and protect cells from premature aging. With regular use, the dermis and epidermis will be renewed, elastin and collagen will be produced, skin health will be restored, and the body will get rid of toxins.
Nutrients strengthen the cardiovascular system, improve the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels and cleanse them of fatty plaques, and lower cholesterol levels. This is a good remedy for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Vitamins A, C and E increase and strengthen the immune system; it must be taken during periods of epidemics and if you are prone to colds. Compotes, decoctions and teas remove bacteria and harmful substances from the body and help fight symptoms.
Tea, compote or infusion of this dried fruit restores the functioning of the intestines and digestive system, regulates stable cleansing, and supports microflora. Uruk removes excess liquid and relieves swelling.
Apricots are also good for brain function. With high mental stress, you can use this fruit as a separate snack or prepare light desserts.
Uruk is a very healthy dried fruit, but it has its contraindications. There are contraindications for people who are hypersensitive to beta-carotene. People with chronic pathologies of the digestive tract, diabetes, and low blood pressure should use it with caution.
How to brew apricots correctly?
Pour dry fruits into a glass, and then pour them into an enamel bowl, pour a liter of boiling water and cover with a lid.
The dishes should be wrapped warmly and the apricots should be infused for 15 hours.
After this, the resulting compote must be strained, the swollen berries are eaten, and the liquid is drunk during the day. This infusion is useful for hypertension and constipation .
How to choose natural apricots?
If you purchase packaged products, pay attention to the labeling. When treated with chemicals, the packaging will be marked E220 - this is sulfur dioxide.
How to choose by appearance:
- External surface. The peel should be wrinkled and free from mold and defects.
- The color should have an inconspicuous appearance - the peel is wrinkled, matte, brown. With a shiny bright orange surface that is translucent in the light, this indicates that the product has been treated with sulfur dioxide.
- The structure of the dried fruit pulp should be dense and elastic; when pressed, it should not stick and release juice.
- The smell of natural apricots has an unobtrusive aroma of apricot without foreign impurities. Artificial fruits will smell like chemicals and soot.
- Natural apricots, which have ripened on the tree, have a sweet and sour aromatic pulp. If the fruits have a sugary honey center, it means they have been treated with sugar syrup.
Dried apricots
Uryuk is an apricot with a pit that has ripened on the branches of a tree and has a rich healing composition. Used for medicinal purposes, in cooking and cosmetology
. Only a high-quality product that has not been treated with chemicals can bring benefits.
Many people have a question, what is the difference between apricots and dried apricots. The basis of both types of dried fruits is apricot
.
Dried apricots are a dried product, which is usually represented by fruit halves
. Whole products, right with the seeds, are used to prepare apricots.
A special feature is the fact that with the right approach, drying of the workpieces is carried out directly on the tree. It is worth considering that not all apricots are suitable for creating such products, but only certain, rather rare varieties.
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 natural apricots?
When choosing high-quality and environmentally friendly apricots, you need to pay attention to the following main criteria:
- Color. You need to choose dark fruits. Often they may have a whitish coating. This is exactly what a real naturally dried apricot should be like. The bright orange apricot was clearly subjected to chemical treatment, due to which it retained its color. Therefore, if the main criterion is an IVF product, then attention should be paid to dried fruits that are unattractive at first glance, since most likely they were dried under natural conditions (for example, on a tree or under bright sunlight).
- Density. A quality product is dense and dry to the touch. Before eating, it must be steamed with boiling water.
- Aroma and taste. Dried fruit should have a sweet taste and rich aroma.
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.