Apricot kernels - health benefits and harms

Apricot is a fruit tree of the Pink family. According to one version, Armenia is considered to be his native land, he was brought to Europe by Alexander the Great during one of his campaigns.

Currently, this fruit tree grows in almost all warm countries. In the Russian Federation, apricot trees are bred in the Caucasus and in the southern regions of Primorye. China and Japan consider apricot fruits to be the property of the nation. Wild apricot plant can be found in the Himalayas, and in the western part of the North Caucasus.

Apricots are not only very tasty, but also contain many useful substances and minerals. Apricot kernels, unique in their chemical composition, are especially popular, they are used in many industries, but especially in cosmetology, medicine and cooking.

Oil obtained from apricot seeds has been known since the time of the Chinese emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Due to its ability to slow down the aging process, previously this product was valued more than gold, and was available only to members of ruling families.

Apricot kernels are used for food; they taste very similar to almonds. The daily dose of consumption is not more than 20 grams. Exceeding the specified amount can cause harm to the body, since grains contain hydrocyanic acid, which can cause severe poisoning of a person, even death.

Kernels are a very high-calorie product, the oil containing them is completely absorbed by the body, so overweight people should refrain from the desire to try the bones.

Chemical composition

1. Tocopherols are substances that prevent skin aging.
2. Carotene is a powerful antioxidant that reduces the harmful effects of free radicals on the body, prevents premature aging, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, and the occurrence of eye cataracts.
3. Vitamins A, B, C.
4. Vitamin B 15 (pangamic acid) - very useful for athletes, improves metabolism, enhances energy, reduces cravings for alcoholic beverages.
5. Vitamin F - is involved in the absorption of fats by the body, normalizes the processes of fat metabolism, removes excess cholesterol, strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
6. Vitamin PP (nicotinic acid) - is responsible for redox processes in tissues and cells.
7. Hydrocyanic acid - contained in very small doses, but with excessive consumption in food can cause fatal poisoning.
8. Vitamin B 17 - has a unique property for the prevention of cancer.

Trace elements:

1. Potassium - regulates the water-salt balance, calms the heart rhythm.
2. Iron - provides saturation of cells with oxygen, supports metabolism, improves the thyroid gland.
3. Sodium - activates the production of pancreatic enzymes.
4. Magnesium - protects the heart, calms the nervous system.
5. Calcium - normalizes blood pressure, promotes blood coagulation.

Amino acids:

1. Arginine - relaxes the walls of blood vessels, relieves spasm, relieves angina attacks.
2. Methionine is a substance that relieves intoxication of the body in various liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, poisoning with alcohol and toxic substances.
3. Valine is a source of muscle energy, a lack of this amino acid causes a weakening of immunity, memory impairment, and sleep disturbance.

Benefit and Application

Apricot kernels are similar in composition to the almond kernels, therefore, according to the USSR State Pharmacopoeia, their use as a substitute for bitter almonds is allowed. Besides:

1. In cooking, grains replace almonds, they are added to various confectionery products.
2. Used as a component for sports nutrition - a source of additional energy.
3. According to the USSR State Pharmacopoeia, almond milk is squeezed out of the seeds, which has a pleasant taste and is used in a vegetarian diet. It contains no cholesterol and lactose - suitable for people with intolerance to cow's milk.
4. They contain a lot of oil used for medicinal purposes as a solvent for medicines such as camphor, for the preparation of injections, as a basis for oily ointments.
5. In cosmetology, apricot oil is used as a component for anti-aging lotions, creams and balms.
6. Almond water is made from bitter seeds and is used in the treatment of bronchitis, whooping cough, and asthma.
7. The crushed apricot kernels are used as a scrub to cleanse the skin of dead cells.
8. Burnt grains are used to make carcasses.
9. In China, for a long time I use apricot kernels as a remedy for calming a strong cough.
10. They have a histogenic effect, destroy and remove parasites from the body.
11. Herbal tea with apricot kernels is useful for people with heart and vascular diseases. With regular use strengthens the walls of blood vessels, prevents the formation of blood clots.
12. Apricot bones improve and cleanse the blood, help fight against anemia, joint diseases.
13. Flatulence, dysbiosis, gastrointestinal diseases are treated.
14. Reduce blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
15. They have a preventive effect in case of eye diseases.
16. Reduce the intoxication of the body with drug and alcohol poisoning.
17. Strengthen the immune system, increase the vitality of the body.
18. Due to the content of vitamin B 17, it is actively used for the treatment of cancer. The cyanide contained in them, when ingested, has a detrimental effect on atypical cells.

Recipes

Apricot kernels are eaten raw, fried in a pan or in the oven. After heat treatment, the amount of hydrocyanic acid in the product is significantly reduced, and the nuclei become almost harmless.

1. With a strong cough, it is recommended to eat up to 12 grams daily. product. The substances contained in it help to thin and remove sputum from the lungs.
2. For the expulsion of worms and giardia, bones are also used raw.
3. Tincture will help with joint diseases. To prepare it, you need to grind 1 cup of nucleoli and pour 0.5 liters. alcohol. Pour into a bottle, close tightly with a lid, put on the sunny side. After 21 days, the suspension is ready. Apply it for rubbing and compresses.
4. With diabetes, phytotea from seeds will help - brew 6-8 pieces of boiling water and drink twice a day after meals.
5. Apricot ash cleanses the blood - 2 cups of grains are cleaned, the shell is dried in the oven, crushed and taken 1 teaspoon once a day before meals. The kernels themselves need to be ground and steamed in 200 ml of boiling water.
6. For the general strengthening of the body, raising immunity and a surge of vitality, apricot milk is used - 200 gr. Dip grains in 600 ml of water for 3 hours. When the kernels swell, change the water, beat with a blender. Filter the drink and eat it.

In Dagestan, urbec is cooked - apricot kernels, butter and honey are mixed in equal proportions. The mixture is heated in a steam bath until thickened, cooled and eat for dessert. Urbek is very useful for:

• decreased immunity in the cold season;
• helps to improve digestion;
• normalizes metabolism;
• restores skin tissue;
• improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
• positive effect on potency.

Contraindications

Especially do not eat bitter and old grains. The degree of bitterness depends on the amount of B 17 content, and long-standing nuclei have the ability to accumulate hydrocyanic acid.

Symptoms of cyanide poisoning are:

• nausea;
• dryness and sore throat;
• general weakness throughout the body;
• headache.

If you find the above conditions, you should immediately seek medical help.

In addition to the danger of poisoning, it is not recommended to eat apricot kernels in the following cases:

• in acute and chronic liver diseases;
• with thyroid problems;
• during pregnancy and lactation;
• with individual intolerance to the drug.

Patients with diabetes should consume fruit kernels strictly under the supervision of the attending physician.

Video: useful properties of apricot kernels