What are the benefits of apricots and what kind of fruit is it?

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.

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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.

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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.

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;
• dried apricots;
• kaisa.

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 benefit. It is evidence that no chemicals were used in the production of dried fruits. This is what natural dried apricots look like:

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.

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.

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”.

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.

What are the benefits of dried apricots?

When consumed in reasonable quantities (no more than 100 g or 5-7 pieces per day), dried apricot will benefit your body. What are the preventive and therapeutic properties of this product?

For all

Doctors recommend including dried apricots in the diet to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Due to the high content of potassium and magnesium, dried fruits will help hypertensive patients reduce blood pressure and relieve swelling.

If you are prone to chronic constipation, eat 3-4 pieces of dried apricots daily. The product will enhance intestinal motility and help remove toxins, radionuclides, and heavy metal salts from the body.

In addition to orange dried fruits, green apricots have a laxative effect. They can be purchased from online organic food stores.

Dried fruits also have the following beneficial properties:

• improve thinking abilities, memory;
• protect the body from cancer due to its high content of antioxidants;
• participate in the synthesis of thyroid hormones and insulin;
• removes “bad” cholesterol from the body;
• treat hypovitaminosis;
• strengthen the immune system;
• increase hemoglobin production;
• have a positive effect on the functioning of the liver and kidneys.

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Wild (natural) dried apricots are considered the most valuable for health. It contains the maximum concentration of vitamins, minerals and is not treated with chemicals. It has a nondescript brown color. Wild dried apricots are supplied mainly by Türkiye to Russia.

For men

Dried apricots contain a large amount of substances that improve blood circulation, including in the pelvic organs. Doctors suggest that regular use of the product can increase potency. In addition, dried apricots stimulate the production of the hormone testosterone. Zinc from dry apricots increases sperm motility, improving reproductive function.

Orange dried fruits reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, a common disease among men over 45 years of age. And in general, they can be used to increase physical endurance.

For women

Dried apricots are very useful for women due to the presence of vitamins A, C, E, H. These are natural antioxidants that prolong youth. Hair becomes thicker and shinier, skin cells renew themselves faster, and nails stop peeling.

Dried apricots also contain folic acid. This substance normalizes hormonal levels, reduces pain during painful menstruation, and promotes favorable conception of a child.

Women are much more likely than men to have thyroid problems. And dried apricots contain two important microelements that protect this organ: iron and iodine. In addition, dry apricot calms the nervous system and helps resist chronic fatigue.

For children

The most valuable substance in dried apricots for children is vitamin A. It supports healthy muscle and bone growth. If a child has myopia, it is useful for him to eat not only blueberries, but also dried apricots.

Due to the presence of B vitamins, dry apricots improve mental abilities. This has a positive effect on grades at school. The child becomes more concentrated and easily remembers new information.

It is allowed to introduce dried apricots into a child’s diet from the age of 1 year.

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.

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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.

Benefits of dried apricot

The valuable properties of dried apricot make this dried fruit useful for all age groups.

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Benefits for children

Dried fruit is recommended for children, as it provides essential benefits for the body:

• improvement of vision during the period of intensive training;
• prevention of colds and infections;
• eliminating constipation and digestive problems.

Apricots in their natural form are a good substitute for white sugar, which is not very healthy for the body, so it is often added to baked goods and various desserts.

Dried apricot is introduced into the diet of a one-year-old child, starting with small quantities, and the dosage is increased gradually, provided that there is no allergic reaction and the development of adverse side effects (digestion, nausea, vomiting, flatulence).

Benefits for men

Dried apricots are also especially beneficial for men's health:

• restoration of muscle fibers, weight gain with regular exercise;
• when consuming dried fruit, the production of lactic acid is normalized;
• normalization of the work of the heart muscle due to the content of the maximum amount of potassium in the composition;
• ensuring good functioning of the prostate gland, improving potency, since the composition contains a sufficient amount of beta-carotene.

Benefits for women

Benefits of apricots for the female body:

• normalization of hemoglobin levels and prevention of anemia during pregnancy;
• elimination of constipation in late pregnancy;
• dried fruit is also used for tanning to obtain a bronze tan;
• the presence of an antispasmodic effect ensures the prevention of female infertility;
• stabilization of the blood clotting process.

Dried apricots can also be consumed during breastfeeding, as they contain essential nutrients that are necessary for the development and further growth of the baby. It is important to maintain moderate amounts of consumption to avoid the development of an allergic reaction in the baby.

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.

The use of apricots and dried apricots

Dried fruits are very popular , and are especially in demand during the winter season, when it is more difficult to purchase fresh fruits. Adherents of a healthy diet prefer dried fruits, replacing sweets and confectionery with them. Dried apricots and apricots are in particular demand, the benefits of which have been known for a long time.

Apricots and dried apricots are eaten in their natural form, compotes are made from them, and added to confectionery products. Due to their rich mineral composition, high fiber and vitamins, dried apricots are used in medicinal nutrition . Large amounts of sodium and magnesium in dried apricots and apricots have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.

People with iron deficiency in the blood can benefit from eating dried apricots. The amount of essential microelements in dried apricots and apricots is such that it is enough to eat 5 fruits to compensate for the lack of nutrients.

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.

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

In what form should you eat dried apricots?

You can eat dried apricots as a snack on their own or add them to porridge, cottage cheese, salads, baked goods, and desserts. Just remember to wash dried fruits first. Otherwise, chemicals, dust and dirt residues may enter the body. Manufacturers do not always comply with sanitary standards when storing dried apricots.

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Try making a vitamin mixture. You will need these ingredients:

• dried apricots – 200 g;
• walnuts – 200 g;
• raisins – 200 g;
• lemon – 1 piece;
• natural honey – 100 g.

Pass dried apricots, nuts and raisins through a meat grinder. Squeeze the juice from the lemon and add to the mixture. Now pour honey over the ingredients and mix everything thoroughly.

The vitamin mixture should be stored in the refrigerator. Use 1 table. spoon 2 times a day half an hour before meals. This way you will increase your body’s immune strength and feel great.

To prepare apricot urbech, the seeds, not the pulp, of dried apricots are used. The dessert is useful for treating kidney diseases, improving metabolism and preventing cancer.

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.

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How to dry dried apricots

Dried apricots, which are sold in stores, have a soft peel and a characteristic bright orange color due to the treatment of dried fruit with sulfur dioxide, which is not very beneficial for the body.

Dried fruit prepared at home has a dark brown color without shine. Step-by-step drying of dried apricots:

• apricot fruits are sorted and visible spoilage, rot and mold are eliminated;
• then rinse thoroughly under running water;
• All prepared apricots are divided into 2 halves.

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Drying is carried out on pre-prepared trays and stirred periodically to ensure uniform drying. From 5 kg of fresh fruit, only 1 kg of finished dried apricots is obtained.

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.

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When drying dried apricots in production, the separated halves are immersed in boiling water for 2 minutes and then treated with sulfur dioxide. This technology allows you to destroy bacteria, fungi, mold, give it a marketable appearance and extend the shelf life of dried apricots.

Processed dried apricots are dried in open spaces or in special ovens at a temperature of 50–60 degrees, ensuring mandatory air circulation. The preparation time at home is 7 days, and in production more than 18 days.

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.

When is it recommended to eat apricots?

Cardiovascular diseases

Dried apricot is a real concentrate of useful components: there are a lot of vitamins, micro- and macroelements. Eating apricots is important for many diseases:

1. Cardiovascular diseases – very often pathologies of the cardiovascular system are caused by a lack of potassium. Dried fruit, along with bananas, recognized as leaders in potassium content, helps fill the body with the necessary element and normalize the condition, reducing the risk of pathological conditions in the future.
2. Anemia - since the fetus contains a lot of iron, the product can improve the blood picture and significantly increase low hemoglobin levels. Considering this fact, the product is recommended for women while expecting a child.
3. Kidney disease or dysfunction - the mild diuretic property of dried apricots helps prevent fluid stagnation in the body.
4. Vitamin deficiency – a rich spectrum of vitamins found in the product allows you to support the body during seasonal diseases.
5. In case of decreased vision or eye fatigue as a result of significant visual stress, apricots help enrich the eyes with carotene and support the visual organs.
6. Magnesium is one of the most important elements for the body, which helps stabilize blood pressure and keep it at optimal levels.

Increased blood pressure

Based on this, we can identify diseases for which apricots are extremely useful:

• frequent paroxysmal headaches;
• increased blood pressure;
• disorders in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• low hemoglobin;
• increased bone fragility;
• diabetes;
• vitamin deficiency;
• malignant neoplasms;
• thrombophlebitis;
• tendency to constipation;
• bronchial asthma;
• neuroses, depressive states;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia.

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Apricots are especially attractive for women. It has been scientifically proven that the product slows down the aging process and helps strengthen the structure of hair and nails. In case of senile dementia, a drink based on dried fruits helps prevent degradation. Dry apricot is an excellent preventative against senile dementia.

It is believed that eating dried apricots can increase life expectancy.

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.

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 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.