Apricot pits - health benefits

Apricot is a fruit tree of the Pink family. Armenia is considered to be its birthplace; according to one of the versions, it was introduced to Europe by Alexander the Great during one of his hikes.

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 the apricot fruit 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 a lot of useful substances and trace elements. Apricot pits, unique in their chemical composition, are widely spread, they are used in many industries, but especially in cosmetology, medicine and cooking.

Oil obtained from apricot seeds has been known since the times of the Chinese emperors of the Ming dynasty. Due to the property of slowing the aging process, this product was previously valued more than gold, and was available only to members of the ruling families.

Apricot stones are used in food, to taste they are 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, as the composition of the grains includes hydrocyanic acid, which can cause severe poisoning of a person, up to a lethal outcome.

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

Chemical composition

1. Tocopherols - substances that prevent skin aging.
2. Carotene is a strong antioxidant that reduces the harmful effects on the body of free radicals, prevents premature aging, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and cataracts of the eye.
3. Vitamins A, B, C.
4. Vitamin B 15 (pangamic acid) is very useful for athletes, improves metabolism, increases energy, reduces cravings for alcoholic beverages.
5. Vitamin F - is involved in the absorption of fat 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 the redox processes in tissues and cells.
7. Hydrocyanic acid - is contained in very small doses, but when consumed excessively in food can cause fatal poisoning.
8. Vitamin B 17 - has the unique property of preventing cancer.

Trace elements:

1. Potassium - regulates the water-salt balance, soothes the heart rhythm.
2. Iron - provides saturation of cells with oxygen, supports metabolism, improves the functioning of 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 clotting.

Amino acids:

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

Use and application

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

1. In cooking, grain is replaced by 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 with a pleasant taste, used in a vegetarian diet, is squeezed from the seeds. 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 drugs, 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 rejuvenating lotions, creams and balms.
6. The almond water used in the treatment of bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma is made from bitter pits.
7. Ground apricot kernels are used as a scrub to cleanse the skin from dead cells.
8. Peeled grains are used for making carcasses.
9. In China, for a long time, apricot stones have been used as a means of calming a strong cough.
10. Have a histogenic effect, destroy and remove from the body of parasites.
11. Herbal tea with apricot kernels is useful for people with diseases of the heart and blood vessels. With regular use strengthens the walls of blood vessels, prevents the occurrence of blood clots.
12. They improve and purify apricot kernels blood, help fight anemia, diseases of the joints.
13. Treat flatulence, dysbiosis, gastrointestinal diseases.
14. Reduce the amount of sugar in the blood in diabetes of the 2nd insulin-dependent type.
15. They have a preventive effect on eye diseases.
16. Reduce the intoxication of the body with drug and alcohol poisoning.
17. Strengthen the immune system, help to increase the vitality of the body.
18. Due to the content of vitamin B 17, they are 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 cores become almost harmless.

1. With a strong cough, it is recommended to eat daily up to 12 grams. product. Substances contained in it help to dilute and remove sputum from the lungs.
2. For expelling worms and lamblia bones are also used raw.
3. Tincture helps with diseases of the joints. For its preparation is required to grind 1 cup of nucleoli and pour 0.5 liters. of alcohol. Pour into a bottle, tightly close the lid, put on the sunny side. After 21 days the suspension is ready. Apply it for grinding and compresses.
4. With diabetes, phytotea from the seeds will help - 6-8 pieces to boil with boiling water and drink twice a day after meals.
5. Apricot ash cleans the blood - 2 glasses of grains are cleaned, the shell is dried in the oven, crushed and taken 1 tsp. 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 the immune system and a surge of vitality using apricot milk - 200 gr.grains immersed in 600 ml of water for 3 hours. When the kernels swell, change the water, beat with a blender. Drink filter and eat.

In Dagestan, Urbech is prepared - apricot stones, butter and honey are mixed in equal proportions. The mixture is heated on a steam bath until thickened, cooled and eaten for dessert. Urbech is very useful for:

• reduced immunity during 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 it is not necessary to eat bitter and old grains. The degree of bitterness depends on the amount of content In 17, and old kernels have the ability to accumulate hydrocyanic acid.

Symptoms of cyanide poisoning are:

• nausea;
• dryness and sore throat;
• general weakness in the whole 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 seeds in the following cases:

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

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

Video: useful properties of apricot seeds