Is it possible to eat apricot pits, useful properties and harm, contraindications
Many unknowingly, after eating apricots, throw away the seeds of the fruit, depriving themselves of a valuable and useful product. The unique properties of the grains were recognized in ancient times by Chinese healers, who widely used fruits for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. In order to obtain the desired effect, it is important to know about the benefits and harms of apricot kernels.
The chemical composition of the bone
The beneficial qualities of apricot kernels are due to the unique composition of the kernels. The calorie content of 100 g of the product is 520 kcal. Nuts contain:
- several types of acids useful for the body that have a beneficial effect on the work of human internal organs;
- vitamins of group A, B, PP;
- a large amount of minerals;
- phospholipids;
- tocopherol.
Amygdalin contained in the bones belongs to the group of anti-cancer agents. Due to the high amount of antioxidants, nuts are often used in cosmetics and in anti-aging mask recipes. The consumption of grains can quickly restore the deficiency of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus. Due to the high iron content, the product is able to normalize the level of hemoglobin, and have a positive effect on the circulatory system.
Apricot kernels contain a high concentration of hydrocyanic acid, so they must be taken taking into account safety measures and not exceed the permissible amount.
The benefits and harms of seeds. Allowable rate per day
Apricot pits are used in various fields of medicine, cooking and cosmetology. Nuts are often used in alternative therapy recipes as a component for the preparation of medicinal products. The following properties are attributed to grains:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiseptic;
- immunostimulating;
- anti-cancer;
- anthelmintic;
- regenerating.
The beneficial properties of the product can be nullified if the permissible norm for the use of nuts per day is exceeded, since it is possible to get poisoning with hydrocyanic acid. The age and weight of the person are taken into account when determining the limit. The generally accepted rule for calculating the norm for an adult is the observance of the ratio - 1 apricot seed for every 5 kg of human weight.
For women
For women, eating enough apricot kernels has a beneficial effect on health, since nuts are high in fatty acids. They allow to slow down the aging process, help restore hormonal levels and normalize the protective properties of the body.
Thanks to the high content of oils, vitamins and minerals, it has a positive effect on the entire body.
The number of seeds up to 10 pieces is considered the norm for women. Grains are taken not only internally. They are used to make masks for the face and body, and with oil they restore the structure and shine of the hair. Pregnant women and women during breastfeeding are not advised to consume grains, since apricot is considered a strong allergen.
For men
For the body of men, the benefits are associated with the high content of fat and protein in apricot nuts, therefore the product is often included in the diet of athletes and those who want to gain weight. In its composition, 29% is oleic acid, which is considered a unique source of energy, and when consumed, lipids are better absorbed.
The intake of grains is recommended for those whose work requires large physical costs. Adults can eat 20 to 40 grains a day. With regular consumption, due to the content of linoleic acid in grains, the level of cholesterol in the body decreases, which contributes to the normalization of the work of the heart muscle.
For kids
Due to the high content of hydrocyanic acid in a young child, it is not recommended to give a child more than 1 bone. It is believed that you can give as many grains as the baby is years old. Heat treatment of the product allows to reduce the content of a hazardous substance in nuts.
For what diseases is it recommended to use
The list of diseases in which it is recommended to eat grains is quite wide. They are used raw and as an ingredient in the preparation of medicinal products. To obtain benefits for the body, do not exceed the norm of nuts.
Grain infusions for epilepsy
In the fight against epilepsy, apricot juice is used, which is consumed at 0.5 liters per day. The nucleoli help to increase the body's resistance to diseases of various kinds, to increase the efficiency of all internal organs. Course admission should be 30 days, after which they take a break.
With the threat of convulsive conditions, a decoction is prepared for oral administration. To do this, take 8 tsp. apricot kernels, pour 200 ml of hot water over them for 4 hours. The tool is taken 3 times a day before meals, 65 ml.
Reception of raw kernels in oncology
The medicinal properties of apricot seeds are often touted as an anti-cancer agent. At the same time, there is no official confirmation and scientific research in terms of the effectiveness of the fight against bones with malignant tumors.
However, today such a component can be found in the composition of many dietary supplements and additives used for food for cancer. Alternative medicine advises to eat 40 g apricot kernels, dividing the specified rate into 3 doses. The course of treatment is 1.5 weeks, after which they take a break.
Decoction for conjunctivitis
With conjunctivitis, a decoction based on apricot pits is used, which is applied to the eye area in the form of lotions for 15 minutes. For its preparation, take 3 tsp. kernels of apricots and pour 100 ml of boiling water for 4 hours.
Use in inflammatory lung diseases
Apricot kernels are considered a unique remedy for the treatment of respiratory diseases. The use of such a product promotes the discharge of phlegm, therefore, nuts are often used for bronchitis and whooping cough. To get rid of cough in the diet daily include 1 tbsp. l. chopped nuts.
During the period of weakening of the body, nuts are used as a strong immunostimulating agent, and due to the high content of vitamins and minerals, they are often included in the diet of patients. To combat avitaminosis, 20 g of grains are mixed with 4 tbsp. l. honey and crushed zest, this mixture is consumed on an empty stomach daily for 1 tsp.
Apricot kernels for respiratory diseases can be eaten fresh or decoctions with medicinal herbs can be prepared. For their preparation, the most effective use of thyme, chamomile flowers and coltsfoot. Gargling with such infusions solves the problem of sore throat, which often accompanies colds.
For joint pain
To prepare rubbing for legs and joints, prepare a product from 500 ml of vodka and 1 glass of crushed grains. The tincture is removed for 3 weeks, after which it is used as directed.
With arrhythmia
In case of instability of the heart rate, it is recommended to take apricot-based teas. In order to cleanse and normalize the composition of the blood, it is recommended to take 1 tsp orally on an empty stomach. nuts burned to ash. To make a medicinal product, you must:
- chop 0.5 kg of lemon on a grater;
- add 20 apricot kernels;
- pour 0.5 liters of liquid honey;
- stir and keep for 3 days in a cool place.
This remedy is taken in the morning and evening for 1 tbsp. l.
Against helminths
Apricot kernels are considered an excellent remedy for worms. For these purposes, they are consumed fresh on an empty stomach. The components of nuts have a depressing effect on pathogenic microorganisms, therefore, they contribute to the normalization of microflora in case of dysbiosis.
Existing contraindications for oral administration
Only high-quality apricot seeds are suitable for food. Grains with an expired shelf life that have a rancid taste should not be consumed... When deciding whether to eat and eat nuts, it is necessary to take into account the presence of certain diseases. Cannot be included in the diet for the following pathologies:
- diabetes;
- acute phase of liver disease;
- disturbances in the work of the endocrine system;
- problems with the functioning of the digestive system;
- intolerance to apricot nuts;
- the state of pregnancy.
Excessive consumption of apricot kernels is fraught with hydrocyanic acid poisoning. The maximum concentration of the substance is observed after 5 hours from the moment of administration. At the same time, a person experiences a severe headache, he is nauseous, and suffers from spasms, pain in the abdomen can be observed. With severe poisoning, convulsions begin, and heart failure can be provoked.
The use of nuts in cosmetology and cooking
Apricot nuts found their application in the field of cosmetology as early as the 15th century, when the cost of such a product was comparable to the price of gold. Today, oil can often be seen in shampoos, creams, masks and other cosmetics. It is used as a component that perfectly nourishes the skin, gives it elasticity, promotes faster healing of wounds and prevents aging.
The ability of the oil to lay down in a thin layer leads to the fact that the access of air to the cells is not blocked. For hair, such a component becomes "invigorating", as they acquire shine, silkiness and volume.
If you want to use the power of apricot kernels, you can use the following recipes:
- cleansing mask - oatmeal and milk are mixed in a 1: 1 ratio, after 5 minutes 1 tsp is added. butter and honey;
- moisturizer - 1 yolk combined with 1 tsp. oils applied to face or body for 30 minutes;
- for hair - 1 tbsp. l. apricot oil and 2 drops of lavender are applied to hair for 30 minutes, after which they are washed.
Today it is customary to add grains to confectionery and flour products.Bitter nuts are more commonly used ground to create a unique nutty flavor. Sunflower seeds are used to make ice cream, desserts, fermented milk products. Jam with apricot pits is considered one of the best delicacies. Oil is practically not used in cooking.
How and how much are stored apricot seeds
You can store apricot pits whole or peeled. The first option allows you to extend the shelf life of nuts and contributes to better preservation of their beneficial properties. The recommended duration is 1 year.
Over time, the level of hydrocyanic acid rises in the product, and it becomes unusable. It is quite easy to recognize spoiled seeds as they acquire a bitter taste. It is correct to keep the grains in an airtight container, out of the sun's rays.
