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As children, we were told that apricot pits can be very dangerous, so you should never eat them. However, even in ancient times, the bones of this plant were known for their beneficial properties. In the article we will talk about the benefits and harms of apricot kernels, and what to believe.
Composition and calorie content of apricot kernels
Let’s start with the fact that the procedure for separating apricot kernels from the fleshy part is quite laborious. For this reason, the delicacy was for a long time available only to the rich classes.
The composition of this product includes a variety of useful elements, and their concentration is quite large. For example, there you can find calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, iron, as well as vitamins A, B, C, E and F.
If we talk about calories, it is quite high – 520 kcal. Also, apricot kernels contain a large percentage of oils, which allows them to be used in the production of cosmetics.
Video “Useful properties of apricot kernels”
From this video you will learn how apricot pits can be useful.
Useful and medicinal properties
Now let’s take a closer look at the benefits of this miraculous product.
For men
It is believed that apricot kernels will be useful for men in several ways.
Firstly, the product will be useful for those who plan to have children: the bones contain a high concentration of vitamin E, which directly affects fertility.
Secondly, the product is high-calorie and contains a large amount of vegetable protein. For this reason, for those who increase body weight, it will definitely come in handy.
For women
But women are recommended to take this product, because it has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair. In addition, the substances contained in the nucleoli help strengthen cartilage and joint tissue. Bones are actively used in cosmetology, but we will talk about this a little later.
During pregnancy, it is better not to use apricot kernels: despite the beneficial properties, they can harm the fetus. Therefore, given the risks, it is better to protect yourself and your child.
For diseases
The product is actively used for liver diseases and colds. Now let’s look at each case separately:
- Liver diseases. People suffering from cirrhosis, hepatic vein thrombosis and pilethrombosis are advised to prepare a tincture of apricot kernels. To do this, the nucleoli (20 g) are poured into 200 ml of warm water and left overnight to infuse the mixture. After that, the resulting infusion is drunk 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. l. before eating.
- Cold. If you have a cold, you can try to help the body using apricot kernels. You will need 3 tbsp. l. honey, lemon zest, nuts and apricot kernels (20 g each). Crush the nuts and seeds, mix with the rest of the ingredients and eat 1 tsp each. in a day.
The use of apricot kernels
Now let’s talk in more detail about how many different ways there are to use apricot pits.
In cooking
Apricot kernels are actively used in culinary business. There are several good ways to diversify your daily menu and make it more sophisticated.
So, the nucleoli can be used to make a variety of desserts (from pastries to waffles with ice cream). You can also add this ingredient in the preparation of jams and preserves.
Some gourmets add apricot kernels to salad, mixing them with herbs, butter and hard cheese.
Author’s advice
In cosmetology
This product is often used in cosmetology. From it you can make several beauty products that will help you always look great. Although you need to take into account the characteristics of the skin and be prepared for the fact that the product will not suit you.
Oil for face and hair
It is believed that apricot oil is equally well suited for all skin types – from dry to oily and problematic. Therefore, it has many uses: makeup base, cream, and even an ingredient for masks.
For example, a nourishing and moisturizing mask is prepared as follows:
- We mix 1 tbsp. l. oils and 1 tsp. sour cream.
- Apply this mixture on cleansed face and wash off after 20 minutes.
And here is how you can prepare a hair mask:
- We take 2 tbsp. l. coconut and apricot oils.
- Mix the oils and apply to the hair (when applying, avoid areas at the very roots).
- Leave the mask on for 1-2 hours, then rinse off.
Facial scrub
Another interesting use of apricot kernels is to make a facial scrub. Scrubs are essential as they exfoliate dry skin and help the face stay fresh.
Usually the face is scrubbed before applying nourishing masks.
How to make a scrub:
- We take chopped apricot pits and 1 tbsp. l. cosmetic oil (any).
- Mix the ingredients and apply on the face with massaging movements.
- After scrubbing, wash your face thoroughly and apply a soothing cream or mask.
In medicine
Apricot kernels are used even in the field of medicine. Now let’s take a closer look at what they are advised to use.
Against oncology
It is believed that apricot kernels can help against cancer. This is a fairly common method. Usually, wild apricot fruits are used, always fresh and ripe. It is believed that the patient will feel better if you consume up to 10 seeds a day for three months. However, in no case do not give up medication!
For weight gain
Since the bones themselves are very high in calories and contain a large amount of protein, they are used to gain muscle mass. However, here we advise you to turn to professionals who will help you make a suitable diet.
For heart disease
It is believed that by consuming the pulp and oils contained in the seeds, a person helps the cardiovascular system. However, if you have heart problems, first contact your doctor and consult with him. Self-medication can be hazardous to health.
Against helminths
There are cases when eating a small amount of raw apricot kernels helped fight helminths. However, here, as in previous cases, it is better to go to the hospital, and not rely on traditional medicine.
Contraindications and possible harm
We have already talked about how useful apricot pits are. Now consider what contraindications this miraculous product has.
The composition of the nuclei, in addition to useful elements, includes poisons. One of them is cyanide, which is absolutely harmless in small doses, but at high concentration causes irreparable harm to the body.
Bitter kernels should not be eaten because they contain a large amount of hydrocyanic acid.
The product is not recommended for use by pregnant and lactating women, allergy sufferers, people suffering from diabetes mellitus, exacerbated liver diseases and thyroid disorders.
Is it possible to get poisoned by apricot kernels
The answer is unequivocal: apricot pits can be poisonous. This happens if you eat stale or improperly processed kernels. We have already said that they contain cyanide and hydrocyanic acid, and they cause poisoning.
Symptoms of such poisoning:
- weakness;
- difficulty breathing, sore throat;
- aching headache;
- pain in the abdomen, as from overeating;
- nausea;
- panic.
If you experience these symptoms, call an ambulance immediately. While the doctors are on the way, wash the patient’s stomach and give activated charcoal.
So, we examined a very interesting product – apricot pits. Despite the fact that the nucleoli contain a lot of useful elements, they can be of great danger. Therefore, we advise you to consult with your doctor before use, and only use this product with his consent.