Contents
Dried is dried apricot halves, but pitted. Dried apricots are considered a favorite delicacy among gourmets. This dried fruit is widely used in cooking. But dried apricots gained popularity not only because of their culinary qualities, but also due to the undeniable benefits of the nutrients included in its composition.
This is a valuable product that is in the first place in terms of its nutritional quality among other dried fruits. People have long discovered the benefits of dried apricots and are actively using it. Dried apricots have found their application not only in cooking, but also in medicine, as well as in cosmetology.
General benefits
1. Fights anemia.
Dried apricots are a rich source of iron, it is this element that fights anemia. The inclusion of dried apricots in the diet helps to increase hemoglobin.
2. Relieves constipation.
Dried apricots contain pectin and cellulose, they act as a laxative and help cure constipation. In addition, for constipation, pectin helps maintain the required level of water in the body. Acting on the body as a laxative, dried apricots restore the work of the digestive tract. To stimulate digestion, dried fruit is recommended to be consumed before meals.
3. Is a diuretic.
Doctors recommend using dried apricots and a decoction of this dried fruit for people who have kidney problems. The infusion helps to remove sand and small stones, and also prevents their further formation.
4. Helps to lose weight.
When following a diet, dried apricots are often used. Despite the calorie content and the sugar contained in it, dried apricots contribute to weight loss. The daily rate for getting rid of extra pounds is no more than 25 grams per day. In this mode, “harmful” cholesterol and accumulated unhealthy substances are removed from the body.
5. Serves as a prophylaxis for thrombus formation.
It is useful for people with varicose veins to include dried apricots in their diet. The pectin contained in the product removes heavy metals and radionuclides, and dietary fiber accelerates metabolic processes. Dried apricots remove cholesterol from the body, cleanses blood vessels, making them elastic and strong, thereby preventing the formation of blood clots.
6. Needed for beriberi.
The dried apricots contain a sufficient amount of vitamins that increase the protective functions of the body in case of vitamin deficiency. To avoid infection with helminths, dried apricots are useful not only for adults, but also for children.
7. Has antipyretic properties.
Dried apricots help reduce fever and restore the body after a serious illness or surgery. The product perfectly relieves headaches and cures migraines.
8. Improves eyesight.
The carotenoids included in dried apricots have a beneficial effect on vision. The elements prevent the formation of cataracts, strengthen the muscles of the eyes. Therefore, people with poor eyesight need to include dried apricots in their menu.
9. Increases physical endurance.
Often, when drawing up a diet for athletes, coaches include dried apricots in their diet. This dried fruit boosts stamina. In addition, it strengthens bones and helps to quickly gain muscle mass.
10. Activates mental ability.
Regular use of dried apricots is useful for those people whose daily activities are associated with mental work and thinking. That is why it is recommended to include dried apricots and other dried fruits in the menu for schoolchildren and students, especially for the period of exams. Phosphorus, which is part of dried apricots, promotes mental activity.
11. Displays extra liquid of organism.
With a decoction of dried apricots, excess liquid is removed, thereby getting rid of puffiness. This property of dried fruit is highly valued by pregnant women and people with varicose veins.
12. Strengthens the heart.
Dried apricots are simply necessary for cores. The high composition of potassium salts in dried fruit has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system of patients. Blood pressure returns to normal, hemoglobin level rises. It is recommended to use dried apricots for anemia, anemia.
Fresh apricots are rich in potassium, while dried fruits are even more abundant. Together with sodium, potassium regulates the balance of extracellular and intracellular water levels in the body. This property of potassium supports healthy blood pressure.
13. Prevents the leaching of potassium from the body.
It is useful for everyone who takes diuretics to consume dried apricots, as it prevents the leaching of potassium from the body. In addition, it helps cleanse the body and normalizes intestinal motility.
14. Loaded with fiber.
Dried apricots are considered an excellent source of dietary fiber. It is rich in soluble fiber, which turns into a gelatinous substance and combines fatty acids to remove waste from the body. This quality allows you to remove excess cholesterol from the blood. Dried fruit ensures a natural and regular bowel movement.
15. Useful for other body systems.
Vitamins and trace elements that make up dried apricots help not only restore vision, but also improve the quality of hair, skin condition, and restore youth and beauty to a person. Correct use of dried apricots reduces the risk of malignant tumors. A decoction of dried apricots and an infusion from it help to get rid of problems of the genitourinary sphere.
Benefits for women
The constant consumption of dried apricots by women not only has a beneficial effect on the entire body as a whole, but also helps to cope with many problems inherent in the fair sex.
16. Normalizes hormones.
Dried apricots are considered an indispensable product for women who have problems with hormonal levels, endocrine system and thyroid gland. To eliminate these ailments, it is enough to eat 50 grams of dried fruit a day, having previously subjected it to heat treatment.
17. Indispensable for pregnant women.
During pregnancy, the kidneys and heart of a woman receive additional stress. To reduce pressure and naturally remove excess fluid from the body, doctors advise using dried apricots. In addition, dried apricots perfectly strengthen the immunity of a pregnant woman, increase the level of hemoglobin.
Dried fruits normalize the work of the pancreas and cleanse the liver of toxins. One of the advantages of dried apricots is the presence of fiber, which contributes to the proper formation of the fetus. By consuming dried apricots during pregnancy, a woman will get rid of problems such as hair loss and dental disease.
18. Tones up the body.
Dried apricot compote perfectly tones the body and quenches thirst, fights the first signs of a cold, cleanses the kidneys. Consuming compote relieves heartburn, and pregnant women can forget about toxicosis. In addition, it is also recommended to use dried apricots for women who have a hard time tolerating the menstrual cycle; it not only relieves pain, but also regulates the amount of discharge.
Skin Benefits
19. Included in face masks.
On the basis of dried apricots, you can make a face mask or add dried fruit pulp to a ready-made mask and apply on the face or décolleté. This mask perfectly nourishes and moisturizes the skin. Cosmetologists all over the world have long noticed the miraculous power of dried apricots for beauty in the field of rejuvenation.
Women who at least once in their lives managed to experience the effect of this dried fruit notice an amazing effect. Dried apricots are a part of many professional anti-aging masks and serums.
20. Treats inflammation and rashes on the face.
In addition to the rejuvenating effect, dried apricot masks also have antibacterial properties, they fight acne and all sorts of rashes, and improve the complexion.
21. Heals calluses and wounds.
If you are often bothered by corns, you need to put the dried fruit steamed in hot water on cleansed damaged skin, wrap with a bandage and leave for 15 minutes. Small cuts can also be healed with dried apricots.
22. Improves skin condition.
Vitamins of group A and B improve the condition of the skin, renew the skin, making it younger and cleaner. And the frequent use of dried apricots is considered the prevention of skin cancer.
Hair Benefits
23. Heals hair.
A mask based on dried apricots helps to heal split ends. In addition, using dried apricots, you can get rid of dandruff and improve hair growth.
Benefits for men
Men who care about their health should know that the use of dried apricots helps to cope with many male diseases and pathologies.
24. Participates in the synthesis of sex hormones.
The elements that make up dried apricots are actively involved in the synthesis of sex hormones, which is necessary for the full production of the male hormone testosterone. Dried fruit enhances desire and potency.
Therefore, men with similar problems should always have dried apricots in their diet. This product is great for boosting libido.
25. Saturates bone tissue with minerals.
The high calcium content in dried fruit saturates the bone tissue, while testosterone is completely free for other functions. The nicotinic acid contained in dried apricots perfectly cleans blood vessels and normalizes blood circulation.
A proper blood supply leads to proper functioning of the testes and increases the sperm renewal process.
26. Restores potency.
The high fiber content in dried apricots has a beneficial effect on blood circulation in the male genitals, thereby increasing potency. Correct blood supply to the genitals leads to the active work of the testicles for the synthesis of androgens, positively affecting the hormonal background.
27. Prevention of sexual dysfunctions.
In most cases, the causes of sexual dysfunction is a deficiency of vitamins and nutrients in the body. At the same time, dried apricots are considered the best way to prevent such phenomena. By improving bowel function, it prevents the development of prostatitis and urological diseases.
28. Restores the cardiovascular system.
The potassium and magnesium contained in dried apricots help to improve the functioning of the heart. Eating dried fruit prevents muscle cramps during strenuous exercise. Blood pressure returns to normal and blood vessels are cleaned.
This effect is achieved thanks to nicotinic acid. Athletes note that dried apricots are an excellent substitute for sugar, baked goods and chocolate.
Harm and contraindications
1. Not recommended for people with bowel disorders.
Excessive consumption of dried apricots for problems with the stomach and intestines can lead to the opposite effect and aggravate existing diseases.
2. Contraindicated for diabetics.
People with diabetes need to be careful when using dried apricots as a medicine. After all, dried apricots have a high content of glucose and fructose. Despite the fact that it is a natural substitute for sugar, excessive consumption of dried apricots by diabetics can provoke an attack of hypoxemia.
3. Not recommended for overweight people.
Those who are obese at any stage are not recommended to consume dried apricots. However, nutritionists do not forbid such people to do fasting days on the basis of dried apricots once a week. To do this, you need to divide 500 grams of dried apricots into 5-6 meals. All this should be accompanied by drinking sugar-free water.
4. Do not use if you are allergic to fresh fruit.
People who are allergic to apricots should not eat dried apricots. Its use does not always cause an allergic reaction, but this phenomenon is temporary and unpredictable.
Chemical composition of the product
Nutritional value of dried apricots (100 g) and the percentage of the daily value:
- The nutritional value
- Vitamins
- Macronutrients
- Trace Elements
- calories 232 kcal – 16,29%;
- proteins 5,2 g – 6,34%;
- fats 0,3 g – 0,46%;
- carbohydrates 51 g – 39,84%;
- dietary fiber 11 g – 55%;
- water 20 g – 0,78%.
- And 583 mcg – 64,8%;
- beta-carotene 3,5 mg – 70%;
- S 4 mg – 4,4%;
- E 5,5 mg – 36,7%;
- V1 0,1 mg – 6,7%;
- V2 0,2 mg – 11,1%;
- PP 3,9 mg – 19,5%.
- potassium 1717 mg – 68,7%;
- calcium 160 mg – 16%;
- silicon 26 mg – 86,7%;
- magnesium 105 mg – 26,3%;
- sodium 17 mg – 1,3%;
- phosphorus 146 mg – 18,3%.
conclusions
Dried apricots are a healthy and nutritious product. It is essential for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. The number of useful properties of dried apricots is 7 times higher than the number of harmful ones. However, it is imperative to take into account the contraindications and the possible harm that this dried fruit can cause.
Useful Properties
- Fights anemia.
- Relieves constipation.
- It is a diuretic.
- Helps to lose weight.
- Serves as a prophylaxis for thrombosis.
- Needed for beriberi.
- It has antipyretic properties.
- Improves eyesight.
- Increases physical endurance.
- Enhances mental activity.
- Removes excess fluid from the body.
- Strengthens the heart.
- Prevents the leaching of potassium from the body.
- Loaded with fiber.
- It is useful for other body systems.
- Good for skin and hair.
- Good for both men and women.
Harmful properties
- Not recommended for people with bowel disorders.
- Contraindicated for diabetics.
- Not recommended for overweight people.
- Should not be consumed if you are allergic to fresh fruit.
Sources of Research
The main studies on the benefits and harms of dried apricots were carried out by foreign doctors and scientists. Below you can find the primary sources of research on the basis of which this article was written:
Sources of Research
1. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/constipation.pdf
2. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=UcLYLpwdcm8C&printsec=frontcover&dq=Duke%27s+Handbook+of+Medicinal+Plants+of+the+Bible++By+James+A.+Duke&hl=en&sa=X&ei=uM-sVOPxA47huQS9y4HQAg&ved=0CB0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Duke’s%20Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Plants%20of%20the%20Bible%20%20By%20James%20A.%20Duke&f=false
3. http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/02/18/best-and-worst-foods-for-beautiful-skin.html
4. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/anemia#Treatment
5. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=TOG-ItIHp_kC&printsec=frontcover&dq=The+Visual+Food+Encyclopedia++By+QA+International+Collectif&hl=en&sa=X&ei=s9GsVMrFNtCcuQSjxYCQBg&ved=0CB0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=The%20Visual%20Food%20Encyclopedia%20%20By%20QA%20International%20Collectif&f=false
6. http://www2.erie.gov/health/sites/www2.erie.gov.health/files/uploads/pdfs/he-pam-200.pdf
7. https://stanfordbloodcenter.org/donate/am-i-eligible-to-donate-blood/hemoglobin-and-your-health/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3379229
9. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2020510/Popeye-ate-spinach-apricots-make-better-choice-How-manage-muscles.html
10. https://www.drweil.com/
Additional useful information about dried apricots
How to use
Dried apricots are widely used in cooking. It turns out that preserves or marmalades are delicious not only from fresh apricots, but also from dried apricots. Dried apricots are often used as a filling for pies and cakes. Often, confectionery decorations are made from it.
This dried fruit is used to make not only delicious, but also very healthy compote. Dried apricots are often used as a seasoning for fish and meat dishes.
How to choose
In order for the use of dried apricots to be beneficial, you need to choose it correctly. Before buying it, you need to know how it is dried. There are four main methods of drying dried fruits: in the sun, in the shade, using heat treatment, using heat treatment and chemistry.
- When properly dried, natural dried apricots are dark brown or dark orange in color.
- Despite the fact that such a dried fruit looks outwardly unattractive, it contains all the nutrients and vitamins.
- The bright color of dried apricots is obtained as a result of chemical processing.
- High-quality dried apricots are dry, sinewy to the touch. If it is oily, it is better to refuse to buy such dried apricots.
- High-quality dried fruit will never smear on your hand. If this happened, then this indicates a violation of the conditions for drying the apricot.
- If you feel a wine aftertaste, then skip the purchase. The reason for this aftertaste is a violation of the manufacturing technology. This can lead to poisoning or other health problems.
- High-quality dried apricots should be dense and uniform.
- If you press on it, then it should not release juice and stick to your hands.
- Smell is of great importance when choosing dried apricots.
- The dried fruit should have a natural apricot aroma. If it is not there or it smells unpleasant, then such a product does not need to be bought.
- A color that is too bright indicates that the apricots have been processed to improve their appearance. To do this, the fruits are fumigated with sulfur dioxide. Under the influence of this gas, all bacteria die, but there will be no benefit to the body from such dried fruits.
How to store
In order for the useful properties to be preserved in dried apricots after purchase, it is necessary to store it correctly.
- Room temperature is suitable for storing dried apricots.
- The ideal temperature is at least 20 degrees.
- Dried apricots are dried in direct sunlight, but they must be stored away from direct sunlight.
- Dried apricots must be stored in a tightly closed container. An airtight container is perfect for this.
- It is better not to use paper bags for storage, since bugs can start in the fruit during such storage.
- Few people know that dried apricots can be frozen for storage.
- To do this, you need to pack the dried fruit in a container and put it in the freezer.
The story of
Various written mentions of dried fruits are found in written tablets from 1700 BC. NS. Until the twentieth century, dried apricots were made in the territories of the Ottoman, Persian and Russian empires. A little later, California became the leader in this. Today, Turkey occupies more than 80% of the world market for dried apricots.
The apricot tree in Russia originated from northeastern China. In areas located near the Great Wall of China, apricot was grown 4 thousand years ago. Then China was a closed country, and the apricot did not spread. First he got to Mesopotamia, then to Armenia.
In the XNUMXth century BC. NS. apricot appeared on the Mediterranean coast. Further, this fruit spread throughout Europe and came to America.
How and where is it grown
Dried apricots are considered a traditional variety of dried fruits, they are ranked among oriental sweets. Dried apricots are obtained by drying apricots, evaporating excess moisture from them.
At the same time, the nutritional value of the product does not decrease, giving dried apricots a great advantage over fresh fruits. There are several methods of processing apricots to obtain dried apricots.
1. Natural drying.
For drying, use direct rays of the sun or carry out drying in the shade. As a result of such processing, a useful product is obtained. However, this method has not received widespread use due to its laboriousness, and is used exclusively for obtaining a small amount of dried apricots.
2. Industrial production.
The industrial production process includes treating fruits with sulfur dioxide to kill bacteria and insects. After such processing, apricots are subjected to a dehydration process in dryers, and before they are sent for sale, they are washed and calibrated.
In the wild, a deciduous apricot tree with a wide trunk grows in Kazakhstan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, as well as in Armenia and Central Asia, Europe. The apricot tree bears harvest several times a year.
Interesting Facts
- Dried dried apricots contain more vitamins than fresh apricots.
- Dried apricots can be classified into several types.
- The first type is dried apricot halves.
- The second type is called kaisa. It is a whole, pitted, dried fruit.
- The third type is called apricot. It is also a whole dried fruit, but contains a seed.
- The process of making dried apricots can take a whole week.
- To prepare one kilogram of dried apricots, 3-4 kilograms of fresh apricots are required.
- In Central Asia, dried apricots are considered a gift from Allah and are sung in folk legends.