Useful properties of dried apricots for women. Beneficial properties and harm of dried apricots for the body. Infusion of dried apricots

Dried fruits contain a lot of valuable minerals, vitamins, organic acids, and dietary fiber. IN winter time This kind of food will strengthen your immune system in the best possible way. One of the most common types of dried fruits is dried apricots - dried apricots. The product is added to baked goods and consumed as an independent snack. Many people are interested in what benefits and harms the orange fruit can bring? Let's talk about everything in order.

What is dried apricots

Dried apricots are dried apricots. The product is considered the most nutritious among its fellows. To prepare 150 gr. dried apricots, you need to take 500 g. fresh raw materials.
Previously, dried apricots took a long time to cook. First, the apricots were sorted, cut, and pitted. Then they were left to dry in the heat, covered with a cloth to protect them from insects.

Today dried fruits are produced using special technology, using chemical components. To make dried apricots a bright orange with a pleasant shine, you need to add sulfur dioxide to the soaking mixture.

To reduce the duration of drying, ovens and ovens are used. As mentioned earlier, to make 150 gr. dried raw materials require 0.5 kg. moderately ripe apricots.

The following types of dried fruits are distinguished:

  • Dried apricots are cut into 2 parts, the seeds are removed and dried.
  • Kaisa - seeds are extracted from whole fruits using a special device, then dried in the sun.
  • Apricot - apricot is washed, prepared, dried along with the pit.

Dried fruits, in particular dried apricots, are used everywhere. Most often it is used in folk medicine, diets, and culinary purposes.

Calorie content, composition, nutritional value

  1. Dried apricots belong to the category of dried fruits; most of it is water. For 100 gr. product is 70 grams. liquids. The next leading position is occupied by carbohydrates - about 25.2 g. per 100 gr. dried apricots.
  2. Dietary fiber, in particular fiber, is allocated about 4 grams. This amount is 1/5 of the daily requirement, which is necessary for an adult. Dried apricots contain protein (1.2 g), ash (1 g), and fats (0.16 g).
  3. During drying, apricot loses some valuable elements, most often vitamins. However, the “strongest” remain and benefit the human body.
  4. Among the “persistent” vitamins there is retinol, or vitamin A. B 100 g. dried apricots about 108.68 mg. of this substance. Some may think that this amount is not enough. But it takes up 13% of the allowable daily value for an adult.
  5. Also, during the drying process, B vitamins are preserved. This section includes a whole “bouquet” of irreplaceable compounds. So, pyridoxine, or vitamin B6, is given 0.14 mg. per 100 gr. (6% DV). Pantothenic acid(vitamin B5) is contained in an amount of 0.2 mg.
  6. Dried apricots are also rich in riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamine (vitamin B1), nicotinic acid (vitamin PP, niacin), ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
  7. The value of dried apricots is due to the accumulation of micro- and macroelements. For 100 gr. dried dessert requires 444 mg. potassium - daily requirement. The dried fruit is rich in calcium, 15 mg, magnesium (16 mg), phosphorus (39 mg).
  8. Dried apricots include copper (0.15 mg), which is 15% of the permissible daily value. Iron in dried fruit is 1.6 mg. (9% of the norm), manganese is allocated 0.1 mg, zinc - 0.25 mg.
  9. A fairly large number of organic acids allows us to saturate the human body with essential compounds. As for amino acids, dried fruit contains them in abundance (isoleucine, tryptophan, threonine, lysine). In total, dried apricots contain 12 amino acids, including 7 essential ones.
  10. Do not forget about fructose, sucrose, glucose, they account for 80% of the total volume of fruits. With such extensive indicators, the calorie content of dried apricots is considered low - 242 Kcal. per 100 gr. To provide the body necessary minerals, acids, vitamins, it is enough to eat 5 pieces. per day.

  1. Dried fruits have diuretic properties. For this reason, practicing doctors prescribe people with kidney diseases to take a decoction based on dried apricots. The composition removes sand and small stones from the cavity of the internal organ, and also prevents their further deposition.
  2. The product is used when creating menus for obese patients. Dried apricots are often consumed when following a diet, despite the added saccharides and calorie content. In this case, the daily norm is limited to 25 grams. As a result, old waste and bad cholesterol are eliminated.
  3. Dried apricots partially thin the blood and prevent blood clots. It is useful to eat dried fruit for people with varicose veins veins Incoming pectin removes heavy metals and radionuclides, dietary fiber accelerates metabolic processes.
  4. To improve digestion, you need to eat half a meal per day. Dried fruits contain 9 times more fiber than fresh apricots. The element controls the activity of endocrine and cardiovascular vascular systems.
  5. Dried apricots contain many vitamins that increase protective functions body during the period of vitamin deficiency. Dried fruits are useful for adults and children to consume to avoid infection with helminths.
  6. The product reduces fever, helps to recover after serious illness or previous surgery. Dried apricots relieve headaches and fight frequent migraines, eliminate symptoms of colds and flu.
  7. Incoming carotenoids have beneficial influence on human vision. Elements prevent the development of cataracts, lubricate eyeball and strengthen muscles. This property is extremely valued by people with low vision.
  8. Dried apricots increase physical endurance, which is why dried apricots are often used in the preparation of diets for athletes. In addition, dried fruit fills voids in the bones, promotes speed dial muscle mass, lifts your mood and morale.
  9. Fruits influence mental activity, so dried apricots are useful for people who work hard with their heads. Also, dried fruits of this type are included in the menu of schoolchildren and students to increase perception, memory, and concentration.
  10. Decoctions with dried apricots remove excess liquid, thereby fighting swelling. This property is valued by people with varicose veins and pregnant girls who experience heaviness in their legs.
  11. Dried apricots promote rapid absorption of antibiotics into the blood. If you are taking a course of medications, include dried fruit in your diet. You need to consume at least 20 grams. daily.
  12. Dried apricots should be given to children in winter and spring. It is at these times of year that there is a deficiency of vitamins. Dried apricots will more than make up for everything and strengthen the immune system.
  13. Dried fruits of this type have the ability to reduce arterial pressure. For this reason, dried apricots are consumed by hypertensive patients. Hypotonic patients should be careful; the maximum daily amount should not exceed 10 grams.

Acceptable daily allowance

It should be remembered that dried apricots are highly concentrated products. It contains 2.5 times more sugar than fresh fruits. Also, if the apricot contains only 2 grams. dietary fiber, then in dried fruit this amount increases to 18 grams. The difference is significant.

An adult who has no contraindications for use should not eat more than 70 grams. dried fruits daily.

At the same time, dried apricots are added to baked goods, hot and cold appetizers, salads, meat dishes, side dishes. Dried fruits are often used to make fruit drinks and compotes, jellies, smoothies, etc.

Since the figure is 242 Kcal. per 100 gr. involves some restrictions; dieters should not consume more than 4-5 pieces. per day.

  1. For full development, a child needs a complex of vitamins with mineral compounds, organic acids, and dietary fiber. Dried apricots include all of the listed substances.
  2. Incoming compounds are responsible for the transformation of carbohydrates into energy, as a result of which the child is energized. Calcium forms bone and muscle tissue, magnesium supports the functioning of the heart and brain, iron increases blood circulation.
  3. School children, preschool age and students work hard mentally. To improve thought processes and relieve nervous tension Dried apricots should be eaten daily, 10-15 grams.
  4. Starting from six months, you can gradually introduce dried fruits into your baby’s diet. Start cooking low-concentrated compotes without sugar, then give your child 5 ml.

The benefits of dried apricots for women

  1. Dried apricots are responsible for normalization hormonal levels in girls and women. If you eat dried fruit during menstruation, you will lose muscle spasms, hemoglobin levels will be restored.
  2. Women during menopause need to consume dried apricots to reduce the number of hot flashes and their severity, as well as normalize the psycho-emotional background.
  3. Dried apricots have mild laxative properties, so they are often used for weight loss. Systematic consumption will cleanse the intestines and prevent slagging.
  4. A large concentration of “beauty vitamins” of group A and E is responsible for the health of hair, nails and skin. Dried apricots even out complexion, fight wrinkles and skin pigmentation, eliminate hair loss and dandruff.
  5. Tocopherol (vitamin E) is considered natural antioxidant. He has preventive properties education malignant tumors, and also blocks blood access to existing cancer cells.

The benefits of dried apricots for men

  1. Dried apricots are a complete source of fiber. Alimentary fiber take responsibility for the activities of the intestinal tract. This has a beneficial effect on blood circulation in the pelvic organs.
  2. Dried fruit is useful for men to prevent prostate diseases. Dosed consumption (about 40 grams per day) increases reproductive function and potency.
  3. Dried apricots stimulate testicular activity, increasing the quality and quantity of sperm. As a result, hormonal levels are normalized.
  4. Men are more likely than women to suffer from diseases of the heart and vascular systems. Dried apricots prevent probable diseases, reducing the risk of their development to a minimum.
  5. The benefits for the stronger sex are due to increased physical endurance. Therefore, dried fruits should be eaten by people who work a lot with their hands and play sports.

  1. On later During pregnancy, a woman often experiences an increase in blood pressure, and dried apricots reduce blood pressure levels.
  2. Regular consumption of a decoction with the addition of dried apricots relieves swelling internal organs, limbs and face.
  3. More often female doctors Avoid eating foods with sugar during pregnancy. But dried apricots are not included in this list.
  4. Dried fruits stabilize the activity of the thyroid gland and the entire endocrine system, control heart rate.
  5. Pregnant women suffer from constipation; dried apricots affect intestinal motility and have a mild laxative effect.

Harm of dried apricots

  1. Abuse of the product may lead to dysfunction digestive tract. Diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pain will appear.
  2. Dried apricots are contraindicated for people with chronic diseases Gastrointestinal tract, allergies to the product, bronchial asthma.
  3. Diabetics are not prohibited from eating dried fruits, but the amount should be measured. You can consume 2-3 pcs per week. dried apricots.

Dried apricots will not cause harm to the human body if you use the product wisely and take into account contraindications. Add dried apricots to familiar dishes or use as a snack. Observe daily norm, introduce dried fruits into your children’s diet.

Video: what are the benefits of dried apricots?

Dried apricots are undoubtedly one of the most favorite dried fruits among both adults and children. In addition to its amazing taste, it can significantly lift your mood, give you vigor and energy. But this bright and juicy dried fruit is just a dried apricot. Despite the fact that dried apricots are of southern origin, they are in demand almost all over the world. And all thanks to the beneficial properties that it has. Undoubtedly, dried apricots have beneficial properties, and contraindications for use are also inherent in them. First you need to study what it consists of.

Composition of dried apricots

Let's try to figure out whether dried apricots are useful or not positive properties exaggerated?

Dried apricots contain the most calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. These microelements are involved in such important processes our body, like hematopoiesis and blood circulation, strengthen bone tissue and vessel walls. They have a beneficial effect on cardiac activity and improve the body's metabolic processes. Protein, also contained in dried apricots, acts as building material for body tissues. There are significantly fewer vitamins in dried apricots than microelements. This is partly due to the fact that during the drying process the product loses more of it compared to fresh fruit. Nevertheless, the amount that remains in dried apricots has a very active effect on all functions of our body.

Vitamins E, by promoting an increase in elastin and collagen in cells, have a rejuvenating effect. Vitamin C is involved in cleansing blood vessels and fights harmful radicals, and B vitamins have a healing effect for various skin diseases. Fructose, lactose and glucose, also found in dried apricots in sufficient quantities, give energy and guarantee a burst of energy. Have a good mood. Various organic acids accelerate the absorption of all minerals and vitamins.

After studying chemical composition product, it becomes clear why this dried fruit is so popular, because its benefits are both in composition and in complex impact on human body not so small. Especially such a quantity of vitamins and minerals, as well as increased content iron, which ensures an increase in hemoglobin levels in the body, shows why dried apricots are useful for pregnant women.

Use of dried apricots in cosmetology

The use of dried apricots does not end only with the use of the product as food. Cosmetologists around the world have long understood its miraculous power for beauty; in the process of rejuvenation, dried apricots have no equal, and women who have managed to experience this amazing effect at least once are unlikely to be able to refuse it. A variety of products are made from dried apricots useful masks for both face and hair. Many anti-aging creams and serums also contain dried apricots. Face masks made from dried apricots, in addition to the rejuvenating effect, also have bactericidal properties, help fight acne and various kinds rashes, improve complexion, soften and tone skin. Hair masks can cure split ends damaged hair, prevent their loss, give them smoothness and shine.

Dried apricots in medicine

Many studies conducted in laboratories around the world have already been able to show the benefits of dried apricots medical point vision. Its effect is especially beneficial as aid to relieve the symptoms of certain diseases, it also promotes more speedy recovery patients. Doctors around the world have been able to prove how dried apricots are useful for various diseases. These diseases primarily include: cardiovascular diseases, quite shown daily use after heart attacks or heart failure. In case of anemia, it is this dried fruit that helps raise hemoglobin to normal level within just one week. Also, diseases such as diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, vitamin deficiency, cancer, can be corrected when consuming dried apricots. hormonal imbalance, hypertension. Also, dried apricot fruits can have a positive effect on vision, reduce high level cholesterol in the blood, strengthen the immune system, improve the condition of intoxications and various lesions liver.

Dried apricots for the figure

Given enough high calorie content dried fruit (about 215 kcal per 100 grams), many are afraid of eating it. Nutritionists assure that 2-3 pieces a day will never harm your figure, but the benefits received from dried fruit are colossal. Well, what makes dried apricots useful in the process of losing weight is its ability to speed up the body’s metabolic processes. And in order to get enough of everyone essential vitamins and minerals contained in dried apricots, nutritionists suggest conducting special fasting days, drinking exclusively a drink from such a healthy fruit.

Dried apricot drink recipe

300 grams of dried apricots with no big amount Crush boiling water into puree. Add half a liter of peach juice to the mushy mixture. The resulting drink should be drunk during one fasting day. Such a drink will saturate the body with vitamins and microelements and tighten the figure; this quality of dried fruit also shows how dried apricots are useful for women.

Dangers of eating dried apricots

Of course, its beneficial properties are both in medicine and in for cosmetic purposes, and for health in general are undeniable. But there are also dangers. The first thing you should pay attention to is the places where you plan to purchase dried fruits. The fact is that fruits for sale in supermarkets are often treated with sulfur dioxide to make them more attractive. appearance, therefore it is better to purchase them at markets or in small private shops. Also look carefully at the appearance of the fruit - increased shine and juiciness, as well as unnatural bright color, although they look attractive, are completely uncharacteristic of this type of product. Undoubtedly, dried apricots have beneficial properties and contraindications for use too.

Contraindications for use of the product

Particular caution should be taken when using the product under the following conditions:

- Obesity. The caloric content of the product will not bring any benefit, and may cause even more harm.

- Diseases gastrointestinal tract.

- Asthmatic manifestations.

-Individual intolerance.

-Food allergies.

Only after assessing all the possible harm to your health from eating dried apricots, is it worth considering how dried apricots are beneficial for you specifically and whether it is worth consuming them.

Dried apricots and prunes

The beneficial properties of dried apricots and prunes have also long been known; such a mixture has double dose useful substances, which is especially important in the cold months of the year, when it is time for vitamin deficiency. Prunes are dried plums that contain a large number of vitamins: PP, B1, A, C, B2, as well as sodium, calcium, potassium, organic acids. It has a beneficial effect on our digestive and cardiovascular system and also helps regulate water-salt balance in organism. The combination of these dried fruits perfectly improves the immune system, vitaminizes the body, gives it energy and vitality. All this shows well the benefits of prunes and dried apricots.

A mixture of these dried fruits with the addition of honey is very healthy recipe to maintain health throughout the winter months, when we especially need to strengthen our immune system.

Recipe for a mixture of dried apricots and prunes:

200 grams of dried apricots;

200 grams of nuts;

1 glass of honey.

Dried fruits should be soaked for a few minutes in hot water. After sufficient soaking, the water should be drained, and the fruits should be thoroughly dried with a paper towel, add a glass of honey to the mixture, and grind everything through a meat grinder. If desired, you can add lemon juice and mix everything thoroughly. Store in a cool dry place. Take 3 tablespoons several times a day. Bon appetit!

Such a recipe can perfectly strengthen your immune system, relieve winter apathy, give energy and vitality, besides, preparing the product is not at all difficult, and it can be stored for up to several months. The composition is also very useful for children as a prevention of colds. All this shows well how prunes and dried apricots are beneficial.

Dried apricots are a seedless dried fruit obtained by drying apricot fruits. Dried apricots, the benefits and harms of which are the topic of this article, are of great interest not only from a culinary point of view, but even traditional medicine.

Types of dried apricots

Among the varieties of dried apricots is apricot. Apricots are dried with pits; their fruits are small and significantly smaller in size than ordinary apricots, but nutritional value are in no way inferior to him. The dried fruit is prepared in specially designated areas in the sun. Production usually takes five to eight days, after which the product is ready to eat.

If moisture gets on the fruit during drying, the dried apricots turn out to be dark in color and taste different from the usual ones. If the fruits are not treated with chemicals when dried, their color turns gray and becomes faded; when processed, it turns out orange and very bright. This treatment is commonly used in the wholesale production of dried apricots to improve the presentation of the finished product.

Natural dried apricots may also have a brownish tint. If dried apricots have an unusual taste, most often wine-like, it is better to avoid consuming such a product, since this indicates that low-quality fruit was used during drying, or that the processing technology was violated. Natural dried apricots, made using the right technology, have a sweet or sweet and sour taste.

Dried apricots are classified according to grades: table, first, highest and extra.

Dried apricots: benefits and harms of the product

The benefits of dried apricots for the human body

Dried apricots are used to treat diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Beneficial features Its main purpose is that it helps remove excess cholesterol from the body - this significantly improves heart function.

Dried apricots normalize the functioning of the insulin apparatus of the pancreas, so doctors recommend eating it for diabetes.

Dried apricots are a product rich in vitamins, microelements and minerals. Dried apricots contain vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system and is distinguished by its powerful antioxidant properties, vitamin A, which in everyday life is called the vitamin of youth, which activates the synthesis of collagen, taurine and hyaluronic acid, as well as providing the synthesis of sex hormones. Vitamin PP, or a nicotinic acid, contained in dried apricots, normalizes tissue respiration, participates in the metabolism of fats and proteins, glycogenolysis and biosynthetic processes. B vitamins are involved in metabolic processes body, hemoglobin synthesis and improve vision.

In terms of the amount of vitamins in its composition, dried apricots are significantly inferior to fresh apricot fruits, but they contain quite a lot minerals, like the fruit itself. Among them, iron, which is responsible for hematopoietic processes, prevents the development of anemia and improves function thyroid gland, potassium and calcium, which help maintain acid-base balance and preventing the development of osteoporosis, as well as magnesium, essential for normal operation hearts.

Dried apricots - beneficial properties and use in folk medicine
Like other dried fruits, dried apricots help normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. People suffering from constipation are recommended to pour boiling water over several fruits in the evening, leaving them covered overnight in a small bowl. In the morning, the fruits are eaten on an empty stomach, and the water remaining in the container is drunk. Within a month, intestinal function returns to normal, stool becomes regular and no longer bothers the person. How is dried apricot useful if it is used directly to treat diseases? In folk medicine, there are many recipes using dried apricots that can cure some diseases and disorders normal functions in organism.

Regular consumption of dried apricots prevents the development of oncological diseases. To prevent them, it is recommended to eat several dried fruits per day. pure form. Application of dried apricots in culinary recipes and desserts are also useful, however visible effect, due to its beneficial properties, occurs when it is consumed as a separate product.

In both adults and children, dried apricots can cure vitamin deficiency and hypovitaminosis without resorting to the use of pharmaceuticals.

Dried fruit is used for treatment kidney diseases and thyroid dysfunction.

For hypertensive patients, dried apricots are useful for their properties that help normalize blood pressure and prevent its increase.

Dried apricots are useful and effective for anemia, as well as for preventing its development in people who have a tendency to reduce the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood.

Dried apricots can improve vision and preserve its functions. It is useful for prevention ophthalmological diseases, thanks to the content of B vitamins.

Dried fruit has a mild laxative and diuretic effect, so it is useful to use dried apricots. general cleansing body from waste and toxins. The product is also capable of removing various harmful substances from the body. Among them - heavy metals and radionuclides, as well as free radicals. Dried apricots maintain optimal levels of hormones in the body, in particular, due to vitamin A, and promote the production of sex hormones.

Dried apricots, despite the abundance of its beneficial properties, have contraindications for consumption. The benefits and harms of dried apricots are not equivalent, however, people suffering from certain diseases should refrain from eating it altogether, or reduce the amount of it entering the body as food.

Contraindications to eating dried apricots, some of its harmful properties and features

First of all, dried apricots are not recommended for people suffering from serious stomach disorders and intestinal disorders, in particular chronic diseases. The product may cause digestive problems if consumed in large quantities.

To people suffering diabetes mellitus and those using treatment with dried apricots should also be careful about the quantities of the product consumed. Dried apricots are dried fruits that contain a high concentration of glucose and fructose, and despite the fact that these elements are natural sugar substitutes, they can also cause attacks of hypoglycemia if consumed by a person in excessive dosages.

Dried apricots are not recommended for those who suffer various stages obesity. However, to stabilize weight, nutritionists recommend fasting days based on dried apricots. Approximately 500 grams of dried fruit is divided evenly into 5-6 parts for each meal. This method of unloading involves drinking sugar-free drinks. It is best to drink dried apricots with water, brewed loose leaf tea (green or black), without adding sugar or its substitutes.

Dried apricots are able to remove excess fluid and harmful elements from the body, including waste and toxins. In addition, it speeds up metabolic processes. Therefore, this type of fasting days is extremely useful for those who practice diets and try to maintain a stable, normal weight. People suffering from heart disease and edema associated with it can spend such fasting days once a week. This will not only strengthen the cardiovascular system, but also cope with side effects, developing against the background of a violation of its functions.

Large quantities of dried apricots are not recommended for people suffering from peptic ulcers stomach and intestines. It should be noted that if the quantities of the product consumed are abused, dried apricots can cause diarrhea, bloating and pain localized in the epigastric region.

Among the contraindications, it is important to take into account whether a person is allergic to food products. If you are allergic to apricot and other fruits, you should refrain from eating dried apricots. If in doubt, you should consult a doctor for advice. An allergy to dried apricots can manifest itself in an itchy rash on the skin; there are also manifestations of swelling during allergic reactions.

The harm of dried apricots to the body is minimal, but the methods of its processing should be taken into account. If dried fruit has been dried with chemicals to improve its appearance before being placed on the market, such a product should be completely discarded or used in small quantities. If the color of dried apricots is unnaturally bright, deep orange, it is possible that during cooking the apricot was treated with a special chemical - anhydride. Anhydride can be not only harmful, but also dangerous for the human body. This chemical is toxic and, if ingested, may cause some serious consequences, in particular strong allergic reaction and even bronchial asthma. Eating a product treated with anhydride can cause severe poisoning.

Dried apricots: calorie content and use in dietetics

The calorie content of dried apricots significantly exceeds the energy value fresh fruits apricot This is a very concentrated product, and like any other dried fruit, it is quite heavy in terms of calorie content. 100 grams of dried apricots contain approximately 225-232 calories, the protein content per 100 grams is 3 grams, fats are 0.5 grams, and carbohydrates are approximately 51-55 grams.

Despite these indicators, energy value dried apricots are not “empty”, since the product is very nutritious and saturates the human body for a long period of time. In reasonable quantities (up to 100 grams per day), dried apricots are useful for those losing weight, as they free the body from harmful substances, prevents accumulation excess liquid in tissues and helps normalize stool.

Dried apricots in cooking

The most common desserts in cooking are those with the addition of dried apricots. The baking industry offers pies and buns filled with dried fruit. An incredibly healthy and tasty combination is a mixture of dried apricots with other dried fruits (prunes, raisins, dates) and nuts.

Dried apricots go well with cereals, especially oatmeal. Various are made from it useful tinctures and concentrates aimed at treating diseases. Lovers of refined and piquant taste will love the addition of dried apricots to meat dishes and a variety of side dishes. In Uzbek cuisine, the use of dried apricots for preparing pilaf is widespread.

Jams and jams with the addition of dried apricots, for example, pumpkin jam, are tasty and healthy. The combination of pumpkin and dried apricots is often used to prepare porridges, in particular rice.

Oct 23, 2014 tigress...s

Without dried fruits it is difficult to create a complete menu. Based on them, tasty and healthy compotes, the aromas of baked goods with dried fruits warm you with a feeling of comfort. Besides, dried fruits It is recommended to eat as a separate dish. Products such as dried apricots will provide significant benefits to the body.


Dried apricots: pleasant surprises

You want to enjoy fragrant apricots, like the sunny summer itself, longer. The concentration of benefits and taste of a wonderful fruit is dried apricots. Dried apricots different varieties You can easily buy it in any season. With their help, the immune system is strengthened and various diseases are treated. Great benefit brings dried apricots to the body because it combines complexes important microelements(iron, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and magnesium), vitamins (A, C, PP, group B), fiber.

The amount of microelements in dried apricots is greater than in fresh fruits. And in terms of fiber content, dried fruit “outweighs” fresh apricot by 9 times (100 g of apricots contain 2 g of fiber, and 100 g of dried apricots – 18 g). Dried apricot contains organic acids and pectins, thanks to which the body resists radiation. Also with the help of this valuable dried fruit:

  • wastes and toxins are removed;
  • the functioning of the endocrine system improves;
  • anemia is prevented or alleviated;
  • the functioning of the heart and digestive organs is normalized;
  • vision becomes better;
  • skin rejuvenates;
  • hair is strengthened.

Dried apricots are quite nutritious. But distinctive feature calories of the product is that their absorption is extremely easy. This makes it possible to combine with fats, even if you stick to separate power supply. For example, fans will surely like healthy eating dried fruits and nuts combined into a salad with cream or sour cream dressing.

Dried apricots are strict against diseases

If you constantly have dried apricots in your diet, its beneficial properties will prevent thrombophlebitis and the appearance of certain tumors. Due to the significant content of potassium salts (their amount is much higher than sodium salts), this dried fruit has excellent dietary characteristics. Dried apricot is rich in magnesium, which means it will help with increased blood pressure, anemia.

There are many useful substances in dried apricots, which help improve the general condition of the body. For example, vitamin A normalizes the functioning of most organs and systems.

Gently promotes dried apricots and proper functioning urinary system. Decoctions or infusions of the product are especially recommended if the kidneys are bothered.

Knowing the benefits of dried apricots, you can help the body cope with hypovitaminosis, increased level blood sugar, thyroid disorders. The product has a bright sweet and sour taste and contains fructose, a natural carbohydrate. This element does not harm the body, like traditional sugar, and resists the accumulation of extra pounds.

Dried apricots are a component of a large number of drugs from the arsenal of traditional medicine. So natural medicines reduce the need to use synthetic substances even with chronic illnesses.

Rules for choosing and eating dried apricots

Which dried apricots will be the most useful? When choosing, pay attention to the color. Dried fruit should look natural, not too bright and transparent. Matte dried apricot with a slight grayish tint is exactly the fruit that was dried according to the rules, without the use of chemicals.

Will high-quality dried apricots be useful in absolutely arbitrary quantities? It is important to observe moderation with this dried fruit, because we're talking about about the concentrated product. If you eat more than the recommended amount of dried apricots, you can cause digestive disorders. Optimal dose– 80-100 g per day.

No one knows exactly where dried apricots were first made. But its origin is usually attributed to China, since the Chinese have been growing apricots for more than 5,000 years. Or they indicate Armenia, since according to historical data the Romans mentioned a dried fruit called the “Armenian apple”.

Fruit apricots slowly spread throughout to the globe, because for a long time China was a rather closed country. But when more and more people learned about taste qualities and the benefits of this fruit, the need to store the product for a longer period became an acute issue. Experimenting with processing and storage methods, apricots eventually came up with the idea dry. This is how dried apricots appeared.

Composition of vitamins, beneficial properties

Dried apricots are dried halves using a certain technology. apricots. Product good quality has a pronounced Orange color, elastic structure, medium softness, sweet and juicy taste.

Fragrant and very tasty dried fruit contains vitamins and minerals such as:

  • vitamins A (3.5 mg), B1 (0.015 mg), B2 (0.074 mg), B3 (2.6 mg), B4 (13.9 mg), B5 (0.52 mg), B6 ​​(0.14 mg), B9 (0.010 mg), C (1 mg), E (4.3 mg), K (0.031 mg);
  • potassium – the highest content of this vitamin among other products;
  • calcium;
  • phosphorus;
  • magnesium;
  • sodium;
  • iron;
  • zinc;
  • copper;
  • manganese;
  • selenium.

Useful properties of dried apricots:

  • Thanks to great content magnesium in the product (32 mg), dried apricots have a positive effect on the nervous system.
  • Potassium (its concentration in the product is 1160 mg). The microelement promotes muscle contractions and normalizes water balance in organism. Increased quantity This salt, as well as the glucose and fructose content in the product, normalizes insulin processes in the body, which is very important for diabetics.
  • Carotene and ascorbic acid are beneficial for the immune system.
  • Metabolism improves.
  • Cleanses the intestines.
  • Promotes tissue regeneration, which slows down the aging process.
  • Has a diuretic effect.
  • Helps improve vision thanks to vitamin B.
  • Used as a laxative.
  • Helps in the treatment of many types of diseases: anemia, heart disease (although some sources mention that in in this case It is better to eat apricots, dried whole apricots with pits). The magnesium content (32 g) is also beneficial for the heart.
  • Increases hemoglobin due to the presence of iron (2.7 mg).
  • Recent studies show that dried apricots help reduce cancer cells in the patient's body.
  • Removes excess cholesterol from the body.
  • Since dried fruit is saturated with a large amount useful minerals, in him a small amount of proteins and almost no fat, and the carbohydrates it contains are easily digestible, it is useful for the still fragile child's body. Baby dried apricots can be eaten from 1-1.5 years of age. You can also make porridge and compote from dried fruits for your child.
  • For both adults and children, dried apricots are useful for vitamin deficiencies and hypovitaminosis.

It is important for men to receive a complete set of vitamins and microelements per day, as well as non-empty calories, since their work often involves either physical labor or complex work. mental activity. Heavy loads And frequent stress contribute to the development various diseases. Introducing dried apricots into your diet will help replenish your balance, improve your health, and make your work process more efficient.

During processing, dried apricots lose a large amount of vitamins, while the amount minerals on the contrary, it increases, which increases its medicinal properties.

It is worth remembering that the daily consumption rate for dried apricots is no more than 100 grams. It is advisable to subject it to heat treatment as little as possible so that it does not lose its beneficial qualities.

Calorie content

Despite the fact that caloric content per 100 grams fresh apricots is only 45 kcal, in dried form it rises to 241 kcal. As a result, it is useful to eat only 3-4 pieces per day (no more than 100 grams).

Compound dried apricots:

  • water – 30.89 g;
  • protein – 3.39 g;
  • fats – 0.51 g;
  • carbohydrates – 62.64 g.

The daily intake of dried apricots is similar to 40 g of an iron-containing preparation or 300 g of beef liver.

Dried apricots in normal quantities can be consumed daily not only as a dried fruit, but also as a decoration or a specific addition to other dishes.

Compote made from dried apricots and other dried fruits is especially healthy and rich in vitamins. Its calorie content per 100 grams is only 70-100 kcal.

Use during pregnancy

The use of dried apricots in the diet normalizes the production of female hormones.

During pregnancy and at chest breastfeeding this dried fruit replenishes many vitamins and microelements that provide healthy development, both the fetus and the newborn child.

The benefits of eating dried apricots for pregnant:

  • The calcium content in the product (120 mg) helps strengthen the bones of the unborn child. This mineral also strengthens teeth, allows hair and nails to look healthy and well-groomed, which is very important for women.
  • Dried fruit has a laxative effect, which is useful for problems with stool.
  • It is a diuretic and allows it to be eliminated from the body. excess liquid, to prevent swelling.
  • Compote of dried apricots helps with toxicosis.

Harm and contraindications

Particular care should be taken to monitor the dosage for kidney diseases, gastrointestinal tract and low blood pressure, diabetics and anyone with chronic diseases.

Exceeding the norm may not only not be beneficial, but also aggravate general state health.

People with allergies to this product it cannot be eaten. Symptoms, in which you need to urgently consult a doctor: swelling and itchy rashes.

When buying dried apricots, you need to choose a slightly darker and matte color. Increased brightness and gloss of a product usually indicate chemical additives that harmful for the body, and also significantly reduce the number of beneficial properties.

Often, to improve the appearance, the following is added to dried apricots: Chemical substance, How anhydride. Thanks to it, the final product acquires an unnaturally bright orange color. Eating dried fruit with this additive may cause severe poisoning and even bronchial asthma.

Making dried apricots at home

To prepare dried apricots, it is best to use large fruits of cultivated varieties of apricots. You need to take fresh and ripe fruits, rinse them well and remove the seeds. To maintain their natural color, you can keep them in a colander over boiling water for about 15 minutes. Then lay them out on a clean cloth to remove excess liquid. During the drying process, fruits lose up to 90% of water.

You can dry dried apricots in the usual way, under the bright scorching sun. The duration of this method is about 1-2 weeks. Moreover, the future dried apricots must be put away in a dry place at night.

Also, pre-prepared apricots can be dried in a dryer or oven.

The technology in the dryer is as follows:

The procedure takes 2-3 hours. At the beginning and at the end, drying should be done at a temperature of no more than 60 degrees, then it is advisable to increase it to 65-80 degrees.
Dried apricots can be dried in the oven for 8-10 hours at a temperature of 65 degrees.