Fragrant, ripe, juicy pulp of apricot is one of the favorite treats of adults and children. Having tasted the fruit, more often than not, a person throws away the core, but in vain. Can I eat apricot kernels? It is possible, since the composition of the nucleus, which is hidden behind a dense shell, contains a lot of useful substances for the body. It is believed that with proper use, they can have a healing effect. The main thing is to use apricot kernels correctly and not to neglect contraindications.
What is part of the apricot kernel
Apricot kernels, the health benefits of which were discovered by Chinese healers, have a rather pleasant taste. The unique properties of nuclei are used in the treatment of joints and various skin diseases. They are also very often used in cosmetology.
The following substances are part of the seeds:
• proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
• iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium;
• natural pigments and essential oils;
• groups of vitamins A, C, B, PP;
• hydrocyanic acid.
Apricot kernel: the harm of eating kernels
After scientists conducted research and studied in detail the effect of each substance on the body, they came to an unpleasant conclusion. Of course, it is not forbidden to eat apricot kernels. Harm to a person will be visible only if they overeat.
When ingested from the nuclei, the substance amygdalin begins to be released, which is a source of hydrocyanic acid. With its excess, there can be severe poisoning.
However, there is another method how to safely use apricot kernels. Harm to the body will be eliminated if the kernels are previously dried in the oven.
The permissible daily norm of fresh apricot kernels is 40 grams. It is important that the seeds are not old, as the content of toxic elements in them is higher.
Contraindications and symptoms of poisoning
Apricot kernels can be harmful if consumed in the following cases:
• with diabetes;
• when overeating during pregnancy and in the lactation period;
• in case of disorders of the thyroid gland;
• with liver diseases.
During pregnancy and while carrying a child, the nuclei are not prohibited, but they should be consumed no more than 20 grams per day. Seeds can be given to small children in the same amount if an allergic reaction has not been noted.
If a person consumes more than 40 grams of apricot seeds per day, this can cause poisoning. The first signs appear in different ways. Someone after 20 minutes, others after 5-6 hours.
Symptoms of poisoning:
• severe weakness and lethargy;
• sharp pains in the stomach, nausea;
• migraine;
• breathing problems;
• in acute cases, fainting and even cramps are possible.
If one of these symptoms appears, you should immediately drink activated charcoal (at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight) and visit a doctor in order to avoid further unpleasant side effects.
Apricot seeds: benefits for the body
Apricot kernels are characterized by a truly extraordinary composition. It was proved that if you learn to eat them properly and not abuse them, your immunity will be significantly strengthened.
How do apricot kernels affect the body? The benefits of the product are as follows:
• stimulate the work of the heart muscle;
• destroy oncological neoplasms;
• contribute to cell rejuvenation;
• cope with the problem of constipation and hemorrhoids;
• improve intestinal motility, restore microflora;
• strengthen immunity.
Apricot bones are recommended for athletes to eat, as the product is quite high-calorie and saturates the body with energy during heavy physical training.
The composition also contains a substance called tocopherol. Thanks to it, premature aging of the human body is prevented, the process of withering of the skin is frozen. Natural acids also have a beneficial effect. They act on the epidermis, which improves the appearance and condition of nails and hair.
Apricot seeds, the benefits of which are invaluable, are recommended to each person in an acceptable amount. Particular attention should be paid to their use during fruit ripening - in the summer. It is enough 5 minutes to dry them in the oven to enjoy a bitter delicacy. If desired, the seeds are added to various pies and other pastries. It is not recommended to use dried bones from last season, as the concentration of harmful substances in them is increased.
Apricot kernels: healing properties
Is it possible to eat apricot kernels has now become clearer. It remains only to make out in what form they exhibit maximum healing properties.
1. Water infusions prepared with apricot kernel are often used to get rid of cough or asthma. Also recommended for use by people who have heart problems.
2. Apricot kernel oil is widely used in medicine and cosmetology.
Ways to use aromatic apricot kernel oil
1. Due to the fact that it is characterized by antimutagenic properties, it helps to restore the elasticity of blood vessels and prevents the risk of heart failure.
2. Used for constipation, removes excess toxins and toxins from the body, while not damaging the intestinal microflora.
3. It is used to treat gastritis (any form) and stomach ulcers.
4. Used to prevent hemorrhoids.
5. It is used in cosmetology due to its rich vitamin composition. Often apricot kernel oil can be seen among the components of shampoos, face gels, creams.
Fresh apricot kernel oil has a positive effect on the body, prevents the aging process, and maintains elasticity and youthfulness of the skin for a long time.
The calorie content of apricot kernels
Is it possible to eat apricot kernels and do they negatively affect the figure? In fact, the energy value of the product is impressive. For 100 grams of raw cores, 510 Kcal.
Due to the high calorie content of the kernel, it is not recommended to use for people who adhere to a strict diet or suffer from obesity. In other cases, their use is not contraindicated. Bones can be eaten both raw and fried or dried.
Sweetish grains with a slight aftertaste of sweets are very popular among culinary experts. For example, if you add them to apricot jam, it will acquire a special piquancy. The cores are perfectly combined with oatmeal, cottage cheese or natural yogurts. In some dishes, apricot kernels to taste perfectly replace almonds, which are quite expensive.
The question of whether it is possible to eat apricot kernels will no longer bother. There are very few contraindications to the use of nucleoli. The most important thing is to eat them with care and not exceed the allowable daily allowance in order to avoid poisoning the body. If the seeds are left from last season - it is better to use them not in cooking, but as ingredients for the preparation of homemade masks or creams.
