The kernels that are found in apricot kernels do not have pronounced taste qualities. It is mainly the oil that is included in their composition that is valued. Although the kernels in fried very tasty and filling. Let's try to understand why they are useful apricot kernels, and what damage they can cause to the human body in large doses.
For some reason, many of us believe that apricot kernels are very toxic and have a detrimental effect on our body. But in many southern countries, for example, in Uzbekistan, they are considered traditional dish. Also a real delicacy is apricot jam with a bone.
Useful components of the bone
Nuclei contain many substances. One of them is a very rare vitamin B 17 or amygdalin, the value of which in the fight against cancer cells is invaluable. Upon contact with a malignant tumor, poisons are released - cyanide and benzaldehyde, which are contained in the bones. Thus, they gradually destroy cancer. For a healthy body, these substances in such small doses are completely safe.
Also, 100 g of seeds contains:
- fats -45 g;
- carbohydrates - 4 g;
- proteins - 25 g;
- unsaturated fatty acid- 40 mg;
- saturated fatty acids - 3 g;
- PP vitamins - 4 mg;
- macroelements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus) - 12 mg;
- microelements (iron) - 7 mg.
The calorie content of apricot kernels is 450 calories (per 100 g), so they are contraindicated for people on diets.
Apricot kernels are eaten raw, fried and dried, in a recommended dose of 20 g at a time. Seeds are used in many industries: food, light, medical.
The benefits of apricot kernels
Apricot kernels are very nutritious and contain a large number of vegetable oil, so they are perfect for the daily diet of athletes and people trying to gain weight.
The healing properties of apricot seeds were discovered many thousands of years ago. So in ancient China they were used to heal skin and joints. Today, thanks to the development of medicine, the seeds are used for the manufacture of medicines and cosmetics, as well as for the treatment and prevention of many diseases.
Apricot seeds, brewed as tea, are an excellent remedy for heart arrhythmia. Also, based on them, you can prepare an excellent medicine for cardiovascular diseases. It is prepared according to old recipe:
- 0.5 kg of lemon is crushed in a meat grinder or grater;
- add 20 chopped apricot kernels;
- the resulting slurry is poured with 0.5 liters of honey;
- mix thoroughly and leave for 2-3 days in a cool place;
- take the medicine morning and evening, 1 tbsp. l.
Almond milk, extracted from apricot seeds, has an antitussive effect and is used in the treatment of diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, as well as kidneys and liver.
Harm from apricot kernels
In doses not exceeding 20 g (approximately 5 kernels) for adults and 10 g for children, apricot kernels are absolutely harmless. But if you exceed the recommended limit, this can lead to poor health (nausea, dizziness). This property is associated with the presence of poison - cyanide, which in small quantities has a detrimental effect on cancer cells, and in large quantities - on healthy ones.
Too bitter seeds are no less harmful, and not only because of the unpleasant taste, but due to the large accumulation of amygdalin. Although there are types of apricots, the tassels of which have a pleasant sweetish taste. Breeders in last years They are actively engaged in breeding varieties with minimal amygdalin capacity and maximum kernel size.
Apricot kernels in cosmetology and cooking
Everyone knows how to grow apricots from seeds, but not everyone knows that with their help you can prolong life, preserve youth and prepare delicious and aromatic food.
The longest-livers of the planet, the Indian Khuza tribe, eat exclusively vegetarian food, and one of the main dishes on their menu is apricots with pits. Surprisingly, according to scientists, the Hunza people live for so long (about 120 years) precisely thanks to seeds.
Apricot kernel oil, obtained by cold pressing, is used to prepare various cosmetics(shampoos, balms, masks, etc.). It is also famous for its moisturizing and warming qualities, which is why professional massage therapists use it for health procedures.
Apricot kernels, the benefits and harms of which, of course, are important for cooking, since they are added to ice cream, glazes, creams, waffles, desserts and other dishes, and have a persistent almond aroma. It adds a touch of sophistication and unusual taste to canning and baking.
Bottom line
Using apricot kernels, the benefits and harms of which have been studied by experts, you will get rid of many diseases, improve your skin health and prepare delicious and aromatic delicacies.
They grow all over the world, where the climate is favorable for them. Everyone knows these delicious and useful fruits. However, many people do not know about healing properties apricot kernels. In this article we will look at the benefits of apricot kernels and their harmful properties.
Apricot kernels: description and composition
Apricot kernels are rich big amount fats, proteins and carbohydrates. The calorie content of the product per 100 grams is almost 500 kcal. Therefore, they are recommended to people to gain muscle mass.
The composition of the fruit kernels includes:
- Complex lipid compounds (phospholipids).
- Tocopherols.
- Organic acids (saturated and unsaturated).
- A large number of essential oils.
- Amygdalin (B17) is a substance containing hydrocyanic acid.
- Inorganic substances (potassium, calcium, iron, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus).
- Vitamins (A, B, C, E, F, PP).
- Natural pigments.
Due to this unique set of components, apricot nuts are often eaten. The kernels can be either excessively bitter or sweet. The bitterness of the seeds comes from substances that are toxic to the human body, the source of which is vitamin B 17.
If the seeds taste sweet and only slightly bitter, then the product can be eaten.
Nuts are used both raw and fried, dried or salted.
Beneficial features
For men
For women
Representatives of the fair sex always want to look great, which can be helped by apricot kernels, which play an important role in preserving youth.
A large amount of tocopherol acts on the body as an antioxidant, preventing cell aging and slowing down skin aging. And an increased amount of vitamins, glucose, minerals and silver ions contribute to the overall strengthening of the body.
During pregnancy
The effect of seeds on a pregnant woman’s body is not much different. Besides, iron helps increase hemoglobin, which is important during pregnancy. However, you should not abuse such a delicacy.
If the cyanide content in the seeds is increased, this may have a bad effect on the child’s condition. The consumption dose should not exceed 20 grams per day.
The benefits of apricot kernels for diseases
The composition of apricot grains allows them to be used to alleviate diseases.
Video about the beneficial properties of apricot kernels and contraindications:
How to grow more crops?
Any gardener and summer resident is pleased to receive a large harvest with large fruits. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to obtain the desired result.
Plants often lack nutrition and useful minerals
It has the following properties:
- Allows increase productivity by 50% in just a few weeks of use.
- You can get a good one harvest even on low-fertility soils and in unfavorable climatic conditions
- Absolutely safe
Contraindications and harm
There are cases when you should not eat apricot kernels, as this can cause side effects and complications.
Apricot kernels are contraindicated for:
- diabetes mellitus;
- diseases of the thyroid gland;
- liver diseases in acute or chronic form;
- during pregnancy and during feeding due to overeating;
- individual intolerance to components.
All healthy products besides beneficial influence They can also have a negative effect on the body if the dosage is not followed; apricot seeds are no exception.
The nucleoli contain hydrocyanic acid, which, if consumed excessively (more than 40 g per day), causes poisoning.
The symptoms are:
- nausea;
- stomach cramps;
- general weakness;
- headache.
Define increased content hydrogen cyanide is possible due to the strong bitterness of the nucleoli. Old, stale bones are also rich in acid. According to reviews of those who took apricot kernels in medicinal purposes, nausea and weakness are often present. Before treatment you should consult your doctor.
Application of apricot kernels in different areas
The healing properties of apricot kernels allow them to be used in various fields.
Medicine
For medicinal use, special apricot varieties with big bone and the core.
In traditional medicine for preparation medicines and mixtures mainly use cold-pressed apricot kernel oil.
The oil acts as:
- emollient;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiseptic;
- antioxidant.
The product is used for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:
- eye diseases;
- heart diseases;
- arthritis;
- arthrosis
Apricot kernels have become widespread in alternative medicine to fight cancer, colds, maintain the cardiovascular and digestive systems.
Cosmetology
Apricot kernels are widely used in the cosmetics industry:
Cooking
Apricot kernels are often used in making sweets:
- ice cream;
- caramel;
- waffles;
- sweets;
- jam;
- yoghurts;
- confectionery creams and glazes.
Ground kernels are added as a spice to first and second courses and even salads. Used in winemaking. The kernels are consumed both raw and fried or dried.
Separate dishes are prepared from the seeds, for example, urbech is especially popular in Dagestan. In addition to apricot kernels, it includes butter and honey in liquid form. Take 1 part of each product and heat it in a water bath, without bringing it to a boil. When the paste reaches a homogeneous state, it should be cooled and refrigerated.
This mixture helps:
- Strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of colds.
- Improving the functioning of the digestive system.
- Accelerate metabolism. Stories from our readers!
“I am a summer resident with many years of experience, and I started using this fertilizer only last year. I tested it on the most capricious vegetable in my garden - tomatoes. The bushes grew and bloomed together, they yielded more than usual. And they did not suffer from late blight, this is the main thing.
Fertilizer really gives more intensive growth to garden plants, and they bear fruit much better. Nowadays you can’t grow a normal harvest without fertilizer, and this fertilizing increases the amount of vegetables, so I’m very pleased with the result.”
Conclusion
Apricot kernels contain many useful substances; they have a beneficial effect on the body of adults and children. The main thing is not to exceed daily norm and monitor your condition.
Since childhood, we were taught that fruit seeds must be spat out, so as not to “get” appendicitis. However, doctors and scientists have long classified this statement as a myth. On the contrary, many bones contain such unique and useful substances in their composition that it is stupid not to use what nature has created.
But before you include them in your “diet,” you should remember the golden rule of moderation. After all, the norm is our everything.
Grape seeds
Kiwi seeds
The seeds of the exotic fruit contain a record amount of vitamin E, which is a “beauty vitamin” for nails and hair. In addition, if you regularly eat them, you can get rid of puffiness under the eyes.
orange seeds
They are eaten extremely rarely - they are difficult to swallow due to their size. However, the usefulness of these seeds has long been proven: they contain a high content of salicylic acid, as well as the legendary and shrouded in mystery vitamin B 17, which, according to many experts, is a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer cells. To eat an orange seed, you should not swallow it whole, but chew it thoroughly.
Olive pits
Pomegranate seeds
They should be used by people when their nerves are “on edge”, as they help overcome irritability and nervousness.
Watermelon seeds
Helps normalize blood sugar
Apricot kernels
Traditional medicine in the fight against cancer simply loves to give recommendations on their use to people suffering from cancer and those involved in the prevention of cancer.
However, official medicine maintains a proud silence regarding their effectiveness in the fight against tumors, citing the fact that there have been no serious studies that would confirm their destructive effect on cancer cells. But many doctors, nevertheless, admit that vitamin B 17 contained in apricot kernels, also known as the substance letril, really had a positive effect on serious diseases. In addition, he is able to cope with fatigue.
apple seeds
Vitamin B 17 is also contained in them, preventing the spread of cancer cells. In addition, they contain a large amount of iodine. But you shouldn't abuse them. It is recommended no more than 5-7 pieces per day.
Pomegranate has long been known for its beneficial properties that have a positive effect on the functioning of the entire body. Main feature berries are useful not only for the sweet and sour pulp, but for the whole fruit.
Various tinctures are made from pomegranate seeds and oil is produced. They have medicinal properties and are used in cosmetology.
At the same time, is it possible to eat pomegranate seeds with seeds, is there any benefit in such an activity? What contraindications are there in in this case? Pomegranate seeds - the benefits and harms of the seeds are described later in the article.
Seed composition
Pomegranate seeds contain many vitamins and microelementsIs it healthy to eat pomegranate with seeds? refers to exotic fruits. Most consumers pay attention only to its taste, while few people think about whether pomegranate seeds can be eaten and whether there is anything healthy in them. Some believe that, on the contrary, they harm the gastrointestinal tract. It's a delusion. It is important to figure out whether it is possible to swallow pomegranate seeds. This part of the berry contains many vitamins and microelements.
The composition of the seeds is as follows:
- A nicotinic acid;
- Vitamins of group B, A, E;
- Polyphenols;
- Iron;
- Sodium, calcium, potassium;
- Fatty acid;
- Phosphorus compounds.
In addition, they contain starch, iodine, ash, and tannins. Many studies have been conducted on whether it is possible to eat pomegranate with seeds. The use of these seeds is widespread in cosmetology, in the treatment of various diseases, in the preparation of tinctures and medicines.
You might be interested to know whether you can eat apricot kernels. Read more details
Benefit
To understand whether it is possible to eat pomegranate seeds with seeds and whether pomegranate seeds are beneficial for the body, you should understand the properties of these small seeds.
Their action is as follows:
- Detoxification;
- Anti-inflammatory effect;
- Regulation of metabolic processes;
- Elimination of symptoms of diarrhea, headache;
- Stabilization of the functioning of the endocrine glands;
- Positive effect on male sexual function;
- Reduced pain during menstruation;
- Stabilization of pressure in hypertension.
In addition, the seeds have a positive effect on the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, help restore sleep, and are effective for skin diseases and depression. The question remains whether diabetics can eat pomegranate seeds with seeds. The answer is also positive, since with their help sugar levels are normalized. The use of harmful substances provokes inflammation in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Are the seeds good for the intestines? Due to the tannin content, a protective layer is formed that prevents the inflammatory process.
More about the benefits pomegranate seeds you will learn from the video:
Can children eat it?
The beneficial properties of pomegranate have a beneficial effect on the body at any age. However, can children eat pomegranate seeds? Until the age of three, it is important to monitor whether children eat pomegranate seeds. This is not recommended for young children because their gastrointestinal tract is not yet fully functional. At this age, pomegranate should be consumed without seeds, only the pulp, or take the fruits of boneless varieties.
What are the benefits of pomegranate seeds after three years? The benefit to the body is the treatment and prevention of anemia, as an effective antibacterial agent for stomatitis. The main thing is not to consume grains very often. For children, the norm is once a week.
Can pregnant women eat it?
Pregnancy leads to a deficiency of ascorbic and nicotinic acid, tocopherol, riboflavin and other microelements necessary for the development of the baby’s organs and tissues. Pomegranate is able to replenish the missing elements; it is useful for both mother and child. However, can pregnant women eat pomegranate seeds?
If there is no individual intolerance to the fruit and no allergic reactions, then the answer to the question of whether pomegranate seeds are useful lies in the following effects during pregnancy:
- Strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
- Reducing swelling, toxicosis;
- Replenishment of deficiency of vitamins and microelements;
- Increasing the body's defense during an influenza epidemic.
Is it possible to swallow pomegranate seeds while breastfeeding? In this case, of course, you need to monitor the baby’s reaction. If it does not occur, then it is recommended to start with no more than five grains, after which the serving size can be increased to 20 pieces.
During breastfeeding Almonds will bring great benefits to mother and child
The benefit of pomegranate with seeds for women also lies in its effect on hormonal levels. The seeds contain phytohormones, the lack of which causes excessive menstruation, hot flashes, mood swings, and decreased hemoglobin. You can avoid such negative reactions by consuming pomegranate seeds.
Can men eat?
Is it possible for the male half of the world's population to eat pomegranates with bones? In addition to all the positive aspects outlined, the benefit of pomegranate with seeds for men is to improve blood circulation. Due to this, a positive effect is observed regarding erectile function.
You might be interested to know that the great benefits men's health will bring ginger root.
Read more details
Harmful properties and contraindications
Are there any contraindications for consuming pomegranate seeds? Their benefits for the human body are clearly great, but this rule only applies with moderate consumption. Is it harmful to eat them in certain cases, and in which ones?
Pomegranate seeds always exhibit beneficial properties, except in cases where the following contraindications are present:
- Hypotension;
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and stomach;
- Haemorrhoids;
- Colitis;
- Increased gas formation, constipation;
- Gastritis accompanied by high acidity.
Why is the opinion so popular that you should not eat pomegranate seeds; can you get appendicitis from the seeds? They do not provoke bacterial inflammation in any way; cases of appendicitis are possible only when seeds get into the appendix and block the passage. But due to their too small size, this probability is minimal. Therefore, the question of overly anxious people, whether pomegranate should be eaten with or without seeds, has a clear answer.
Features of use
Pomegranate seeds have beneficial properties not only when they are fresh. They are also used to make oils and tinctures. Pomegranate seed oil is produced by cold pressing. It is considered even more useful than the seeds of the fruit themselves.
The composition of the resulting product contributes to the following:
- Has a rejuvenating effect;
- Softens the skin;
- Accelerates the renewal of damaged tissues, restores protection;
- Normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
- Restores natural moisture in the epidermis.
Pomegranate seed oil is used for age-related skin changes, for whitening the face, and preventing photoaging of the epidermis due to prolonged exposure to the sun.
You might be interested in knowing what benefits oil has. grape seeds. Read more details
The beneficial properties are also widely known alcohol tincture from seeds.
She is capable of:
- Prevent respiratory diseases;
- Reduce inflammation;
- Relieve menstrual symptoms;
- Reduce the incidence of cholesterol plaques.
To prepare you will need 5 pomegranates, lemon, 350 g of sugar and 500 ml of alcohol. The grains must be extracted by squeezing the juice out of the pulp. To them you should add lemon zest, cinnamon, sugar and pour alcohol over everything. The drink should be infused in a cool place for 20 days. It is recommended to drink it one tablespoon before meals 1-2 times a day every day for two months.
Results
Whether it is necessary to eat pomegranate seeds is up to each person to decide for himself. At the same time, the choice of whether the seeds can be swallowed and whether children can eat the fruit with them depends on the presence of contraindications and the child reaching the age of three. However, the beneficial properties of the berry seeds are very high and help saturate the body with vitamins and minerals. Are seeds digested in the stomach? They are not completely digested, but this fact does not pose any threat due to the small size of the grains.
Similar materials
The call of zealous owners “Waste into income!” It doesn’t always work, but not in the case of apricot kernels. What we all mercilessly throw away after enjoying the taste and aroma of apricot pulp, it turns out, should not be thrown away under any circumstances. It’s just stupid to throw away a lot of vitamins, minerals, valuable acids, along with nutritious product with exquisite culinary properties.
Of course, many have heard that apricot kernels are tasty and somewhat similar in this regard. But at the same time, there is a strong opinion about their toxicity. Moreover, they are supposedly poisonous to such an extent that their use is fraught with death.
Therefore, the vast majority of apricot lovers prefer to throw away the pits “out of harm’s way.” 
In fact, apricot kernels are not only possible, but also necessary to eat, while following simple rules, which will be discussed later.
Did you know? For the first time in a cultivated form, the apricot appeared, apparently, about three thousand years ago on the territory of modern Armenia or, according to another version, somewhere in the Tien Shan. Scientists today are unable to say more precisely.
Composition analysis
When you get acquainted with the enormous taste, culinary, healing, cosmetic potential of this product, you feel somehow uneasy at the thought that all this wealth most often ends up in the trash.
The kernels of the seeds contain a whole bunch of vitamins, some of which are very rare. In addition to the common and extensive ones, there are also more rare ones presented there. 
But special attention is drawn to a specific product inherent in this particular product, which is also called amygdalin. It is this that gives apricot kernels their characteristic bitter taste.
This product is saturated with microelements in the form of, and.
Calories and nutritional value
The high content of fats and carbohydrates in the product determines its high calorie content and, accordingly, nutritional value. 100 g of apricot kernels contain more than 500 kcal. The experience of Easterners shows that eating several kernels saturates the body with calories, and also useful substances so much so that this is enough for several hours of human activity.
The unique and uniquely balanced composition of the product allows it to actually participate in the fight against inflammatory processes in the human immune and respiratory systems. 
This is facilitated by its pronounced mucolytic capabilities, which help to actively dilute sputum and remove it from the body.
The product's ability to counteract cramps and even eliminate hiccups has been recorded.
That same insidious hydrocyanic acid, which makes so many people wary of eating the delicious core of apricot kernels, is indeed present in them. However, it can cause truly fatal harm only with excessive consumption of the product - more than 40 g at a time. 
Amygdalin, that is, vitamin B17, when entering the body, releases this toxic hydrocyanic acid. The more bitter it tastes, the more it is in the nucleolus.
Important! Drying the seeds in the oven or boiling in a saucepan almost completely eliminates the toxic substances in them, which disintegrate at high temperatures.
Since apricots are quite strong allergens, naturally, the contents of their seeds are contraindicated for people in whom this fruit causes allergic reactions.
Features of the use of apricot kernels
This product is not limited only to its taste, nutrition and medicinal properties. It is used, and especially the oil from it, in cosmetics. That is, each consumer, depending on age, gender and health status, is free to choose the most preferable qualities of this product from among many possible ones.
Traditional healers especially advise medicinal products with addition apricot kernels when eliminating problems in the human respiratory system. 
To combat cold cough, pneumonia, bronchitis, laryngitis And tracheitis It is recommended to add 10 g each of wild rosemary and knotweed to 20 g of kernels. Finely grind all this, pour in 200 ml of boiling water, leave for half an hour and strain using a fine sieve. The infusion should be taken 50 ml three times a day.
For the treatment of colds, eliminating seizures And fight against conjunctivitis You need to pour 10 g of highly crushed kernels into 100 ml of boiling water and leave for four hours. After filtering, the product should be applied orally three times a day, 50 ml. When treating conjunctivitis, the solution is applied externally to the eyes using tampons soaked in it.
Will they help you lose weight?
The high saturation of fats and carbohydrates and high calorie content make this product undesirable for overweight people.
But the content is extremely in demand apricot kernels cosmetologists. They appreciated them unique composition, widely using beneficial properties in the compositions of various creams and ointments for healing and rejuvenating the skin, as well as maintaining hair in good condition.
Actually, it is not the kernels themselves that are used for this, but the oil extracted from them by cold pressing. 
For face
Apricot oil very useful for facial skin and pure form, however, it can be used to make highly effective products for moisturizing, toning and rejuvenating the skin.
Cleansing mask
Tablespoon ground in a coffee grinder oatmeal pour two tablespoons of milk for five minutes, after which a teaspoon of apricot oil and the same amount of honey are added.
Moisturizing mask
One small spoon of oil needs to be added to a well-pounded egg yolk, mix the mixture thoroughly and apply it to the face along the massage lines for half an hour.
Moisturizing toner
In 100 ml mineral water without gas, add two teaspoons of oil and a spoonful of glycerin. It is recommended to wipe your face with this mixture in the mornings and evenings. 
For hair
This oil is very suitable for maintaining healthy hair. It effectively nourishes the roots, makes hair shiny and silky. When washing them, the oil can simply be added to the shampoo.
Mask for dry hair
Just add a few drops of lavender oil to a spoon of oil, and then apply this mixture to your hair for half an hour before washing your hair.
Did you know? The apricot tree grows for a long time, bears fruit for almost forty years in a row and lives up to a hundred years.
Mask for oily hair
Mix a tablespoon of butter and the same amount of warm milk with a teaspoon of honey.
Classic night mask
Heat the oil and rub it into the scalp, massaging it at the same time. Then lightly oil the hair strands, then collect the hair and cover the head with a towel. 
Features of product selection and storage, can apricot kernels spoil?
When choosing seeds, you should pay attention to their appearance and especially on the content. There should be no traces of pests in the form of food moths. They should not be obtained from unripe fruits, since in this case the kernels are wrinkled and unsuitable for consumption.
The pre-dried product can be stored both in shell and in peeled form. The kernels are better stored in the thin shell in which they are located and which can be removed before use.
If apricot kernels are covered in a thick layer during drying, they may begin to mold, which irrevocably leads to their loss of consumer qualities. The seeds of unripe fruits can also completely deteriorate.
There are much more toxic substances in such a product than in fresh ones.
Harvesting the internal contents of ripe apricots is simple and straightforward. Dividing these necessarily already ripe fruits in two, we take out the seeds from them and put them in a suitable container. Then wash them thoroughly, removing any remaining fruit fibers from their surface, place them on a tray or baking sheet in a single layer and leave them somewhere to dry. 
It's best to do this on fresh air, but definitely not in direct sunlight. They should be stored in glass or wooden containers without access to pests.
You can remove the kernels from the seeds and store them. Some people roast them immediately in the oven to eliminate toxic substances.
The unique taste and smell of apricot kernels have long attracted the attention of culinary experts, who widely and actively use them as additives in ice cream, creams, yoghurts, cakes, syrups and baked goods.
Chopped kernels have proven especially good for housewives when making jam or marmalade. When these ingredients are added, the products become very spicy taste and the smell, which, according to the housewives, simply cannot be compared with anything. 
This truly potentially toxic product, if basic precautions are taken, turns into a truly unique product. useful qualities product for cooking, cosmetology and medicine.
