Apricot kernels: benefits and harms, properties and contraindications, is it possible to eat

Many unknowingly after eating apricots throw away the pits of the fruit, depriving themselves of a valuable and useful product. The unique properties of grains were recognized in ancient times by Chinese healers, who widely used fruits for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. In order to get the desired effect, it is important to know about the benefits and harms of apricot kernels.

Chemical composition of the bone

Useful qualities of apricot kernels are due to the unique composition of the kernels. The calorie content of 100 g of the product is 520 kcal. Nuts contain:

several types of acids useful for the body, beneficially affecting the functioning of the internal organs of a person;
vitamins A, B, PP;
large amounts of minerals;
phospholipids;
tocopherol.

The amygdalin contained in the bones belongs to the group of anticancer drugs. Due to the large amount of antioxidants, nuts are often used in cosmetology and anti-aging mask recipes. The use of grains can quickly restore the deficiency of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus. Due to the high content of iron, the product is able to normalize the level of hemoglobin, have a positive effect on the circulatory system.

Apricot kernels contain a high concentration of hydrocyanic acid, so they must be taken with due regard for safety measures and not to exceed the allowable amount.

The benefits and harms of seeds. Permissible rate per day

Apricot kernels are used in various fields of medicine, cooking and cosmetology. Nuts are often used in alternative therapy recipes as a component for the preparation of healing products. Grains are credited with the following properties:

anti-inflammatory;
antiseptic;
immunostimulatory;
anticancer;
anthelmintic;
regenerating.

Useful properties of the product can be nullified if the allowable amount of nuts per day is exceeded, since it is possible to get hydrocyanic acid poisoning. When determining the limit, the age and weight of the person are taken into account. The generally accepted rule for calculating the norm for an adult is the observance of the ratio - 1 apricot seed for every 5 kg of a person's weight.

For women

For women, sufficient consumption of apricot kernels has a beneficial effect on he alth, as nuts contain a large amount of fatty acids. They allow you to slow down the aging process, help restore hormonal levels and normalize the protective properties of the body.

Due to the high content of oils, vitamins and minerals, it has a positive effect on the entire body.

The norm for women is the number of bones up to 10 pieces. Grains are taken not only inside. They are used to make masks for the face and body, and the oil restores the structure and shine of the hair. Pregnant women and women during breastfeeding are not recommended to eat grains, as apricot is considered a strong allergen.

For men

For the body of men, the benefits are associated with a high content of fat and protein in apricot nuts, so the product is often included in the diet of athletes and people who want to gain weight. It contains 29% oleic acid, which is considered a unique source of energy, and when consumed, lipids are better absorbed.

Recommended the reception of grains for those whose work requires a lot of physical effort. Adults can eat 20 to 40 grains a day. With regular consumption, due to the content of linoleic acid in grains, the level of cholesterol in the body decreases, which contributes to the normalization of the heart muscle.

For kids

Due to the high content of hydrocyanic acid in young children, it is not recommended to give a child more than 1 bone. It is believed that you can give as many grains as the baby is aged. Heat treatment of the product allows to reduce the content of hazardous substances in nuts.

For what diseases it is recommended to use

The list of diseases for which grains are recommended to be eaten is quite wide. They are used raw and as an ingredient in the preparation of medicinal products. To get the benefits for the body, do not exceed the norm of nuts.

Infusions from grains for epilepsy

In the fight against epilepsy, apricot juice is used, which is consumed at 0.5 liters per day. Nucleoli help to increase the body's resistance to diseases of various kinds, increase the efficiency of all internal organs. The course should be 30 days, after which they take a break.

When there is a threat of convulsive conditions, a decoction is prepared for oral administration. To do this, take 8 tsp. apricot grains, pour them for 4 hours with 200 ml of hot water. The remedy is taken 3 times a day before meals, 65 ml each.

Intake of raw nuclei in oncology

The healing properties of apricot kernels are often touted as anti-cancer. At the same time, there are no official confirmations and scientific studies regarding the effectiveness of the fight against malignant tumors of the bones.

However, today such a component can be found in many dietary supplements and additives used for food with cancer. Alternative medicine advises to eat 40 g of apricot kernels, dividing the indicated rate into 3 doses. The course of treatment is 1.5 weeks, after which they take a break.

Decoction for conjunctivitis

For conjunctivitis, a decoction based on apricot kernels is used, which is applied to the eye area in the form of lotions for 15 minutes. For its preparation, take 3 tsp. apricot kernels and pour 100 ml of boiling water for 4 hours.

Use for inflammatory lung disease

Apricot kernels are considered a unique remedy for the treatment of respiratory diseases. The use of such a product promotes sputum discharge, therefore, nuts are often used for bronchitis and whooping cough. To get rid of cough in the diet daily include 1 tbsp. l. chopped nuts.

During the weakening of the body, nuts are used as a strong immunostimulant, and due to the high content of vitamins and minerals, they are often included in the diet of patients. To combat vitamin deficiency, 20 g of grains are mixed with 4 tbsp. l. honey and chopped zest, this mixture is consumed on an empty stomach daily for 1 tsp.

Apricot kernels in diseases of the respiratory tract can be eaten fresh or prepared in decoctions with medicinal herbs. For their preparation, the use of thyme, chamomile flowers and coltsfoot is most effective.Gargling with such infusions solves the problem of sore throat, which often accompanies colds.

For joint pain

To prepare rubbing for legs and joints, prepare a remedy from 500 ml of vodka and 1 cup of crushed grains. The tincture is removed for 3 weeks, after which it is used for its intended purpose.

For arrhythmias

When the heart rate is unstable, it is recommended to take teas based on apricot. In order to cleanse and normalize the composition of the blood, it is recommended to take 1 tsp orally on an empty stomach. nuts burnt to ashes. To make a remedy you need:

grind 0.5 kg of lemon on a grater;
add 20 apricot seeds;
pour 0.5 l of liquid honey;
mix and keep for 3 days in a cool place.

This remedy is taken in the morning and in the evening, 1 tbsp. l.

Against worms

Apricot seeds are considered an excellent remedy for worms. For these purposes, they are consumed fresh on an empty stomach. The components of nuts have a depressing effect on pathogenic microorganisms, therefore, they contribute to the normalization of microflora during dysbacteriosis.

Existing contraindications for ingestion

Only high-quality apricot seeds are suitable for food. Expired, rancid-tasting grains should not be eaten When deciding whether or not nuts can be consumed and eaten, certain medical conditions need to be taken into account. Should not be included in the diet for the following pathologies:

diabetes mellitus;
acute phase of liver disease;
disturbances in the endocrine system;
problems with the functioning of the digestive system;
apricot nut intolerance;
pregnancy status.

Excessive consumption of apricot kernels is fraught with hydrocyanic acid poisoning. The maximum concentration of the substance is observed after 5 hours from the moment of administration. At the same time, a person experiences a severe headache, feels sick, and suffers from cramps, pain in the abdomen can be observed. With severe poisoning, convulsions begin, and heart failure can be provoked.

The use of nuts in cosmetology and cooking

Apricot nuts found their use in the field of cosmetology already in the 15th century, when the cost of such a product was comparable to the price of gold.Today, oil can often be seen in the composition of shampoos, creams, masks and other cosmetics. It is used as a component that perfectly nourishes the skin, gives it elasticity, promotes faster healing of wounds and prevents aging.

The ability of the oil to lay down in a thin layer leads to the fact that air access to the cells is not blocked. For hair, such a component becomes "life-giving", as they acquire shine, silkiness and volume.

If you want to use the power of apricot kernels, you can use the following recipes:

cleansing mask - oatmeal and milk are mixed in a 1:1 ratio, after 5 minutes add 1 tsp. butter and honey;
moisturizer - 1 yolk combined with 1 tsp. oils, applying to the face or body for 30 minutes;
for hair - 1 tbsp. l. apricot oil and 2 drops of lavender are applied to the hair for 30 minutes, then washed.

Grains today are usually added to confectionery and flour products. Bitter nuts are more often used ground, which creates a unique nutty flavor. Seeds are used to make ice cream, desserts, dairy products. Jam with apricot pits is considered one of the best delicacies. Oil is practically not used in the field of cooking.

How and how long apricot seeds are stored

Apricot pits can be stored whole or peeled. The first option allows you to extend the shelf life of nuts and contributes to a better preservation of their beneficial properties. Recommended duration is 1 year.

Over time, the level of hydrocyanic acid in the product rises, and it becomes unsuitable for consumption. It is quite easy to recognize spoiled seeds, as they acquire a bitter taste. Properly keep the grains in an airtight container, avoiding direct sunlight.