Apricot is a fruit tree of the Plum genus, Family Pink, which serves as a source of dried fruits (dried apricots, apricots).
There are several versions of the origin of the fruit. According to one of them, the homeland of apricot is Armenia, while other sources claim that the primary center for the appearance of a fragrant fruit is China (Tien Shan region).
The height of the tree reaches 6–8 m. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, extended at the top, the flowers are single sessile, five-dimensional, the fruits are juicy monocotyledons, roundish yellowish-red in outline, the seeds are obovate, flat. Trees are drought tolerant, with most varieties hardy.
The fruits of apricot have a beneficial effect on the human body: they supply the cells of the organs with vitamins, minerals, improve memory, digestion, increase efficiency, charge with vigor. For medicinal purposes, the fruit is used in violation of metabolism, to normalize the acidity of gastric juice, the work of the gallbladder, liver, pancreas. In addition, apricot strengthens the immune system and stimulates the growth of the child.
Chemical composition
The pulp of apricot fruit contains from 4,7% to 27% saccharides (glucose, fructose, maltose, sucrose), 1,3% organic acids (malic, citric, succinic), as well as carotenoids (lycopene, lutein, β-carotene, γ -carotene, α-carotene) ..
In addition, the fruit contains many phenolic compounds (ferulic, n-coumaric, chlorogenic, caffeic and other acids), flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, isoquercitrin and others), vitamins A, B1, B2, PP, C, catechins, aromatic components. The bone contains amino acids, the enzyme emulsin, fatty oils, consisting of linoleic, oleic acids, glycerides.
Interestingly, the brighter the orange color of the skin and pulp of the apricot, the more they contain ascorbic acid.
Remember, the chemical composition of the fruit of the fruit tree depends on the variety, growing conditions, degree of maturity, agrotechnical methods of growing, as well as the duration of storage.
Table No. 1 “How is apricot useful?”
Name
Nutrient content, mg per 100 g of ripe fruit pulp farmer-online.com
Vitamins
Tocopherol (E) 1,1 Ascorbic acid (C) 10 Beta-carotene 1,6 Nicotinic acid (PP) 0,8 Pantothenic acid (B5) 0,3 Retinol (A) 0,267 Riboflavin (B2) 0,06 Pyridoxine (B6) ) 0,05 Thiamine (B1) 0,03 Folic acid (B9) 0,003 Biotin (H) 0,00027
Trace Elements
Кремний
5
Железо
0,7
Алюминий
0,364
Марганец
0,22
Бор
0,125
Цинк
0,082
Ванадий
0,025
Фтор
0,011
Молибден
0,008
Никель
0,008
Кобальт
0,002
Йод
0,001
Хром
0,001
Macronutrients
Калий
305
Кальций
28
Фосфор
26
Магний
8
Сера
6
Натрий
3
Хлор
1
The calorie content of fresh fruit is low and is only 44 kcal per 100 g of product farmer-online.com, while the energy value of dried apricots increases to 232 kcal ., and apricot – 242 kcal .… The largest share in all varieties of apricot is occupied by carbohydrates.
Due to its low calorie content, fresh fruit is used for fasting days, with a minimum weight adjustment of 1-3 kg.
The daily intake of apricot for an adult is 500 g of fresh fruits or 100 g of dried .… To increase immunity, strengthen the body and restore normal intestinal activity, the elderly, children, as well as pregnant women are recommended to additionally consume 150 g of apricots throughout the day.
Interestingly, 150 g of apricot juice contains the daily requirement of carotene.
In addition, according to the strength of the effect on the process of hematopoiesis, 100 g of fresh fruits can replace 250 g of fresh liver ..
The benefits and harms of fresh fruit
Fresh ripe apricot fruits have a positive effect on the human body .[8]:
- prevent the development of oncological diseases, heart pathologies (due to the presence of fiber, beta-carotene);
- liquefy phlegm with dry cough, have an expectorant effect;
- enhance digestion, stimulating the glandular apparatus of the stomach and activating the absorption of food in the intestine;
- have a laxative, thirst-quenching, antipyretic effect;
- stimulate growth (in children);
- relieve anemia (due to the presence of iron);
- normalize the acidity of the gastric juice;
- improve the functioning of the gallbladder, liver;
- remove toxins from the body;
- relieve inflammation of the kidneys, mucous membranes;
- increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, facilitate well-being with severe anemia;
- maintain the tone of blood vessels, the thyroid gland;
- improve memory, increase mental performance;
- destroy harmful bacteria (act as a natural antibiotic);
- reduce the risk of atherosclerosis;
- relieve cholesterol deposits.
Apricot helps to overcome general chronic intoxication, which is especially useful for people living in regions with unfavorable environmental background (high air pollution, smog) and working in the chemical industry in hazardous industries.
Some contraindications for taking the fruit include [8]:
- obesity;
- diabetes;
- an allergy.
Despite its positive properties, the fetus can irritate the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, so it is not recommended to use it on an empty stomach, during an exacerbation of gastric ulcer, gastritis, pancreatitis.
The benefits and harm of apricot seeds
The nuclei of the fruit are thick-walled, depending on the variety, they are smooth or rough, covered with a light brown skin on top, and have a bittersweet taste. Outwardly they resemble almonds. The energy value of an apricot kernel is 440 kcal per 100 g of product [9]… It is a natural anthelmintic.
The benefit of kernels is that they contain oil, which is widely used in cosmetology (included in creams, shampoos) and medicine (to eliminate kidney and respiratory diseases). In addition, they are rich in magnesium and phosphorus – trace elements that help lower blood pressure, improve memory, and increase brain performance. And calcium helps to restore neuromuscular excitability.
The beneficial properties of apricot kernels do not end there. They contain vitamin B17, which destroys cancer cells, so a daily intake of ten kernels will help reduce the risk of developing malignant neoplasms. [10].
Do not overdo it with the reception of bones, because they contain prussic acid, which in excess impairs the work of the intestine, irritating its tissues.
The benefits and harm of dried apricots / apricots
Dried apricots are dried apricots, from which the seed has been husked, but from the apricot it has not been extracted. Below we will consider what the benefits and harms of each dried fruit are.
Dried apricots are produced as follows: the kernel is carefully removed from the apricot fruit, then the pulp is laid out in the sun in designated places and dried for a week. From 4 kg of fresh apricots, 1 kg of dried fruit is obtained.
Remember: natural dried apricots turn gray and fade during the drying process. If it has a juicy orange color, it was treated with sulfur dioxide (SO2) to improve its presentation. This product should not be eaten as it can cause gallbladder problems, stomach pains, allergic reactions, burns to the esophageal mucosa and disrupt bowel function.
In natural dried apricots a greater amount of nutrients is concentrated than in fresh apricots. It is recommended to use in heart disease, anemia, weakened immunity. Dried fruit rejuvenates the skin, increases hemoglobin, cleanses the intestines, strengthens the hair, eliminates vascular blockage.
The technology for the production of apricots is similar to the method for making dried apricots. The only difference is that a bone is not removed from it. After drying, this dried fruit takes on a brown hue. From 5 kg of fresh apricots, 1 kg of apricots is obtained. Dried fruit is a storehouse of carotene, potassium salts and dietary fiber. It effectively fights headaches, thrombophlebitis, constipation, strengthens bones and joints.
Thus, dried apricots normalize blood pressure, cleanse the intestines, slow down the development of tumors, relieve fatigue, and improve the condition of the skin and hair. The harm to dried fruits is possible only in case of overeating, which is fraught with weight gain and a decrease in blood pressure, which is unsafe in case of hypotension.
Apricot diet for weight loss
To unload the digestive tract of the body and get rid of 1-3 kg in a couple of days, we recommend paying attention to the apricot mono-diet. It is useful not only for overweight people, but also for everyone who wants to strengthen the body.
Regular (once every 2-3 months) fasting days on apricots (at least in the summer season) helps to improve health, improve visual acuity, strengthen bones, normalize digestion, eliminate toxins, and also helps the body to resist negative environmental factors (tobacco smoke, exhaust fumes).
Conditions for “sweet” weight loss [11]:
- The duration of the diet should not exceed five days.
- Apricots are allowed to be consumed in any form: fresh, boiled (from compote), mashed, in the form of mousse, fresh.
- Drink 2-3 liters of clean water throughout the day.
- At one time, eat as much apricot as is placed in two palms.
- The diet should consist exclusively of apricots in the amount of 1 kg per day.
- In case of a sharp feeling of hunger, eat 3-4 pieces of dried apricots. Do not overuse, because dried fruit is 4,5 times more caloric than fresh fruit.
- During the day, it is allowed to drink green tea or dried apricot compote without added sugar.
- Wash the fruit thoroughly before taking it.
For weight loss, it is recommended to choose apricots of the following varieties: ordinary, hybrid with peach, tinted or pineapple.
Contraindications to the apricot mono-diet include diabetes mellitus, gastritis, ulcers, bowel obstruction.
It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before starting your diet.
Conclusion
Apricot is a real gift of nature to humanity. This is a fruit that is used to treat diseases of the heart, blood vessels, the digestive system and the prevention of cancer.
The fruits are used in cooking for the preparation of jam, apricot vodka, etc., as well as in medicine for the production of fatty oil, sedatives and expectorants.
In order to maximize the benefits of the body, it is recommended that you carefully choose the apricot. A good fruit has a rich orange color with a shade of yellow. It reaches 5 cm in diameter. Juicy, sweet and aromatic – this is what a fresh fruit should be like.
When choosing dried apricots and apricots, pay attention to their appearance: they should be dark, tough and very dry. Do not take fruits with bright colors – they are treated with chemicals.
After purchasing fresh apricots, it is recommended to eat it within three days, since it is a perishable product that cannot be stored for a long time. It is better to transfer dried fruits to a glass container, close the lid tightly and keep in a dry place. Otherwise, due to access to moisture, dried apricots and apricots can quickly become moldy.
We wish you a good choice!
Sources of
