Sunny oriental beauty dried apricots. Toxins due to drying technology. Gout, joint pain

Dried apricots are considered a controversial product when it comes to dietary nutrition. There are various conflicting opinions. Some believe that this product should be categorically rejected by everyone who wants to lose weight, others express the opposite point of view, and still others choose middle way. Most likely, it is precisely this that can be considered correct, since in in this case the principle of moderation and reasonableness is observed.

Dried apricots in the diet

The effect of dried apricots on health and weight loss

First of all, it should be noted that dried apricots are a healthy product. It contains a whole complex of biologically active elements that contribute to the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels, strengthen muscle and bone tissue, provide good nutrition tissues and give a boost of energy. Such dried fruits help cleanse the body and stimulate intestinal motility. They are great for snacking, providing a quick feeling of fullness.

But even taking into account all these useful qualities, a natural question arises - is it possible to eat dried apricots while on a diet, because they are quite high-calorie product. The answer will be positive, but ambiguous. Consumption of dried apricots while on a diet may occur. But in order to benefit from it while avoiding recruitment excess weight, it is important to follow certain rules.

Rules for eating dried apricots on a diet

The main rule for eating dried apricots is moderation. And it concerns not only dietary nutrition. Even if you do not set yourself the goal of losing weight or maintaining it at a certain level, you should not abuse dried fruits. Besides the fact that you risk adding several extra pounds, you are also at risk of intestinal problems. When dieting, you should limit yourself to no more than 20 - 30 g of dried apricots per day.

The second rule determines the time of consumption of dried fruits. Since dried apricots are rich in carbohydrates and high in calories, you need to give your body the opportunity to burn the energy obtained from it. It's very easy to do. Eat dried fruits in the morning. Moreover, the most effective would be to use it as a dessert after lunch.

Dried apricots cleanse the body and remove excess fluid. And these processes directly affect weight loss. But in order for these qualities of dried apricots to fully manifest themselves, it is important to drink enough water - at least 2 liters per day.

By observing these simple rules, you don’t have to worry about gaining extra pounds. If your diet is balanced and healthy, then be sure that your figure will remain in order. If you want to lose weight and are looking for effective diet, in which you can eat dried apricots, then pay attention to the options presented below.

Diets with dried apricots

Fasting day with dried apricots for weight loss

A great way to maintain a normal figure and cleanse the body is to arrange a fasting day on dried apricots. It can be done once every week or two. It will help restore balance in the body after overeating. There are two popular options for fasting days.

The first of them is the most strict. The bottom line is that you only need to eat 200 g of dried apricots per day and nothing more. You are allowed to drink tea without sugar in unlimited quantities, adding lemon and mineral water if desired.

The second option for a fasting day is based on eating purees. To prepare it, you only need two components:

1. Dried apricots - 300 g;
2. Freshly squeezed apricot juice or apricot puree - 200 g.

Combine the products by grinding them using a blender. The resulting dish will make up your daily diet.

No matter which option you choose, the rules for following the diet will be the same. You should eat at equal intervals, dividing your daily diet into 5 parts. And the second point is to drink at least 2 liters of liquid per day.

Keep in mind that dried apricots have a laxative effect. Try to spend a fasting day at home. And remember that such an extreme diet should only last 1 day. If you have problems with your digestive system, consult your doctor.

Strict buckwheat diet with dried apricots for weight loss

Dried apricots can be useful for anyone who chooses a strict mono-buckwheat diet. They are not suitable for everyone, and sometimes cause a feeling of weakness, dizziness, etc. unpleasant symptoms. If you realized that buckwheat diet is given to you with great difficulty, soften it by adding 5 - 7 pieces of dried apricots to your daily diet.

Diet of dried fruits and nuts for weight loss

This diet is quite strict, so it is not suitable for everyone. If you have any chronic disorders or digestive problems, be sure to consult your doctor.

The diet should last no more than 5 days. Its meaning is extremely simple. You will need to make a mixture by combining equal proportions of dried apricots, raisins, prunes and two types of nuts to your taste. The result should be 500 g of the composition. This is the amount that should be eaten throughout the day in small portions at equal intervals. There should be 5 - 6 meals in total. In this case, be sure to drink at least 2 liters of liquid. It is best to use clean still water without additives. If this dietary option suits you, you can lose up to 4 kg of excess weight in 5 days.

So, we found out that you can eat dried apricots on a diet. But it is important to take into account its features and follow simple rules. Use dried apricots wisely, and you will be able to maintain normal not only your figure, but also your health.

The benefits of dried apricots are well known. Just 5-6 fruits a day, and your cardiovascular system will work like a clock, and your hemoglobin will meet the required standards. A delicacy and a medicine at the same time - dried apricots. Nothing exotic, dried sweet apricots, familiar from childhood, are an excellent vitamin and mineral supplement in the off-season, when the deficiency of nutrients is felt especially acutely.

Tasty, affordable, simple

Dried apricots are very popular among chefs. Its discreet aroma and pronounced sweet and sour taste go well with meat and complement desserts.

Dried fruits are the main delicacy for those who fast or prefer vegetarianism.

Women (and men too) often take dried apricots with them on the road or to work for a snack - a few berries will not settle on the waist, and will relieve the obsessive feeling of hunger for a long time.

Dried apricots are usually divided into dried apricots and apricots. The latter has a more modest size and a bone. Dried apricots are made from large dessert apricot varieties, from which the pit is first removed without disturbing the integrity of the halves of the berry.

There are several ways to dry apricots. If this is on an industrial scale, then the process cannot do without sulfur dioxide, although non-toxic, but still a chemical. It gives that unique golden and appetizing color that store-bought dried apricots have.

The oldest and simplest method, which is also the most environmentally friendly, is to dry peeled apricots in the sun and breeze. The main thing is to ensure that the workpiece is not spoiled by sudden rain or cloudiness. Apricots are dried for at least 8-10 days.

Modern housewives do not need to worry about the weather at all, since wonderful kitchen appliances have been invented for drying fruits and vegetables. Prepared homemade dried apricots or apricots will be much healthier and cheaper than imported dried apricots.

A little history

It is clear that the history of dried apricots runs parallel to the history of the conquest of the world by the apricot plant. Mentions of these trees appeared more than 4 thousand years ago. They were grown in northeast China.

Due to the certain closedness of this ancient power, the spread of apricot trees around the world was quite slow.

The ancient Armenians and Mesopotamians were the first to try apricot fruits after the Chinese, and in 400 AD the Arabs brought the seeds of the plant to the Mediterranean. England and Spain became aware of the existence of apricots by the 16th century.

Western, or rather “overseas” “apricot apples” or “peach plums” came to the territory of Russia in the middle of the 17th century. Very soon the plant became a favorite tree and decoration of monastery and boyar gardens.

Later, in the 18th century, apricots were known everywhere, but they were still grown in greenhouse conditions and they were just beginning to try to cultivate them in open ground in the southern regions of the country.

Drying as a method of preparing most food products has been familiar to humanity since the dawn of civilization, so it is not surprising that the history of dried apricots goes back several thousand years.

Chemical composition

Scientists claim that dried apricots are far from holding the record for vitamin content, but they mineral composition will be able to compete with any of the fruits.

More information about the elements that make up 100 grams of dried apricots:

• a nicotinic acid(vitamin PP) – 4 mg;
• beta-carotene – up to 3.5 mg;
• vitamin E – more than 5 mg;
• retinol (vitamin A) – 580 mcg;
• ascorbic acid (vitamin C) – 4 mg;
• thiamine (vitamin B1) – up to 0.1 mg;
• riboflavin (vitamin B2) – up to 0.2 mg;
• protein – 5 g;
• carbohydrates (including saccharides) – up to 50 g;
• fats – 0.3 g;
• fiber – up to 19 g;
• saturated and unsaturated fatty acids – 0.1 g each;
• organic acids – 1.5 g;
• ash substances – 4 g;
• starch – 3 g;
• water – up to 18 g;
• minerals: iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium (1717 mg!).

The calorie content of dried apricots is approximately 230 kcal. Properly dried fruits have almost the same composition as fresh apricots, so keep your body tasty and useful fruits possible all year round.

Both adults and children know that dried apricots are healthy. But not everyone knows why it is so important to use it every day.

1. Don't let it scare you high content carbohydrates - in dried apricots they are practically harmless, since they serve only as a source of long-term energy and help improve performance.

2. Dried apricots prevent swelling, improve intestinal motility, and remove decay products - toxins.

3. The product helps cleanse blood vessels from cholesterol plaques and blood clots.

4. Due to its high iron content, it increases hemoglobin levels, so dried apricots are definitely recommended during pregnancy and for various types of anemia, as well as before and after surgery.

5. Heavy metals will be removed from the body thanks to pectins and organic acids contained in dried apricots.

6. As a mild diuretic, the product is acceptable for kidney pathologies and urolithiasis.

7. Vitamin E and beta-carotene guard the beauty and youth of hair and skin.

8. Dried apricots slow down the growth of benign and malignant tumors.

9. Magnesium helps cope with high blood pressure, therefore dried apricots are recommended for hypertensive patients.

10. This delicacy has a very high potassium content, which is indispensable for the functioning of the heart muscle. Dried apricots effectively replenish potassium reserves if a person is forced to take diuretics.

11. Dried fruit is indicated for people suffering from diabetes, as it has a beneficial effect on hormonal background .

Contraindications

As for the harm of dried apricots to the body, we cannot talk about any strict prohibitions consumption of this dried fruit will not lead to fatal consequences.

• Rather, we need to mention caution, moderation, or temporary avoidance of this product in certain cases:
• if there is a suspicion of exceeding chemical standards in the production of dried apricots;
• if a person is hypotensive (dried fruit helps lower blood pressure);
• Excessive consumption of dried apricots may cause indigestion;
• if a person is allergic to apricots.

When choosing dried apricots in a store or market, focus on the one that was brought from Central Asia(Uzbekistan, Tajikistan) - it is often produced by traditional drying in the sun. But the Turkish dried apricots pass chemical treatment. Be healthy.

The benefits of dried fruits have been proven repeatedly. They are rich in micro- and macroelements, vitamins, which makes them indispensable for consumption. Since dried fruits do not have artificial colors or additives, their consumption benefits the body. One of these products is dried apricots - the benefits and harms to the body are discussed below.

What is dried apricots

Depending on the type of dried apricot, there are three types of dried fruits:

• apricot (small apricot, dried with pit);
• kaisa (large dried apricot without pit);
• dried apricots (dried pitted apricots cut in half).

About a week is allotted for drying, during which the moisture evaporates from the apricot, after which it loses up to two-thirds of its weight (out of 3-4 kilograms one comes out). If contact with moisture occurs during the drying process, the color changes to dark brown. Commercially, the drying process uses sulfur dioxide, which allows the product to remain bright orange.

At long-term use eating industrially prepared dried fruits, there is a risk of dioxide accumulation in the body, which can cause asthma, allergies, and damage the lungs and bronchi. If dry apricots have a winey taste, then you should discard them, since the technology was not followed during drying. Properly prepared dried apricots are a valuable product that has found its use in cooking and medicine. There are four grades of the product: table, first, highest, extra.

Dried apricots - calorie content

The product has a sweet or sour-sweet taste, but this is achieved not by adding sugar to it, but because of the glucose it contains. It does not harm the body and does not cause an increase in insulin in the blood. The calorie content of dried apricots (nutritional value per 100 grams) is 215-241 Kcal. Dried fruits cannot be called dietary, but the calories they contain are easily digestible and therefore do not cause obesity.

Dried apricots - composition

As noted earlier, dried fruits are rich in minerals and vitamins. IN chemical composition dried apricots include:

• proteins;
• B vitamins;
• iron;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• cellulose;
• vitamin A, E, K, C;
• magnesium;
• manganese;
• copper;
• sodium;
• niacin;
• a nicotinic acid;
• pectins;
• sucrose;
• selenium;
• carbohydrates;
• phosphorus;
• choline;
• zinc, etc.

Useful properties of dried apricots

Due to the content of a large number of micro- and macroelements, dried fruits have a beneficial effect on the body as a whole. Dried apricots improve skin condition, remove toxins and waste from the body, and help strengthen the immune system. Recommended for use by people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes mellitus. They are able to remove excess cholesterol from the body.

For diabetes, doctors recommend using this product, since it normalizes the functioning of the pancreas, helping to produce insulin. Regular consumption helps with anemia by combating blockage of blood vessels. The benefits of dried apricots for the body are limitless, as it improves vision, normalizes metabolic processes in the body, improves functioning thyroid gland, prevents the development of osteoporosis.

Dried apricot decoction

Dried apricots can be used to prepare a decoction of dried apricots to treat constipation in children. To do this you need to take:

• 1 liter of water;
• 100 g dried fruits.

1. Before cooking, dry fruits are thoroughly washed, then soaked in water for half an hour to soften well.
2. Afterwards they are placed in warm water, bringing to a boil over low heat, leave for an hour.

To prepare the decoction for making ice in for cosmetic purposes, have to take:

• 1 liter of water;
• 500 g dried apricots;
• mint;
• Melissa.

1. The washed dried fruits are poured with water and boiled for 20 minutes, after which a pinch of mint and lemon balm is added.
2. Then the broth must be left on the fire for another 15 minutes.
3. The prepared mixture is removed and poured into molds for freezing.
4. The resulting ice is rubbed onto the skin of the face and décolleté to give it elasticity and a healthy appearance.​

Infusion of dried apricots

To maximize the preservation of all the nutrients of dried fruits, prepare an infusion of dried apricots. For this purpose, the fruits are thoroughly washed and then poured boiled water. Leave to infuse for at least 5 hours. It is preferable to use the infusion if available cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems. The infusion is mild diuretic effect, helping to relieve swelling.

Dried apricots for the stomach

If you do not overuse dried apricots, then dried apricots for the stomach will be useful for improving digestion. It can be used as decoctions and infusions. In addition, dried fruits have proven themselves well in dietary cooking - they can be added to cereals and desserts. Dried apricot improves performance gastrointestinal tract, prevents the development of constipation, improves metabolism. Excessive use, on the contrary, harms the gastrointestinal tract.

Benefits of dried apricots for the heart

Sodium, potassium and magnesium contained in dried fruits make dried apricots indispensable for the heart. It helps with atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, spasms in blood vessels. It will help hypertensive patients fight high blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure, there are contraindications - dried fruits can be consumed in minimal quantities. Iron, which dried apricots are rich in, helps increase hemoglobin levels.

What are the benefits of dried apricots for women?

The product helps to normalize hormonal levels in the fair sex. The benefits of dried apricots for a woman’s body have been proven when losing weight and in the fight against overweight. It has laxative properties. Vitamins A and E will help the skin stay young and elastic. The benefits of dried fruits in the fight against malignant neoplasms thanks to the presence of antioxidants. Dried fruits are used to prepare masks and decoctions used for skin and hair problems.

What are the benefits of dried apricots for men?

Being a source of fiber, it is able to normalize intestinal function, and this has a beneficial effect on blood circulation occurring in the pelvic organs. As a result, the development of prostatitis and potency is prevented. The benefits of dried apricots for men also include the fact that testicular function improves, sperm production improves, and hormonal levels are normalized.

Dried apricots during pregnancy - benefits and harms

When carrying a child, every woman should take a responsible approach to choosing food. What are the benefits and harms of dried apricots during pregnancy? Firstly, it is worth excluding it for everyone who has a predisposition to allergies, reduced arterial pressure and asthma. Secondly, you need to add the product to your diet gradually, observing the body’s reaction. When choosing dried fruits, you should give preference to matte rather than bright, shiny fruits. The best option There will be consumption of apricots dried independently.

Pregnancy is a difficult and responsible period for every woman, so there are several ways to alleviate toxicosis, get rid of stress and vitamin deficiency, improve the condition of nails and hair, and help strengthen skeletal system fetus and improve your health.

To prepare the cocktail you will need:

• 1 liter of water;
• 100 g dried apricots;
• 1 tbsp. l. natural honey.

1. Dried apricots must be washed and placed in a saucepan (for these purposes it is better to use enamel dishes).
2. Fill everything hot water and put on fire for twenty minutes, then strain.
3. Grind the cooked dried fruits thoroughly, mix with compote, add honey.
4. Shake the resulting composition well and can be eaten.​

For fruit salad the following ingredients are needed:

• 3 tbsp. l. dried apricots;
• 6 tbsp. l. oatmeal;
• 3 tsp. honey;
• 600 g yogurt;
• 1 apple;
• 1 pear;
• 1 carrot.

1. On initial stage dried apricots are washed and soaked for 15 minutes.
2. Cut the fruits into cubes and add grated carrots to them.
3. The soaked dried fruits are crushed and added to the mixture. Then enter cereals and honey, after which everything is topped with yogurt.
4. The resulting salad is left to soak for 7 minutes.

How many dried apricots can you eat per day?

It will not harm the body if you consume no more than 100-120 g of dried apricot, since the product can cause intestinal irritation. Daily norm dried apricots are 3-5 fruits that can saturate the body with essential nutrients. In order to get the maximum possible number of vitamins and microelements, it is recommended to consume dried fruits throughout the day and try not to expose them to heat treatment(this is how everything is saved beneficial features dried apricot for the body).

Video

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

Various 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 no worse. Dried fruit is made in specially designated places, leaving it 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 type of processing is commonly used in bulk dried fruit production to improve the presentation of the finished product.

Natural dried apricots may also have a brownish tint. If it has an unusual taste, most often wine, 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.

This dried fruit is also classified by grade: table, first, highest and extra.

The benefits of dried apricots for the human body

Dried apricots are used to treat diabetes mellitus and disorders of the cardiovascular system. Its beneficial properties are that it helps remove excess from the body - this significantly improves heart function.

It also normalizes the functioning of the insulin apparatus of the pancreas, so in case of diabetes, doctors recommend dried apricot for consumption.

Dried apricots are a product rich in vitamins, microelements and minerals. It contains vitamin C, which promotes 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 nicotinic acid, contained in dried apricots, normalizes tissue respiration, is involved in the metabolism of fats and proteins, glycogenolysis and biosynthetic processes. B vitamins are involved in the body's metabolic processes, hemoglobin synthesis and improve vision.

In terms of the amount of vitamins in its composition, dried apricots are significantly inferior fresh fruits apricot, but it contains quite a lot minerals, like the fruit itself. Among them, iron, which is responsible for hematopoietic processes, prevents the development of anemia and improves the functioning of the 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.

And this is dried apricots in their youth...

Use in folk medicine

What are the benefits of dried apricots if you use them directly to treat diseases? IN folk medicine There are many recipes using dried apricots that can cure some diseases and disorders physiological functions body.

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, bowel function returns to normal, stool becomes regular and no longer bothers the person.

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 is also useful, however, the 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.

It is also useful and effective for anemia, as well as for preventing its development in people who have a tendency to.

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 using dried apricots is useful for general cleansing of the body from toxins. The product is also capable of removing various harmful substances from the body. Among them are heavy metals and radionuclides, as well as free radicals. Dried apricot maintains optimal levels of hormones in the body, in particular, due to vitamin A, and promotes the production of sex hormones.

Despite the abundance of beneficial properties, it has contraindications for consumption - people suffering from certain diseases should refrain from eating it altogether, or reduce the amount it enters 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.

People suffering from diabetes and using dried apricots during treatment should also be careful about the amount of 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 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 apricot. 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 (or), without adding sugar or its substitutes.

Dried apricots are capable of removing from the body excess liquid and harmful elements, 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 cardiovascular system, but also to cope side effects, developing against the background of a violation of its functions.

Contraindications include the presence of a person who 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 - sulfur dioxide. Anhydride can be not only harmful, but also dangerous for the human body. This chemical is toxic and, if ingested, can cause serious consequences, including severe allergic reaction and even bronchial asthma. Eating a product treated with sulfuric anhydride can cause severe poisoning.

Calorie content and application 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, his energy value is 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 rid the body of harmful substances, prevent the accumulation of excess fluid in tissues and help 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 (,) and nuts.

Dried apricots go well with cereals, especially oatmeal. Various are made from it useful infusions and concentrates aimed at treating diseases. Fans 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 with dried apricots is often found when preparing porridges, in particular rice.

The uniqueness of dried fruits is that they retain almost all the vitamins found in fresh fruit. Dried apricots have long been considered a very healing dried fruit. It contains useful material who have positive impact on the body. It has a wonderful taste and a lot of useful properties. This article will tell you about the beneficial properties and contraindications of dried apricots.

How to make dried apricots

A cut is made in whole apricots and the pit is pulled out. The most reliable production method is to dry the fruit under straight sun rays in a specialized place. This process lasts a little over a week. During this time, the moisture evaporates and the weight is reduced by 4 times. As a result, the finished fruit has a dull copper or Brown color with a slight grayish tone.

How to choose

The ability to choose the right dried apricots will allow you to acquire natural product. According to generally accepted recommendations, dried fruits- clean, large, elastic, not very transparent and a little harsh. If the color is unnatural and too bright, it means that chemical substances to create a beautiful appearance dried fruit

How to store

If dried fruits are stored properly, they will appearance and the taste will not disappoint. Dried apricots can be dried or dried (the calorie content of both types is approximately the same). Only dried must be stored. Because of low content liquid it will last longer than dried.

The best option for preserving sweet fruits is dry dark place and room temperature. To avoid oxygen entering the product, it must be kept in a tightly closed glass container. When using paper or cellophane packaging, harmful insects may appear. To save dried apricots for long time(several months) it can be placed in the freezer.

What's included

The beneficial properties of dried apricots are extensive. It contains:

• Water.
• Squirrels.
• Fats.
• Carbohydrates.
• Cellulose.
• Pectins.
• Potassium.
• Magnesium.
• Calcium.
• Iron.
• Zinc.
• Organic acids and trace elements.
• Vitamins (A, group B, niacin, choline, E, K, C).

And these are not all the beneficial properties of dried apricots. The calorie content of the sweet fruit is about 235 kilocalories per 100 g.

Beneficial features

10 main beneficial properties of dried apricots for the body:

1. Great for colon cleansing. This effect increases if you add raisins, figs and prunes. All these components need to be processed in a meat grinder, seasoned with honey if desired, and consumed daily 150 grams of this sweetness.
2. Its use is mandatory for complications in the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. The amber fruit is a method of prevention in the presence of cardiovascular diseases. It lowers cholesterol levels.
3. This is an excellent diuretic, so dried fruit can cleanse the kidneys. For this purpose, it is recommended to drink dried apricot compote.
4. It contains a lot of carotene - a trace element necessary for the eyes. It improves vision and also has a positive effect in the prevention of ophthalmic diseases.
5. Useful for children. It supplies the young body with valuable substances, eliminates vitamin deficiency during the cold season, and supports the immune system, which is important in resisting viral and seasonal diseases.
6. Helps raise hemoglobin levels and copes well with anemia, which is very necessary during pregnancy.
7. Has an antitumor effect. In this regard, it is recommended for people at risk of cancer. IN medicinal purposes slows down the development of oncology and softens its course.
8. Has a beneficial effect on the removal of toxins (radionuclides and salts) heavy metals).
9. The calorie content of the product does not interfere with it good digestion and absorption in the body. It can give you a feeling of fullness for many hours.
10. Promotes the removal of sputum during a dry cough and reduces the temperature during colds.

What are the benefits of dried apricots for women?

The beneficial properties of dried apricots for women are certainly important. The presence of a delicious delicacy on the menu is a real boon for female body. Dried apricots will give elasticity to the skin and make hair strong. Setting it up correctly digestive system, it will get rid of acne and improve the condition skin. Dried apricot strengthens reproductive function and improves the functioning of sex hormones. And also is sedative for disorders nervous system and PMS.

Beneficial properties of dried apricots for men

Of no small importance for men's health Dried apricots have an abundance of fiber. It helps improve blood circulation in reproductive organs. In this regard, the condition of the ovaries is normalized, potency increases and the functioning of hormones is stabilized. Thanks to the blood flow to groin area Prostate diseases are prevented.

Contraindications for use

Contrary to the fact that beneficial properties dried dried apricots a lot, it also has some contraindications:

• Dried apricots can lower blood pressure, so people with hypotension should consume them with caution.
• If you are overweight or have diabetes, consult a doctor before consuming the southern fruit.
• According to nutritionists, adults can eat no more than 5 medium fruits per day. From large quantity May have an upset stomach.
• With prolonged consumption, the preservatives and sulfur oxide it contains can cause an increase in the level of these substances in the body. This, in turn, will increase the risk of allergies affecting the lungs and respiratory system. Prohibited for asthma.
• Damage to health can be caused by substances used during processing during drying. Some unscrupulous manufacturers are trying to give dried apricots a presentable appearance - a bright orange color. It is necessary to rinse the fruits and fill them with water for 10 minutes.
• Childhood up to 4 years.

Dried apricots for diabetes

To date, there is no exact answer to the question of whether patients with diabetes should include dried apricots in their diet. The positions of professionals are divided. Some believe that this product contains more than 80% sugar, so it should not be eaten if you have diabetes. Others believe that sweet fruit may actually be needed by the body, since glycemic index equal to 30%.

Doctors say that the most acceptable option is to consume no more than 100 grams of dried fruits in one day. In addition, they will go well with porridge, baked goods and salads. They also go well with rice, meat and fish. It should be noted that it is undesirable to expose dried apricots to heat.

Dried apricots for pancreatitis

Dried apricots and fresh apricots contain more than 80% sucrose. The breakdown of such an amount of sugar will be associated with the production of additional insulin, of which very little is created during pancreatitis. On top of that, the load on the pancreas will come from the fiber content. Having many beneficial properties, dried apricots are categorically unacceptable for pancreatitis, as they can cause more problems than benefits.

Dried apricots for those who want to lose weight

The beneficial properties of dried apricots for weight loss have some features:

• Thanks to its sweetness, the fruit will be a good alternative to sugar and sweet dishes.
• Knows how to remove toxins from the body and eliminate excess fluid. It replenishes potassium reserves (its deficiency occurs when moisture is lost from the body).
• Acts as a laxative - eliminates constipation, which often accompanies weight loss.
• Speeds up metabolism.
• Helps out those who don’t like unleavened cereals and bran. Pieces of steamed dried apricots will help transform a tasteless dish.
• Due to the low amount of fat and great content complex carbohydrates, which are slowly absorbed, the body is saturated with energy. As a result, a person feels full longer.

Nutritionists advise arranging fasting days on dried apricots in order to stabilize weight. It is advisable to eat dried fruits before lunch, when metabolic processes are more active.

The harm and beneficial properties of dried apricots for the body have many contradictions among researchers. Despite this, many people love dried fruit for its bright appearance and pleasant taste. The beneficial properties of dried apricots have a therapeutic and preventive effect. Due to its exceptional composition, it is very popular among the population.