8 beneficial properties of dried apricots for health, as well as contraindications

Dried apricots are dried apricots without seeds. Apricots are also used to produce other dried fruits, such as apricots, kaysa and ashtak, which are similar in composition and properties to dried apricots.

Any dried apricots are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.

Since ancient times, dried apricots have been attributed a number of useful properties, some of which modern science has been able to confirm. Dried apricots can reduce the risk of developing the most common diseases, ease the course of osteoporosis and anemia, and increase the attractiveness of the skin.

8 proven properties

Let's take a closer look at 8 facts about the benefits of dried apricots for the human body, which have a scientific basis.

1. It has a rich composition

Dried apricots have a low calorie content (compared to other dried fruits) (about 241 calories per 100 grams) and contains the following biologically active substances:

Also dried apricots saturated polyphenolic antioxidants, the main of which are: catechin, rutin, epicatechin; gallic, ferulic, coumaric, caffeic and chlorogenic acids. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and protect the body from the development of malignant tumors and chronic diseases.

2. Helps to lose weight

Research conducted under the guidance of experts from the USA, discovered that high consumption of dried fruits is associated with a decrease in body weight (due to fatty tissue).

Scientists recommend using dried apricots for weight loss and obesity prevention, which will also reduce the risk of developing pathologies from the heart and blood vessels.

The basis of the medicinal property is the ability to fiber , which is part of dried apricots, increase in size after ingestion. As a result, through reflex and neurohumoral mechanisms, hunger centers at the brain level are suppressed.

The decrease in appetite is long-lasting and can last up to 6-8 hours.

Dried apricots also prevent the development of fatty hepatosis, a liver disease associated with a violation of fat metabolism.

3. Useful during pregnancy

Dried apricots are recommended for pregnant women.

It is a valuable source of iron (about 1/5 of the daily value in 100 grams), which necessary for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia, which is extremely common during pregnancy.

Dried apricots also normalize metabolism in the body and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

With regular consumption of dried apricots less often are revealed constipation, which can disrupt the normal course of pregnancy.

Dried apricots also contain many vitamins and minerals necessary for the proper formation of all organs and tissues of the unborn child.

4. Prevents the development of anemia

Anemia caused by a lack of iron in the body is an extremely common phenomenon.

The disease most often affects women during pregnancy and with menstrual disorders, as well as older men and women.

Pathology can also occur in chronic bleeding and oncological diseases.

The best way to prevent the development of anemia is to eat foods rich in iron. Dried apricots are a valuable source of this mineral. She also contains a small amount of vitamin C, which facilitates the absorption of iron from the intestinal lumen.

In the treatment of anemia with iron-containing medications, dried apricots allow you to more quickly replenish iron deficiency in the body.

5. Improves the health of the digestive system

Dried apricots provide a person with large amounts of fiber (100 grams contains almost the daily norm).

Dietary fiber, according to researchers from Korea, regulate motor activity of the smooth muscles of the intestinal wall, ensuring full and timely evacuation of feces.

Part of the dietary fiber in unchanged form reaches the distal parts of the digestive tube, where it is actively fermented by friendly microorganisms. This leads to an increase in their number, as well as to inhibition of the growth and reproduction of pathogenic and opportunistic representatives of the microflora.

During fermentation, according to modern concepts, short-chain fatty acids (propionate, butyrate, acetate, etc.) are released, which improve metabolic processes in the walls of the large intestine, create a favorable environment for the growth of beneficial bacteria, Improve digestion and, most importantly, reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer.

6. Reduces blood sugar levels

Dried apricots has low glycemic index and, therefore, does not lead to sudden spikes in blood glucose after consumption.

Also, dried apricots, due to the abundance of fiber, slow down the absorption of other carbohydrates, which creates additional protection.

Dried apricots are able to normalize sugar metabolism in the body. It reduces insulin resistance (the main pathogenetic mechanism of the formation of type II diabetes mellitus), that is, it increases the sensitivity of peripheral insulin receptors to insulin. This contributes to a faster and more efficient absorption of glucose by the body's cells.

Dried apricots can be used for therapy (together with medications) and prevention of type II diabetes mellitus (with a burdened hereditary history).

7. Increases bone strength

Osteoporosis is a common disease in which bones lose their strength and become prone to fractures. The disease affects the elderly, as well as women after menopause.

Dried apricots are rich in important minerals necessary for Bone strengthening , such as phosphorus and boron.

Scientific group from Italy proved that the addition of these minerals to the diet can prevent the development of osteoporosis, as well as provide significant assistance in alleviating this pathology.

8. Improves the condition of the skin

Dried apricots are rich sources of vitamin A. This substance is playing an important role in maintaining the health of the skin.

Dried apricots are able to:

• Protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation;
• Slow down aging (delay the appearance of wrinkles, sagging and sagging skin);
• Enhance smoothness and give a natural shine;
• Reduce the risk of developing skin cancer and infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Possible harm

High-quality dried apricots are almost completely safe for health. But it also has contraindications and in some cases can cause harm to health.

The main side effects include:

1. Obesity. Despite the fact that dried apricots are positioned as a means to lose weight, they can cause an increase in body weight if consumed excessively.
2. Dyspeptic disorders. Excessive intake of fiber into the body is fraught with the development of constipation or diarrhea, pain in the lower abdomen, increased gas formation, nausea.
3. Allergic reactions. Are most often caused by an increased sensitivity of the body not to individual components of dried apricots, but to preservatives (sulfites), which are used to give the dried fruit a bright color and increase shelf life. Allergopathologies are more often manifested in the form of urticaria, edema of the upper respiratory tract. Dried fruit is contraindicated in the presence of a history of allergic reactions.

Dried apricots are recommended for people of all age groups (from 3 years old). It is especially useful for the elderly and pregnant women.

Selection and admission rules

When choosing dried apricots in the store, the main criteria are:

1. Color. Natural dried apricots have a brown or dark orange color with a gray tinge. The presence of a light bright orange color and glossy sheen is the result of the use of chemicals. Black is a sign of corruption.
2. Surface. Dried apricots should not be wrinkled and have cracks, and the pieces should not stick together.
3. Taste and smell. High-quality dried apricots have a pleasant taste and aroma (with honey notes). The presence of bitterness or sour taste is unacceptable.
4. Size. The larger the dried apricots, the more useful they are, since ripe apricots were used for its preparation.

After purchase, dried apricots should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The duration is from 6 to 9 months. Immediately before use, it is recommended to soak dried apricots for 30-60 minutes in warm water. This will remove any impurities and dust from its surface.

The main rules for the use of dried apricots are discussed below:

1. Daily allowance. It is recommended to eat no more than 75-150 grams of dried apricots per day (a specific amount individually). Excessive intake can lead to weight gain and dyspeptic disorders.
2. Reception time. It is preferable to eat dried apricots in the morning for breakfast or in the daytime. Taking it in the evening and at night can lead to sleep disorders.
3. Method of admission. Dried apricots can be eaten both in their pure form and combined with other products. It is ideal for snacking (as an alternative to confectionery or pastry products). Dried apricots are ideally combined with other dried fruits (prunes, raisins), honey, lemon, cottage cheese and nuts. It can be added to porridges and meat dishes, as well as used to prepare decoctions, compotes and various recipes for medicinal mixtures.

Any heat treatment (boiling, scalding) can lead to the loss of some vitamins and antioxidants.

Chocolate dried apricots and other desserts based on it are also not recommended due to the high sugar content.

Conclusion

1. Thus, dried apricots are saturated with nutrients that have a complex effect on health.
2. It is able to improve the functioning of the digestive and cardiovascular systems, increase bone mineral density, prevent the development of anemia and diabetes mellitus, as well as fight a variety of chronic and malignant diseases.
3. In cosmetology, dried fruit is used to improve the health and aesthetics of the skin.