What is useful for dried fruit compote — 5 scientific facts
Dried fruit compote (uzvar) is an easy–to-prepare and delicious drink that perfectly quenches thirst and has a lot of health benefits.
This compote contains most of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are present in fresh or dried fruits.
5 useful properties
Let's look at the 5 main facts about the benefits of dried fruit compote (based on evidence).
1. Strengthens the immune system
Uzvar is rich in many antioxidants and vitamins that directly or indirectly affect the work of the immune system . However, the most valuable is vitamin C.
Proven that vitamin C stimulates the production of endogenous interferon, enhances the differentiation and proliferation of B and T cells, and activates antitumor immunity.
It also increases the resistance of the human body to any external infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa).
Dried fruit compote is recommended to drink for maintaining immunity and prevention of respiratory infections in the autumn-spring period.
2. Helps to lose weight
Dried fruit compote contains antioxidants and minerals (chromium, potassium), which have a positive effect on the metabolism of adipose tissue in the body.
Sometimes the compote even contains a small amount fiber , which depressing feeling hungry and reduces cravings for food.
Compote quickly saturates the body, slows down the absorption of fats from other foods or blocks them altogether, and also activates the processes of destruction of fat cells in order to obtain energy .
It is important to note that the active ingredients do not interfere with hormonal mechanisms, which makes it possible to recommend dried fruit compote for effective weight loss for both men and women without health risks.
3. It has an antioxidant effect
Any dried fruits saturated antioxidant substances and vitamins (for example, C). They are also present in the compote.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that can cause cell death or contribute to the development of malignant tumors.
Free radicals also play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease, chronic pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system.
The set and nature of the action of antioxidants depends on the type of dried fruits that are used to make the drink.
For example, experts from Italy have found that prunes can protect all cells of the body from malignant degeneration.
Turkish scientists claim that dried apricot compote can reduce the likelihood of malignant neoplasms in liver tissues.
4. Useful during pregnancy
Dried fruit compote contains valuable minerals that ensure a favorable course of pregnancy.
For example, iron prevents the development of anemia, folic acid is necessary for the prevention of defects from the central nervous system in a child, and magnesium, selenium and manganese support metabolic processes and reduce the severity of intoxication syndrome.
Proven that some dried fruits (for example, dates ) are able to facilitate the course of childbirth in pregnant women, ensuring full disclosure of the cervix and reducing the need for the use of obstetric aids.
5. Improves oral health
Many dried fruits have antibacterial activity, especially against representatives of the oral microflora.
For example, proven , what raisins inhibits the growth of bacterial flora responsible for the development of carious processes.
Any compote also contains a large amount of vitamin C. Japanese studies demonstrate the ability of ascorbic acid to prevent the development of periodontitis and other infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity.
Possible harm
Dried fruit compote has contraindications and in rare cases can cause harm to health. Side effects include:
- Exacerbation of chronic pathologies of the digestive system. Many dried fruits contain extractive substances that irritate the mucous membranes of the stomach and duodenum, which can lead to an exacerbation or aggravation of the course of chronic gastritis, duodenitis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
- Increased blood glucose levels. People with diabetes should not add sugar to compote. This can lead to a violation of carbohydrate metabolism and destabilization of the course of diabetes.
- Allergic reactions. Are associated with an increased sensitivity of the body to certain components of dried fruits. They can manifest in different ways: from skin rashes to anaphylactic shock. In the presence of allergic pathologies in the anamnesis, compote is contraindicated.
It is recommended to pay special attention to the manufacturer and the composition of dried fruits. The addition of certain chemicals (sulfides, etc.) to increase shelf life can lead to severe allergic reactions, impaired liver and kidney function.
How to cook at home?
It's easy to cook compote from dried fruits at home. The main thing is to follow a number of simple rules:
- Choose only high-quality dried fruits;
- Remove stalks, leaves and rotten fruits before cooking;
- Pre-rinse and soak dried fruits in water for 20-30 minutes;
- Take a volume of water 4-5 times the volume of dried fruits.
Consider the classic recipe.
Will be required:
- 600 grams of dried fruits;
- 3-3.5 liters of water;
- Optional – sugar;
- 1/5 teaspoon of citric acid.
Preparation:
- Pour water into an enameled saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- Place pre-prepared dried fruits in a container.
- Cook for about 20 minutes. Before the water boils again, add sugar and citric acid.
- Cool down. The drink is ready.
You can drink compote in any form: chilled or warm. Depending on individual preferences, you can use any dried fruits. Most often, apple compote is cooked.
Admission Tips
Let's look at a few rules for healthy drinking:
- The time of reception. It is better to drink compote in the daytime or in the evening to avoid irritating effects on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
- Daily allowance. It is advisable not to consume more than 300-600 ml of the drink per day. For infectious and inflammatory diseases – up to 2 liters.
- Combination. It is advisable to take compote 30-50 minutes after any other meal. On an empty stomach (more than 2-3 hours from the last meal), the drink is contraindicated.
Conclusion
Thus, dried fruit compote is able to strengthen the immune system and protect the body from respiratory infections, help in weight loss, improve oral health, and prevent the development of a number of chronic pathologies and malignant tumors.
Compote is especially recommended during pregnancy, as it saturates the body of the expectant mother with all the necessary nutrients.