Dried apricots - benefits and harms, beneficial properties for the body

• What is dried apricots?
• Dried apricots or apricots? What is the difference?
• Which is healthier?
• Composition and calorie content
• Beneficial features
• For men
• For women
• For children
• Use in treatment
• Harm of dried apricots
• Who can't?
• Features of choice
• Recommendations for use
• Daily norm
• Does it need to be washed?
• Is it possible to eat before bed?
• Finally

Dried apricots are the real queen of dried fruits. It has a composition rich in vitamins and minerals, has an excellent taste, and has a beneficial effect on the body. Read more about the benefits, features of use and doctor’s recommendations in today’s article.

What is dried apricots?

Dried apricots are the fruit of the apricot tree, halved and dried without the pit. In China, these fruits were grown four thousand years ago. And since drying was the most affordable way to prolong storage, the fruits were dried in the sun. Even then, people knew about the benefits of dried apricot and used it not only as a dessert, but also for the prevention of various diseases. They included the product in the daily diet of sailors who suffered from scurvy during long voyages. Dried apricots came to Europe in the middle of the last millennium and very quickly became popular.

Foreign visitor or local resident

Did you know that the birthplace of apricot is China? Amazing, right? It was in this country that the first varieties were first bred, and only after their benefits and delicate taste were appreciated did they begin to spread throughout the world. At first, the trees “moved” to the countries of the Middle East, and only much later took root in European countries.

Today it is unknown who was the first to dry and dry apricots, but one thing is clear - dried apricots are considered one of the most popular dried fruits around the world. It is used in the preparation of first and second courses, and is used for the treatment and prevention of many diseases.

Turkey is considered the largest producer of this product (“dried apricots” in Turkish means to dry), although Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China are quite a bit behind the leader.

Every reader would do well to know the following definitions:

• apricot – fresh berry;
• dried apricots – dried apricot halves;
• apricot – dried apricot with pit;
• kaisa is a whole dried apricot, but without the pit.

Composition and calorie content

Like any other dried fruit, dried apricots are a fairly high-calorie product, so people on a diet should consume them in moderation. But at the same time, you shouldn’t completely give up dried apricots, because they contain a lot of useful substances.

• Fats - 0.5 g
• Proteins - 3.4 g
• Carbohydrates - 62.6 g
• Water - 30.9 g
• Sugar - 48 g
• Fiber - 7.3 g
• Calorie content - 241 kcal

Contents of useful components:

In addition, dried apricots contain essential amino acids, fatty acids, sterols and other nutrients. Moreover, it does not contain trans fats, cholesterol, caffeine, alcohol and other components that have a negative effect on the body.

General information about dried fruits

To prepare dried fruits, the ripest fruits and berries are used, from which most of the moisture is removed by drying (natural or using special dryers). The residual moisture content of the product is ideally 20-25%, due to which dried fruits acquire a dense and elastic structure, rich sweet taste and bright aroma.

When excess moisture evaporates, the concentration of microelements and fiber becomes higher than in “raw” fruits, while most of the vitamins are preserved.

The list of the most popular dried fruits in the world is traditionally topped by raisins, dried apricots, dates, prunes and figs. In the assortment of specialized stores you can also find dried pears, apples, persimmons, melons, and peaches. Exotic lovers can buy real delicacies: dried mulberries, bananas, pineapples, papaya, mango, passion fruit, kumquat.

All these dried and candied fruits are an excellent alternative to the usual sweets, since in addition to a large amount of sucrose they contain a whole range of vitamins and nutrients.

Beneficial features

Humanity has known about the benefits of dried apricots since ancient times. It has been recommended by European doctors for several hundred years. And in eastern medical practices it is used many times longer. Over time, the health benefits of this dried fruit have been tested and proven many times. In particular, with regular consumption of dried apricots:

• the state of the central nervous system is normalized, and mental activity also increases. This is facilitated by a large amount of magnesium and vitamins B and K;
• the process of vision deterioration is slowed down. Many eye diseases are caused by a lack of vitamin A in the diet. 100 grams of dried apricots contain more than half of its daily value;
• the condition of blood vessels and the cardiovascular system as a whole improves. If a person has been diagnosed with arrhythmia, atherosclerosis or other heart diseases, then this product must be included in his diet. After all, to cover the need for potassium, it is enough to eat only 150 grams of dried fruits every day;
• normal bowel function is restored. Dried apricots are a valuable source of fiber, which absorbs decay products and plays the role of a natural “brush”. Therefore, it is recommended to take it in the treatment of intestinal diseases;
• aging slows down. Dried apricot fruits contain antioxidants that have a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair. Moreover! Studies conducted by doctors have proven that regular use of this product reduces the risk of colon cancer by 15%.
• blood pressure decreases. The effect is due to both the normalization of the amount of potassium and magnesium in the body and the restoration of blood vessels. If you have a history of hypertension, you should definitely include dried apricots in one of your meals. Moreover, it must be used every day;
• body weight decreases. Dried fruits improve digestion of food, relieve constipation, and help speed up metabolic processes. However, it must be said that in the presence of severe obesity, the product must be consumed in small quantities. It contains carbohydrates (including sugars), so it can inhibit the breakdown of fats.

Important! The body of a healthy person can easily cope with a one-time “overkill” of dried apricots. But constant mistakes in nutrition can cause hypervitaminosis, which is no less dangerous than a lack of vitamins. Do not forget that this product should be taken in doses. And in cases where a person has any health problems, it is necessary to contact a medical institution for consultation. At the appointment, the specialist will recommend a diet or prescribe additional examination.

The benefits of dried fruits for the human body

All biologically active substances are preserved in the process of proper drying of fruits, so dried fruits are especially useful for the body during periods of vitamin deficiency or during recovery from illness. The balanced vitamin and mineral composition of dried fruits will be extremely useful for people experiencing high physical and mental stress, people on a diet, and athletes

Dried fruits are a valuable source of fiber and antioxidants, so they should definitely be included in the diet (in the absence of contraindications). The sweet treat normalizes heart function, increases hemoglobin levels in the blood and has a positive effect on digestion.

For women

Dried apricots are a storehouse of vitamins, valuable acids, and minerals. It must be present in the diet of women planning pregnancy. And during pregnancy, the product is extremely necessary. It prevents anemia and constipation, maintains a woman’s health, and provides nutrients. However, dried apricots will also benefit non-pregnant women. When regularly included in food, they strengthen the immune system, provide a balance of vitamins, and help maintain healthy and youthful skin. The only limitation is excess weight. Due to the high sugar content, women on a diet should limit themselves to two or three pieces per day. For comparison: a healthy person who is not obese can eat up to 100 g.

Contraindications to the consumption of dried fruits

Doctors recommend limiting the consumption of dried fruits for diabetes, obesity, and gastrointestinal diseases. In acute forms of pancreatitis, inflammatory diseases, ulcers and other ailments, the consumption of dried fruits should be agreed with the attending physician.

Overeating the same prunes or figs can lead to stomach upsets and allergic reactions. It is worth observing moderation in everything.

Use in treatment

Dried apricots found medicinal use centuries ago and are still used today as an adjuvant to complement pharmaceuticals. Dried fruits of the apricot tree are indicated for the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system, intestines, blood, musculoskeletal system, etc.

Green salad

All leafy vegetables, various salads, spinach, sorrel, Chinese cabbage are extremely necessary for our body, they cannot be neglected. After all, they contain potassium, magnesium and iron, as well as almost the entire vitamin B group, so green leafy vegetables strengthen the heart and remove cholesterol.

Leaf lettuce is the absolute leader in vitamin K content among vegetables - it promotes normal blood clotting. Lettuce also contains a lot of folic acid, which is necessary for the development and normal functioning of the circulatory and immune systems.

Romaine, lettuce and corn. One hundred types of salads and 4 sauces for them>>>

Harm of dried apricots

Many articles have been written about the positive qualities of this product. But most often they are silent about the possible harm. As a result, not everyone knows that taking it can cause discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. For example, dried apricots in their pure form can cause excessive gas formation. This problem can be solved with plain water, which will reduce bloating.

Another problem relates to industrial processing. For better preservation during drying, sulfur dioxide is used. And if the safe dose is exceeded, it can cause poisoning. The preservative is especially dangerous for children, but adults can also suffer.

Features of choice

To buy a truly healthy product containing a maximum of vitamins, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

• An unnaturally bright color should alert you. It indicates treatment with drugs that improve the keeping quality of the crop.
• Choose medium-sized dried fruits. Many scientific articles note that they are rich in vitamins, macro- and microelements.
• Avoid buying fruits with shiny skin. An unnatural shine indicates that the seller lubricated them with vegetable oil.
• Do not buy dried apricots with a winey, sour or cloying smell. It is spoiled or treated with drugs that extend its shelf life.

How to choose dried fruits?

It is believed that the darker and more inconspicuous a product looks, the less chemical treatment it has undergone. Excessively bright color and an unnaturally shiny surface often indicate the use of undesirable products during drying and further processing.

The surface of a quality product should not shine like wax; on the contrary, it should be slightly matte.

Now that you know almost everything about dried fruits, it’s time to order a portion of your favorite delicacy from the Nutland online store!