2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Apricot is an extremely useful and tasty fruit, which has been known since ancient times for its valuable qualities. Apricot is rich in phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, provitamin A, iron and a number of other important substances.
By consuming apricots, a person gets vitamins and strengthens his health. But let's pay special attention to another product related to apricots - apricot kernels. Are they as useful as the fruit or do they hide some unexpected harmful properties? Let's understand this in the following lines.
Composition of apricot kernels
The composition of the apricot kernel is close to that of almonds. It contains 19% protein, 53.5% fat, 4.5% carbohydrates, unsaturated fatty acids, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and fiber.
Apricot kernels are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins B15 and B17, A and E, niacin, dietary fiber, phytosterols and more. The energy value per 100 g apricot nuts is between 500-700 kcal. In addition to the beneficial substances, apricot kernels contain the dangerous glycoside amygdalin.
Selection and storage of apricot kernels
The apricot kernels you buy should have a nice appearance, without traces of moisture or unpleasant odor. Store apricot kernels in a dry, dark and cool place, away from water and direct sunlight. Apricot kernels are not very cheap, the price varies between BGN 7 and 15 for only 250 g. Always check the expiration date label and information about the manufacturer.
Apricot kernels in cooking
Apricot kernels have a strong and bitter taste, which is why they are known in culinary circles as apricot almonds or bitter almonds. Used in recipes for marzipan, apricot jams and some types of Italian biscuits. You can sprinkle your fresh salad with apricot nuts or consume them alone. Replace recipes that contain almonds with apricot nuts. Of course, the amount of apricot kernels consumed should not be overdone.
Benefits of apricot kernels
Apricot kernels contain high amounts of potassium, which makes them useful for people with cardiovascular problems, but they should still be consumed not too salty. The fact that they are rich in vegetable fats makes them very valuable in the fight against the early stages of atherosclerosis.
There are a number of claims that apricot kernels are a very valuable tool in the fight against cancer because of the vitamin B17 they contain. It is believed that it is enough to eat two or three bitter apricot kernels to minimize the possibility of getting this insidious disease.
Harm from apricot kernels
Unfortunately, it turns out delicious apricot nuts pose serious health risks. The glycoside amygdalin contained in them is very dangerous. Once in the stomach, it releases cyanide. With a large amount of ingested nuts, the toxicity of cyanides increases several times and poisoning can occur with serious consequences.
The amygdalin content in 50 apricot nuts can cause a fatal outcome. The lethal dose of amygdalin is 1 gram and is contained in about 100 g of nuts.
At the heart of the dangerous toxic mechanism of cyanides is their ability to block many important enzyme systems that are involved in supplying cells with vital oxygen.
Thus, the result is a violation of cellular metabolism and the development of tissue hypoxia - a decrease or complete lack of oxygen in very important tissues and organs. For this reason, in some cases the result is fatal. In children, great care must be taken because there is a greater chance of toxic symptoms.
As we have seen the dangerous effects of apricot nuts are obtained by consuming large quantities. Eat nuts in moderation and you are not at risk. However, keep one thing in mind and if you experience nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, headache, dizziness and weakness, consult a doctor immediately.
Cosmetics with apricot kernels
Apricot kernels are widely used in cosmetics in the form of oil. It is obtained from cold pressed apricot nuts, after which it is refined. In its natural form, it contains a large amount of vitamin F, which moisturizes and stimulates the skin.
The oil from apricot nuts is very useful for aging and dry skin because it nourishes, softens, moisturizes and tones. Accelerates cell metabolism and promotes the formation of skin collagen, slowing down skin aging.
Apricot kernel oil nourishes and strengthens the hair structure. Prevents split ends and hair loss. It is very well accepted, gives velvety softness and smoothness to both hair and skin.
Recommended:
Nuts
Nuts are an indispensable food for a healthy and rational diet. They contain many vitamins, minerals and trace elements that are vital to the body. Nuts are a food that largely compensates for the useful ingredients of meat, which makes them an integral part of the vegetarian menu.
Are Apricot Kernels Useful?
Apricot is a very useful fruit. Valued since ancient times, it contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, iron, provitamin A and others. Recommended for anemia and some types of cancer. In Bulgaria we use it very often apricot nuts instead of almonds.
Apricot Jam In Several Variations
One of the most popular and most often prepared jam in our country is apricot jam. Apart from the fact that apricots are an affordable and beloved fruit, the reason for the wide popularity of the jam is its pleasant, slightly sour taste. In addition, apricot jam is great for pancakes, fried slices and buns, as well as for making many cakes and pies.
Apricot Kernels - Medicine And Food
Like most nuts and seeds, apricot kernels are a very nutritious food. Among the nutrients they contain is amygdalin, also known as vitamin B17. It attacks cancer cells and thus can help prevent cancer in our bodies. Amygdalin (vitamin B17) is found in hundreds of foods, but those that are particularly rich in amygdalin have largely disappeared from our diet.
Apricot Kernels Stop The Development Of Cancer
The results of long-term monitoring of longevity in Pakistan and their diet have shown that daily consumption of apricots and apricot kernels is the basis of their longevity. According to the authors of the study, this is due to vitamin B17, which is found in large quantities in these fruits and nuts.
