Benefits, harm and contraindications to the use of apricot kernels

Composition and calorie content of apricot kernels

To begin with, the procedure for separating apricot kernels from the fleshy part is rather laborious. For this reason, the delicacy was for a long time available only to the wealthy estates.

The composition of this product includes a variety of useful elements, and their concentration is quite high. For example, you can find there calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, iron, as well as vitamins A, B, C, E and F.

If we talk about calorie content, it is quite high - 520 kcal. Also, apricot kernels contain a large percentage of oils, which allows them to be used in the production of cosmetics.

Video "Useful properties of apricot kernels"

In this video, you will learn how apricot seeds can be useful.

Useful and medicinal properties

Now let's take a closer look at the benefits of this miraculous product.

For men

It is believed that apricot pits will be beneficial for men on several occasions.

Firstly, the product will be useful for those who plan to have children: bones contain a high concentration of vitamin E, which directly affects fertility.

Secondly, the product is high in calories and contains a large amount of vegetable protein. For this reason, those who are gaining body weight will definitely find it useful.

For women

But women are recommended to take this product, since it has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair. In addition, the substances contained in the nucleoli help to strengthen the tissues of the cartilage and joints. Bones are actively used in cosmetology, but we'll talk about this a little later.

During pregnancy, it is better not to use apricot pits: despite the beneficial properties, they can harm the fetus. Therefore, given the risks, it is better to protect yourself and your child.

With diseases

The product is actively used for liver diseases and colds. Now we will consider each case separately:

1. Liver disease. People suffering from cirrhosis, hepatic vein thrombosis and pylethrombosis are advised to prepare a tincture of apricot kernels. To do this, the nucleoli (20 g) are poured with 200 ml of warm water and left overnight so that the mixture is infused. After that, the resulting infusion is drunk 3 times a day for 1 tbsp. l. before eating.
2. Cold. If you catch a cold, you can try to help the body by using apricot kernels. You will need 3 tbsp. l. honey, lemon peel, nuts and apricot kernels (20 g each). Crush nuts and seeds, mix with the rest of the ingredients and eat 1 tsp each. in a day.

Application of apricot pits

Now let's talk in more detail about how many different ways there are to use apricot pits.

In cooking

Apricot seeds are actively used in the culinary business.There are several good ways to diversify your daily menu and make it more sophisticated.

So, the nucleoli can be used to prepare a variety of desserts (from baked goods to waffles with ice cream). You can also add this ingredient when making jams and preserves.

In cosmetology

This product is often used in cosmetology. It can be used to make several beauty products that will help you always look great. Although you need to take into account the peculiarities of the skin and be prepared for the fact that the product will not suit you.

Oil for face and hair

It is believed that apricot oil is equally good for all skin types - from dry to oily and problematic. Therefore, there are many uses for it: a makeup base, a cream, and even an ingredient for masks.

For example, a nourishing and moisturizing mask is prepared as follows:

1. Mix 1 tbsp. l. butter and 1 tsp. sour cream.
2. Apply this mixture to cleansed face and wash off after 20 minutes.

And here's how you can prepare a hair mask:

1. We take 2 tbsp. l. coconut and apricot oils.
2. Stir the oils and apply to the hair (when applying, avoid areas at the very roots).
3. Leave the mask for 1-2 hours, then rinse it off.

Facial scrub

Another interesting use of apricot kernels is to make a face scrub. Scrubs should be used as they exfoliate dry skin and keep the face fresh.

Usually, the face is scrubbed before applying nourishing masks.

How to make a scrub:

1. We take chopped apricot pits and 1 tbsp. l. cosmetic oil (any).
2. Mix the ingredients and apply on the face with massaging movements.
3. After scrubbing, wash yourself thoroughly and apply a soothing cream or mask.

In medicine

Apricot pits are used even in the field of medicine. Now let's take a closer look at what they are advised to use for.

Against oncology

It is believed that apricot kernels can help fight cancer. This is a fairly common method. Usually they use the fruits of wild apricot, always fresh and ripe. It is believed that the patient will get better if they consume up to 10 seeds a day for three months. However, in no case give up medication!

For weight gain

Since the bones themselves are very high in calories and contain a large amount of protein, they are used to gain muscle mass. However, here we advise you to contact a professional who will help you create a suitable diet.

With heart disease

It is believed that by consuming the pulp and oils that are contained in the bones, a person helps the work of the cardiovascular system. However, if you have heart problems, see your doctor first and consult with him. Self-medication can be hazardous to health.

Against helminths

There are cases when eating a small amount of raw apricot kernels helped fight helminths. However, here, as in previous cases, it is better to go to the hospital and not rely on traditional medicine.

Contraindications and possible harm

We have already talked about how useful apricot seeds are. Now we will consider what contraindications this miraculous product has.

In addition to useful elements, the cores also include poisons. One of them is cyanide, which is absolutely harmless in small doses, but at high concentration causes irreparable harm to the body.

Bitter kernels should not be eaten, as they contain a large amount of hydrocyanic acid.

The product is not recommended for use by pregnant and lactating women, allergy sufferers, people suffering from diabetes mellitus, exacerbated liver diseases and thyroid disorders.

Is it possible to get poisoned with apricot pits

The answer is unequivocal: apricot pits can be poisoned. This happens if you eat stale or improperly processed kernels. We have already said that they contain cyanide and hydrocyanic acid, and they cause poisoning.

Symptoms of such poisoning:

• weakness;
• difficulty breathing, sore throat;
• aching headache;
• pain in the abdomen, as from overeating;
• nausea;
• panic.

If these symptoms appear, call an ambulance immediately. While the doctors are on their way, flush the sick stomach and give activated charcoal.

So, we examined a very interesting product - apricot seeds. Despite the fact that the nucleoli contain a lot of useful elements, they can be a huge danger. Therefore, we advise you to consult with your doctor before use, and only with his consent to use this product.