Apricot: benefits and harm for losing weight, vitamins, contraindications dried
Sweet and juicy apricot is familiar from the very childhood. This fruit has long proved its usefulness both scientifically, and by a trial method. Now its best varieties are grown in the Caucasus, Central Asia, Crimea and southern Ukraine. And it is used almost everywhere, both in Europe and in the Far East. But can not this fruit be so perfect? The article will discuss in detail the benefits and harms of apricot, as well as how its components affect the body.
Apricot benefits of
Fresh apricot contains four elements: glucose, sucrose, fructose and pectins. Of course, rich in iron, full of phosphorus salts and vitamins A, B1, B2, PP.Vitamins in apricots are not uncommon, they are plenty and act on the body of everyone immediately.
So, vitamins B1 and B2 suck in and dissolve food and water, and therefore are indispensable for the normal functioning of the body. By the way, about functioning, vitamin A actively promotes growth and development, and without it many important processes in tissues could not occur. But the vitamin PP or nicotinic acid participates in the reactions of oxidation of living cells and is often used as a medicine.
In large quantities, fresh apricot contains potassium, which is so necessary for the stable functioning of the heart and circulatory system, as well as for the removal of sodium and excess fluid from the body. However, it is worthwhile to please you in advance, the main advantage of dried apricots is that in them this element is contained in 5 or even 6 times more!
But the pectin substances that were mentioned, prevent putrefactive processes in the stomach and intestines, normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract, and in general, are for him an indispensable component. Also, pectins reduce cholesterol and fence against diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Can I eat apricots during a diet?
An unequivocal answer to the question of whether it is possible to eat apricots during a diet - does not exist, because in our time there are quite a lot of diets. However, if your menu implies restriction of carbohydrates and / or fats, then there is no definitive answer, since there are a lot of sucrose in the composition. But, if you can not limit yourself in carbohydrates and fats so strictly, and the daily calorie level allows, then use apricots as a substitute for sweets.
Note that a product such as apricots, for weight loss in the form of the main product of a diet, can also be useful. So, already there is an apricot diet.
Harm to apricot
Despite the abundance of vitamins, and auxiliary elements, there is, and benefit, and contra-indications of apricot. Because of the high level of sucrose, people suffering from diabetes mellitus, this fruit is strictly prohibited. Also, a decrease in the normal working capacity of the thyroid gland or hepatitis interferes with sufficient assimilation of carotene, which means that individuals with such diseases should avoid using apricots.
The danger of poisoning can lie in wait for a person when buying dried apricots. To keep the dried apricot for a long time its bright, fresh merchant species, it is treated with sulfur dioxide, which can bring a lot of trouble, even in small amounts: headaches, allergy development.
Apricot kernel: useful or not?
Separately, it is worth noting the core of the apricot, in its appearance it resembles an almond nut, but has nothing to do with it, but scientists are still arguing about the benefits or harms. For example, if you use pits too often, the substance contained in them - amygdalin - is converted to hydrocyanic acid, which is very toxic. However, nuclei are actively and successfully used in cosmetology, as part of apricot ointments, creams and peelings.