The benefits and harms of apricot kernels, properties and contraindications for the body

Apricot pulp contains a high concentration of vitamins and microelements. But it's not just the pulp that can be used; the fruit's seeds also have beneficial properties. The benefits and harms of apricot seeds depend on their vitamin and mineral content.

Can you eat apricot kernels?

Apricot kernels, just like the pulp, contain many beneficial microelements. In small quantities, the kernels are even beneficial for the body, as they contain substances essential to human health.

However, eating large quantities of the seeds is not recommended. The kernels contain a substance called amygdalin, which has a negative effect on tissues and organs. Avoid eating old seeds. The longer they are stored, the more cyanide they accumulate. If ingested, they can cause poisoning.

Composition of grains and caloric content

Apricot kernels are hardly a low-calorie food. 100 grams contain approximately 500 kcal. This is another reason why it's best not to eat them in large quantities. Apricot kernels are rich in vegetable fats. They also contain a large amount of beneficial acids, including linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids. They also contain almost 25 grams of protein, 47 grams of vegetable fat, and 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Vitamins and minerals

In addition to vegetable fats and acids, apricot kernels are rich in vitamins.

Peeled apricot kernels contain the following substances:

• vitamins PP, C, B, F and B17;
• iron;
• potassium;
• phosphorus;
• magnesium;
• sodium;
• tocopherol.

In some countries, such as Uzbekistan, apricot kernels are used in jam. It's safe to say that this product isn't as toxic or harmful as many assume. And if eaten in moderation, there's no harm.

Benefits for the body

To a large extent, vitamin B17, which is found in grains in huge quantities, is responsible for the benefits of grains.

The beneficial properties of apricot kernels for the body:

• Thanks to vitamin E, you can get rid of dandruff and improve the condition of your hair and skin.
• Strengthening blood vessels and heart muscle.
• Coping with vitamin deficiency.
• Normalization of blood pressure.
• Improving the functioning of the stomach and intestines, liver and gallbladder.
• It has a beneficial effect on brain function.
• Increases the body's resistance to disease.
• Removes harmful cholesterol and excess water from the body.
• Increases hemoglobin levels.

Apricot kernels can help improve conditions such as liver disease, thyroid dysfunction, and diabetes.

There are contraindications and harm

Like any food, apricot seeds have contraindications. These include:

• Allergic reactions.
• Unstable functioning of the endocrine system.
• Gastrointestinal disorders that interfere with the absorption of the product.

Pregnant women and children should consume apricot seeds with special caution..

Consuming large quantities of this product can negatively impact the brain. Bitter kernels promote the formation of hydrocyanic acid in the body. This substance prevents oxygen from reaching brain tissue.

When poisoning is possible

In addition to beneficial vitamins and minerals, seeds contain substances that can cause poisoning. For example, cyanide. In small quantities, it can prevent the development of cancer cells. However, eating large amounts of seeds can cause food poisoning.

Another substance is amygdalin. It gives the seeds a bitter taste. If ingested in large quantities, it can also cause serious poisoning.

Medicinal properties of apricot kernels

Since ancient times, apricot seeds have been used in China to make medicine. And even today, they remain popular in folk medicine.

Fight against cancer

It's impossible to cure cancer with apricot kernels. It's a serious condition that requires proven medical treatment and medical supervision. However, this product can be used as a preventative measure.

To achieve this, you need to regularly consume the seeds (about 20-35 g). They can be eaten fresh, roasted, or dried. But again, remember that this is not a panacea.

For weight gain

Nuts are high in calories, with 500 kcal per 100 g, making them a great addition to the diet for those who are underweight. They can help promote weight gain and maintenance.

We use it against helminths

Fresh apricot seeds, like pumpkin seeds, help cleanse the body of helminths. However, they should be used as a supplement to the treatment prescribed by a doctor after an examination.

Use for heart disease

Apricot kernels can help normalize heart function. Apricot kernel tea, for example, can be helpful. Drink it before bed. Finely grind the kernels and pour boiling water over them. Let it steep for 10 minutes, then drink like tea.

Daily intake

Eating nuts in large quantities is contraindicated. It can be harmful to your health.

For children

For children, the daily intake of nuts should not exceed 25 g. Children should be given this product with extreme caution. Apricot kernels are considered an allergen.

For adults

Adults can eat no more than 55 g of apricot kernels per day.

For elderly people

Elderly people are not recommended to eat more than 45 g of the product per day.

What can be made from apricot kernels?

Peeled and crushed apricot pits are added to apricot jam. They can also be used to make urbech, a paste made from nuts or seeds.

Cooking process:

• To prepare, you will need 350 g of peeled seeds, 45 g of butter and honey, and a pinch of salt.
• Peel the seeds and grind them in a blender until the oil starts to come out.
• Melt the butter and honey in a double boiler, pour into the mixture, and add a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly.

This treat is not only delicious but also healthy. It can be spread on bread and eaten with tea.

Apricot kernels can be roasted with salt and eaten like seeds. They taste similar to almonds.

A healing tincture in alcohol is prepared from the kernels.

Cooking process:

• Dry and grind the seeds.
• Pour 1 liter of alcohol and leave in a dark place to infuse.
• Stir the infusion regularly.
• It is infused for about three weeks.

The finished tincture can be stored for up to three years.

Nuts are used as a flavoring in salads and baked goods. They are dried and blended. Alternatively, the crushed pits are brewed as a tea.

Application in cosmetology

Apricot kernels aren't just for cooking. They're also successfully used in cosmetology. For example, a facial exfoliant can be made from the kernel flour. Ground nuts are mixed with heavy cream or olive oil and applied to the face. Massage into the skin for 2-4 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and cleanser.

You can make oil from the seeds. However, you won't get much. Grind fresh seeds in a blender and squeeze the oil out of the mixture.

It's used in hair masks. The oil is applied to the ends and left on for 30-40 minutes. It perfectly moisturizes and nourishes your locks.

How to properly prepare and store pits

Preparing apricot kernels is easy. Simply rinse them under water to remove the pulp and dry them. You can store them this way. Alternatively, you can crack the shells and dry the kernels.

It's best to store raw materials in glass jars in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. Dried and crushed kernels are stored in the same way.

Product shelf life

The kernels have a short shelf life. It's best to eat or process them as quickly as possible. Ground kernels for cooking will keep for several months.

How to check apricot kernels for shelf life

There's no definitive way to determine the shelf life of apricot kernels. However, if they've been sitting around for too long, you shouldn't eat them. Especially if the seeds have started to taste bitter.
Can you eat expired grains?

Never consume expired apricot kernels. The longer they sit, the more harmful substances accumulate. You can tell when a product has expired by the taste of the kernels. They become very bitter due to their high amygdalin content.