What are the beneficial properties of apricot kernels and are there any contraindications: basic facts about bitter kernels. What everyone throws away is useful! Meet apricot kernels

Many people believe that fruit seeds and seeds contain valuable substances- it’s not for nothing that apricot oil and peach pit This is how cosmetologists value it, and nutritionists praise it wonderful properties grape seed oils. Of course, few people decide to eat a whole peach, but often for reasons of benefit, for example, they make jam without removing the seeds from fruits and berries.

It turns out that the benefits of fruit seeds are a controversial issue. Firstly, the kernels of many plants of the plum genus contain a substance hazardous to health: “The kernels of apricots, peaches, apples, and cherries contain amygdalin glycoside, which is broken down in the stomach to release hydrocyanic acid, which is poison,” explains Irina Russ, nutritionist and endocrinologist at the European Medical Center. Amygdalin is what gives apple seeds their bitter taste. Of course, the concentration of toxic substances in them is very small, but this fact should not be neglected. "At the same time apple seeds are a source of many vitamins, minerals, and most importantly, iodine,” says Irina Russ, “however, you can eat no more than five or six of them a day.”

The situation with other bones is also contradictory.

Grapes and pomegranate

“Pomegranate and grape seeds, if not chewed, are not digested in the gastrointestinal tract, but can help increase peristalsis, acting like fiber,” says Irina Russ. In addition, in grape seed many vitamins and plant phenolic compounds - very strong antioxidants. True, if you simply chew the seeds, these substances will not be absorbed very well - it is much more useful to make tinctures. Pomegranate kernels contain a lot of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E.

However, you can eat these seeds only if you do not have diseases gastrointestinal tract, otherwise they may cause aggravation. In addition, take care of your tooth enamel: hard bones are not good for it either.

Cherry

Swallow cherry pit It is possible, probably, only by accident: it is unlikely that anyone will intentionally eat something completely inedible. However, if this happens, there is no need to panic: despite the content of hydrocyanic acid, small amounts of the seeds are not dangerous.

You can also cook cherry jam without removing the seeds quite calmly: under the influence of high temperatures, amygdalin is destroyed. For the same reason, there is no need to be afraid to make cherries the way the French do them, without removing the kernels.

Peach

Peach pit kernels are difficult to obtain, and if you do manage to do so, you will find that they are completely tasteless. Because of high content amygdalin, they are bitter, so you really don’t need to eat them. Another thing is peach seed oil. It is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, and since amygdalin is soluble in water but not in fat, there is no hydrocyanic acid in the oil, and it can be added to salad dressings.

Apricot

The most edible seed insidious: in addition to polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals and vitamins, it also contains the notorious hydrocyanic acid. There is no point in eating more than ten tasty kernels.

But heat treatment makes apricot kernels completely harmless, which is why they are so often used in the cuisine of Transcaucasia and the Middle East: just heat the kernels in the oven - and you can mix them with honey and dried apricots or eat them just like that. And Europeans have found a way to use apricot kernels: the bitter kernels are used to flavor jams and sweets (two or three kernels are enough) or for making Italian cookies amaretti.

The healing properties of cherries for humans have long been known. But not only the fruits of the cherry tree are beneficial for his body. IN folk medicine Leaves, twigs, stalks and seeds are also widely used. It is the latter that, if neglected, can be dangerous to humans. How to use cherry pits, their harm and benefits for the body and other issues are discussed in detail in our article. Let's look at each of them in detail.

Cherry pits: harm to the body

Despite all the benefits of cherries, they can harm the body irreparable harm. And first of all, this applies to cherry pits. The danger they pose to humans is associated with the amygdalin content they contain. It is this glycoside, which is present in the seeds of many plants, that gives them a bitter taste. Under the influence of gastric juice, amygdalin breaks down into glucose and hydrocyanic acid. The latter causes the toxicity of cherry kernels.

The kernels of the cherry tree contain about 0.8% amygdalin. If several nucleoli are accidentally ingested, such an amount of substance cannot harm the body. The deliberate consumption of seeds in large quantities poses a danger to humans. This is especially true for children. Parents should be sure to ensure that they do not swallow cherry pits.

The harm and benefits of nucleoli for the body can be balanced if we take into account the fact that, in addition to hydrocyanic acid, they contain valuable substances and healing oil. What are their benefits for humans, we will consider below.

Signs of hydrocyanic acid poisoning

Ingestion of cherry pits can lead to severe poisoning in an adult. Lethal dose is the use of 50 nucleoli. For a child, the dangerous dosage will be even lower.

What are the signs of poisoning that occur when swallowing cherry pits, the harm to the body is already known? They are as follows:

The skin and mucous membranes of the human body turn bright pink, and the smell of almond bitterness is felt from the mouth.
There is a bitterness in the mouth with a metallic taste.
You feel dry mouth, accompanied by copious amounts of saliva.
Nausea and urge to vomit.
Pulse and breathing increase.
The pupils dilate, speech becomes incoherent.

When the first signs of poisoning appear (before the doctor arrives), you need to take a horizontal position so that the poison does not spread throughout the body, induce vomiting and rinse the stomach a large number water.

Cherry pits in compote and tincture

Most people are of the opinion that hydrocyanic acid, which is dangerous to the body, is constantly contained in cherry pits, regardless of whether the berry was fresh or cooked in jam or compote. Scientists have conducted studies that have proven the opposite.

Thus, cherry pits, the harm and benefits of which have been proven by doctors, are safe for the body if they are in jam or compote. This is explained by the fact that under the influence high temperature(over 75 degrees) amygdalin is destroyed and hydrocyanic acid is not formed.

What are the benefits of cherry pits?

Cherry kernels bring not only harm, but also great benefits to the body. What is it?

Firstly, healing oil is prepared from cherry pits, which is widely used in cosmetology. With its regular use, the skin becomes young, elastic and hydrated again.

Secondly, special heating pads are sewn from cherry kernels, which are used in the treatment of many diseases of children and adults (colds, osteochondrosis, arthritis).

Thirdly, crushed cherry kernels are used in the treatment of gout. In addition, whole and dried cherry pits also provide protection and strengthen the immune system. The benefits of the kernels of this plant are widely used in folk medicine. A tincture based on them is used in the treatment of many chronic diseases.

Healthy cherry seed oil

Healing oil is prepared from cherry pits, which does not contain toxic substances. It contains many vitamins and minerals that have a positive effect on the condition of human skin. But that's not all beneficial properties oil made from cherry pits.

The benefits for the body are as follows:

restoration of youthful skin;
protects the skin from sunlight (prevents the absorption of ultraviolet radiation);
softening, moisturizing, skin;
skin color becomes lighter;
protects the surface of the lips from drying out;
increases skin elasticity;
contains natural antioxidants that resist the formation of cancer cells.

Cherry seed oil is the only one among other types that contains absolutely all the vitamins necessary for proper metabolism in the body. It can be used in pure form or as part of others cosmetics for face and body care.

Cherry pit pillow: benefits and harms for adults and children

Cherry kernels can be used as a filler when sewing pillows and toys for children. The resulting products have healing properties for the body.

Cherry pits, the harm and benefits of which have been proven by medicine, are widely used in the manufacture of special heating pads for adults and children. To eliminate possible rotting inside the seeds, which contributes to the formation of hydrocyanic acid, the kernels are boiled in boiling water with the addition of vinegar before making the pillow and dried in the oven.

The bone pillow can be used as a cold or warm compress. It relieves fever, pain and cramps or warms with pleasant warmth. It is absolutely hypoallergenic and safe, since the filler does not cause burns.

For children, a heating pad is used:

to relieve pain from colic in newborns;
for preparing a warm compress for coughs;
as a cold compress, relieves pain from swelling and abrasions;
to relieve muscle pain and spasms;
to help the child fall asleep quickly (relieves fatigue, calms);
for the development of fine motor skills.

Adults use the pillow:

for cold and warm compresses in cases where it is necessary to relieve pain and spasms;
to stabilize the cervical and lumbar spine in a sitting position;
as an orthopedic sleeping pillow.

How to use a heating pad

A heating pad for a warm compress is prepared in the following ways:

the bag of kernels is heated in the oven for 5 minutes at 150 degrees;
can be heated in the microwave - 3 minutes at 600 W;
put it on the battery for 40 minutes.

A warm pillow should be applied to the place where you want to relieve pain or spasm.

To prepare a cold compress, a pillow with bones must be placed in freezer. In winter, a bag of cherry kernels can be taken out onto the balcony.

Bones for the treatment of arthritis

As you can see, this is a universal remedy. When treating arthritis, cherry seeds will also help relieve pain in the knee joints. The benefits of a pillow with natural filling are as follows: the bag with seeds must be placed in the freezer for 30 minutes - 1 hour, and then applied to the sore spot.

Cold is excellent remedy for the treatment of inflammation and swelling of the joints. It accelerates blood circulation and has a good analgesic effect. The time of exposure to cold on the joint should not exceed 10 minutes.

Cherry pits for the treatment of gout

Gout is a joint disease caused by salt deposition. Absolutely all joints suffer from it: from fingers to toes. which can be dangerous in large doses, helps relieve joint pain for gout. How to achieve this?

To treat gout, cherry pits must first be crushed, then ground well, wrapped in gauze and applied to the sore spot. After several procedures, the pain will disappear.

Folk recipes with cherry pits

For inflammatory processes resulting from exacerbation of chronic diseases, a decoction of cherry seeds and pulp is used. After regularly taking this remedy, the painful symptoms will disappear and the body’s condition will improve. Cherry pits, the benefits and harms of which depend on proper temperature treatment, cannot be dangerous in such a decoction. You can store it in the refrigerator, but no more than 1 month after preparation.

To strengthen the immune system, it is enough to do a daily foot massage with cherry pits. To do this, you need to scatter them on a towel, previously spread on the floor, and walk on them for 10 minutes. This “health path” will be useful for both adults and children who often suffer from colds.

There is no need to sound the alarm if a child or adult swallows several cherry seeds. It takes some time for amygdalin to turn into hydrocyanic acid. Usually it is enough for the bone to leave the body on its own without causing any damage. harmful effects at him. Hydrocyanic acid begins to be released 4-5 hours after ingestion of the cherry kernel.

We tend to see health benefits in the most unexpected things. One of the most popular ideas of this kind is the benefits of fruit seeds.

Many people believe that fruit seeds and seeds contain valuable substances - it’s not for nothing that apricot and peach kernel oils are so valued by cosmetologists, and nutritionists extol the wonderful properties of grape seed oil. Of course, few people decide to eat a whole peach, but often for reasons of benefit, for example, they make jam without removing the seeds from fruits and berries.

It turns out that the benefits of fruit seeds are a controversial issue. Firstly, the kernels of many plants of the plum genus contain a substance hazardous to health: “The kernels of the seeds of apricots, peaches, apples, and cherries contain the glycoside amygdalin, which is broken down in the stomach to release hydrocyanic acid, which is a poison,” explains Irina Russ, nutritionist, endocrinologist Amygdalin is what gives apple seeds their bitter taste. Of course, the concentration of toxic substances in them is very small, but this fact should not be neglected. “At the same time, apple seeds are a source of many vitamins, minerals, and most importantly, iodine,” says Irina Russ, “however, you can eat no more than five or six of them a day.”

The situation with other bones is also contradictory.

Grapes and pomegranate

“Pomegranate and grape seeds, if not chewed, are not digested in the gastrointestinal tract, but can help increase peristalsis, acting like fiber,” says Irina Russ. In addition, grape seeds contain many vitamins and plant phenolic compounds - very strong antioxidants. True, if you simply chew the seeds, these substances will not be absorbed very well - it is much more useful to make tinctures. Pomegranate kernels contain a lot of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E.

However, you can eat these seeds only if you do not have gastrointestinal diseases, otherwise they may cause an aggravation. In addition, take care of your tooth enamel: hard bones are not good for it either.

Cherry

You can probably swallow a cherry pit only by accident: it is unlikely that anyone would intentionally eat something completely inedible. However, if this happens, there is no need to panic: despite the content of hydrocyanic acid, small amounts of the seeds are not dangerous.

You can also cook cherry jam without removing the seeds quite calmly: under the influence of high temperatures, amygdalin is destroyed. For the same reason, there is no need to be afraid to make clafoutis with cherries and cherries the way the French do it, without removing the kernels.

Peach

Peach pit kernels are difficult to obtain, and if you do manage to do so, you will find that they are completely tasteless. Due to their high amygdalin content, they are bitter, so you really shouldn't eat them. Another thing is peach seed oil. It is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, and since amygdalin is soluble in water but not in fat, there is no hydrocyanic acid in the oil, and it can be added to salad dressings.

Apricot

The most edible bone is insidious: in addition to polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals and vitamins, it also contains the notorious hydrocyanic acid. There is no point in eating more than ten tasty kernels.

The call of zealous owners “Waste into income!” It doesn’t always work, but not in the case of apricot kernels. What we all mercilessly throw away after enjoying the taste and aroma of apricot pulp, it turns out, should not be thrown away under any circumstances. It’s just stupid to throw away a lot of vitamins, minerals, valuable acids, along with nutritious product with exquisite culinary properties.

Of course, many have heard that apricot kernels are tasty and somewhat similar in this regard. But at the same time, there is a strong opinion about their toxicity. Moreover, they are allegedly poisonous to such an extent that their use is fraught with death.

Therefore, the vast majority of apricot lovers prefer to throw away the pits “out of harm’s way.”
In fact apricot kernels It is not only possible, but also necessary to eat, while observing simple rules, which will be discussed later.

Did you know? For the first time in cultural form the apricot appeared, apparently, about three thousand years ago on the territory of modern Armenia or, according to another version, somewhere in the Tien Shan. Scientists today are unable to say more precisely.

Composition analysis

When you get acquainted with the enormous taste, culinary, healing, cosmetic potential of this product, you feel somehow uneasy at the thought that all this wealth most often ends up in the trash.

The kernels of the seeds contain a whole bunch of vitamins, some of which are very rare. In addition to the common and extensive ones, there are also more rare ones presented there.
But special attention attracts a specific product inherent in this particular product, which is also called amygdalin. It is this that gives apricot kernels their characteristic bitter taste.

This product is saturated with microelements in the form of, and.

Calories and nutritional value

The high content of fats and carbohydrates in the product determines its high calorie content and, accordingly, nutritional value. 100 g of apricot kernels contain more than 500 kcal. The experience of Easterners shows that eating several kernels saturates the body with calories, and also useful substances so much so that this is enough for several hours of human activity.

The unique and uniquely balanced composition of the product allows it to actually participate in the fight against inflammatory processes in the human immune and respiratory systems.
This is facilitated by its pronounced mucolytic capabilities, which help to actively dilute sputum and remove it from the body.

The product's ability to counteract cramps and even eliminate hiccups has been recorded.

That same insidious hydrocyanic acid, which makes so many people wary of eating the delicious core of apricot kernels, is indeed present in them. However, it can cause truly fatal harm only with excessive consumption of the product - more than 40 g at a time.
Amygdalin, that is, vitamin B17, when entering the body, releases this toxic hydrocyanic acid. The more bitter it tastes, the more it is in the nucleolus.

Important! Drying the seeds in the oven or boiling in a saucepan almost completely eliminates the toxic substances in them, which disintegrate at high temperatures.

Since apricots are quite strong allergens, naturally, and the contents of their seeds are contraindicated for people in whom this fruit causes allergic reactions.

Features of the use of apricot kernels

This product is not limited only to its taste, nutrition and medicinal properties. It is used, and especially the oil from it, in cosmetics. That is, each consumer, depending on age, gender and health status, is free to choose the most preferable qualities of this product from among many possible ones.

Traditional healers especially advise medicinal products with the addition apricot kernels when troubleshooting problems respiratory system person.
To combat cold cough, pneumonia, bronchitis, laryngitis And tracheitis It is recommended to add 10 g each of wild rosemary and knotweed to 20 g of kernels. Finely grind all this, pour in 200 ml of boiling water, leave for half an hour and strain using a fine sieve. The infusion should be taken 50 ml three times a day.

For treatment colds , eliminating seizures And fight against conjunctivitis You need to pour 10 g of highly crushed kernels into 100 ml of boiling water and leave for four hours. After filtering, the product should be applied orally three times a day, 50 ml. When treating conjunctivitis, the solution is applied externally to the eyes using tampons soaked in it.

Will they help you lose weight?

The high saturation of fats and carbohydrates and high calorie content make this product undesirable for overweight people.

But the content is extremely in demand apricot kernels cosmetologists. They appreciated them unique composition, widely using beneficial properties in the compositions of various creams and ointments for healing and rejuvenating the skin, as well as maintaining hair in good condition.

Actually, it is not the kernels themselves that are used for this, but the oil extracted from them by cold pressing.

For face

Apricot oil It is very useful for facial skin in its pure form, but it can also be used to make highly effective products for moisturizing, toning and rejuvenating the skin.

Cleansing mask

Tablespoon ground in a coffee grinder oatmeal pour two tablespoons of milk for five minutes, after which a teaspoon is added apricot oil and the same amount of honey.

Moisturizing mask

One small spoon of oil needs to be added to a well-pounded egg yolk, mix the mixture thoroughly and apply it to the face along the massage lines for half an hour.

Moisturizing toner

In 100 ml mineral water without gas, add two teaspoons of oil and a spoonful of glycerin. It is recommended to wipe your face with this mixture in the mornings and evenings.

For hair

This oil is very suitable for maintaining healthy hair. It effectively nourishes the roots, makes hair shiny and silky. When washing them, the oil can simply be added to the shampoo.

Mask for dry hair

Just add a few drops of lavender oil to a spoon of oil, and then apply this mixture to your hair for half an hour before washing your hair.

Did you know? The apricot tree grows for a long time, bears fruit for almost forty years in a row and lives up to a hundred years.

Mask for oily hair

A tablespoon of oil and the same warm milk mix with a teaspoon of honey.

Classic night mask

Heat the oil and rub it into the scalp, massaging it at the same time. Then lightly oil the hair strands, then collect the hair and cover the head with a towel.

Features of product selection and storage, can apricot kernels spoil?

When choosing seeds, you should pay attention to their appearance and especially on the content. There should be no traces of pests in the form of food moths. They should not be obtained from unripe fruits, since in this case the kernels are wrinkled and unsuitable for consumption.

The pre-dried product can be stored both in shell and in peeled form. The kernels are better stored in the thin shell in which they are located and which can be removed before use.

If apricot kernels are covered in a thick layer during drying, they may begin to mold, which irrevocably leads to their loss consumer qualities. The seeds of unripe fruits can also completely deteriorate.

There are much more toxic substances in such a product than in fresh ones.

Harvesting the internal contents of ripe apricots is simple and straightforward. Dividing these necessarily already ripe fruits in two, we take out the seeds from them and put them in a suitable container. Then wash them thoroughly, removing any remaining fruit fibers from their surface, place them on a tray or baking sheet in a single layer and leave them somewhere to dry.
It is best to do this outdoors, but definitely not in direct sunlight. They should be stored in glass or wooden containers without access to pests.

You can remove the kernels from the seeds and store them. Some people roast them immediately in the oven to eliminate toxic substances.

The unique taste and smell of apricot kernels have long attracted the attention of culinary experts, who widely and actively use them as additives in ice cream, creams, yoghurts, cakes, syrups and baked goods.

Chopped kernels have worked especially well for housewives when making jam or marmalade. When these ingredients are added, the products become very spicy taste and the smell, which, according to the housewives, simply cannot be compared with anything.
This truly potentially toxic product, if basic precautions are taken, turns into a truly unique product. useful qualities product for cooking, cosmetology and medicine.

Fruit waste – this is the definition most often given to apricot kernels, the benefits and harms of which are not taken into account. Many people don’t even realize how widely used apricot kernels are in medicine, cosmetology and cooking. What's special about apricot kernels and what's the best way to use them?

Composition of apricot kernels

The seeds contain:

vitamins (B17, PP);
minerals (iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium);
hydrocyanic acid;
0 g protein, 27.7 g fat, 56.3 g carbohydrates (per 100 g kernels).

Speaking about the benefits and harms of apricot kernels, one cannot fail to mention the oil made from them. Moreover, the kernels of some varieties contain up to 70% edible oil. This product, in turn, is rich in:

fatty acids (linoleic, palmitic, oleic);
phospholipids;
vitamins (A, C, B, F);
tocopherols.

The calorie content of apricot kernels is 440 kcal per 100 g of product. Therefore, they are often recommended to athletes to consolidate mass.

Apricot kernels: beneficial properties and contraindications

The presence of vitamin B17 turns apricot kernels into natural “killers” of cancer cells. This vitamin contains cyanide, which helps destroy cancer cells.

The more bitter the seed, the more vitamin B17 it contains.

It is important to know both the beneficial properties and contraindications of apricot kernels. In particular, apricot kernels contain hydrocyanic acid, which becomes poisonous in large quantities. Strong bitterness indicates a high concentration of organic poison. The reason for the bitter taste of amygdalin is a source of hydrocyanic acid. Therefore, uncontrolled consumption of apricot kernels can cause poisoning. The problem can be caused by taking 20-40 g of the product.

The damage to the kernels is minimized if they are pre-boiled or dried in the oven. Under the influence of high temperature, harmful components will be destroyed.

Old apricot cores can be dangerous. The fact is that the cyanide content increases over time. Therefore, taking them is not recommended.

Apricot kernels are contraindicated for:

diabetes mellitus;
liver diseases;
problems with the thyroid gland;
pregnancy.

Signs of poisoning usually appear within 5 hours after taking the product. A wide range of symptoms can indicate poisoning. First of all, this is: lethargy, headache, nausea and stomach cramps. In severe cases, convulsions, fainting, or acute heart failure may occur.

Application of apricot kernels

Medicine. Apricot kernel oil is the basis of many medicines. The bones themselves are considered natural “chemotherapy.” But it is important to know how to take apricot kernels for cancer. Cyanide, which is contained in the nuclei, destroys cancer cells in small doses, but from large quantity healthy cells begin to suffer.

You can consume no more than a few kernels per day. It is best to supplement their intake with your favorite fruits.

Apricot kernels, brewed as tea, are used for cardiovascular diseases. They are also useful for bronchitis and upper respiratory tract diseases. High calorie content apricot kernels allows us to recommend them as food supplement under heavy physical exertion.

Widely used in cosmetology. The substances contained in it have a beneficial effect on the skin, slowing down the process of its withering and improving the condition of nails and hair.

Cooking. Is it possible to eat apricot pits? The answer, of course, is yes. Moreover, apricot kernels are often used by confectioners to make icing, caramel, sweets, yoghurts, creams, ice cream, waffles and various baked goods. The kernels of some apricot varieties are used as a substitute for almonds.

The harm and benefits of apricot kernels are closely related to the health status of a particular person. Therefore, before starting to use of this product Be sure to consult your doctor.