Dried apricots: benefits and harms for the body of men, women, calorie content, how much to eat when losing weight

All dried fruits are very useful for our body; in this dried form they retain all the beneficial substances, which are even greater than in fresh fruits, since they are stored in a concentrated form. They contain absolutely no artificial additives, vitamins, pectin and fiber are preserved. Dried apricots: benefits and harm to the body, how much you need to eat per day for health - this is our topic today.

Read also: beneficial properties of carrots. You will truly love this magical gift of nature!

Description of dried apricots and varieties

Dried apricots are dried apricot fruits.
At home, to obtain dried apricots, apricots are washed, pitted, dipped in boiling water for one minute (to preserve as many nutrients as possible), placed on a baking sheet and dried in the sun for 8-10 days. On an industrial scale, apricots are dried in thermostats or ovens, after being pre-treated with chemicals.

The color of dried apricots, dried without the use of chemical additives, is dark orange, the surface is matte, wrinkled. To obtain one kilogram of dried apricots, about 5-6 kilograms of fresh apricots are consumed.

Several types of dried fruits are made from apricots:

dried apricots – apricot halves, dried using a special technology;
apricots - small apricots, dried with seeds;
kaisa - large whole-fruited apricots, from which the pits have been removed before drying;
ashtak - a whole apricot, with the pit removed, the kernel removed and put back into the middle of the fruit.

Dried apricots are divided into varieties - table, first, highest and extra. The higher the grade, the better quality the apricots were used for drying.

Chemical composition and calorie content

100 grams of dried apricots contain:

proteins 5.2 g;
fat 0.3 g;
carbohydrates 62.6 g;
dietary fiber (fiber) 7.3 g;
water 30 g;
organic acids – 1.5 g;
ash – 4 g

Dried apricots lead among other dried fruits in potassium content. It also contains a very large number of other macro- and microelements: calcium, sodium magnesium, phosphorus, iron, selenium, zinc, copper and manganese.

Dried apricots contain vitamins necessary for the body: A (beta-carotene), B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B4 (choline), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid ),C(ascorbic acid), E(tocopherol), K(phylloquinone).

The calorie content of dried apricots is 230 – 240 kcal per 100 grams.

Composition and energy value of dried apricots

100 grams of dried fruit contains:

calorie content – 230 kcal;
proteins – 5.2 g;
fats – 0.3 g;
carbohydrates – 51.0 g.

Dried apricots are a leader among foods that contain large amounts of potassium, so this product is recommended for use in cases of diseases associated with the heart muscle, as well as for people who have suffered heart attacks.

Dried fruit contains a huge supply of chemical elements that contribute to the proper functioning of all human organs and systems.

Per 100 g of dried fruit, the calorie content is 230 kcal. In addition to proteins, fats and carbohydrates, dried apricots include: Vitamins such as A, β-carotene, B1, B2, B5, B6, C, E, PP, K, minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, iron; fiber, fatty and organic acids and pectin. Fiber helps stabilize the gastrointestinal tract and prevents constipation. Dried apricots also help the body remove waste and toxins and cleanse the liver.

Minerals, starch, disaccharides and monosaccharides, polyunsaturated omega-6, fatty acids and pectin. Having this composition, real dried apricots are considered a component of any precautionary diets that help normalize metabolic processes and compensate for the lack of biologically active elements in the body.

It is used for the prevention and treatment of the heart and blood vessels, normalizes concentration, reduces stress and improves body tone.

Dried apricots have been consumed since ancient times, as it improves mental activity and normalizes concentration. The composition of dried apricot components supports the central nervous system. It has a positive effect on the intestines, absorbs toxins and other harmful substances, removes them from the body, and lowers blood pressure.

Dried apricots contain a high content of vitamin A, which normalizes human visual functions; it is also called the “Vitamin of Youth.”

Vitamin “A” has a fairly high concentration, and has a positive effect on strengthening vision and the nervous system, the processes of tissue renewal and rejuvenation, the synthesis of collagen and sex hormones.

The benefits of dried apricots for the body

Thanks to its rich composition, dried apricots have a positive effect on the human body, namely:

reduces cholesterol levels;
is a good source of iron;
acts on the body as a mild laxative (as it contains a lot of pectin and cellulose);
stimulates digestion;
a decoction of dried apricots reduces fever and quenches thirst;
infusion of dried apricots helps with burns, eczema and scabies;
dried apricots contain a lot of potassium, which helps restore heart rhythm;
lowers high blood pressure, so it should be used by hypertensive patients;
dried apricots are a natural antioxidant, help maintain healthy cells and tissues;
helps maintain good vision;
reduces the risk of developing malignant neoplasms;
thanks to the large amount of vitamin K, dried apricots improve blood clotting;
dried apricots are indispensable in the diet of athletes and people with increased physical and mental stress.

Useful properties of dried apricots for women

helps prevent heavy menstrual bleeding;
strengthens nails, teeth, hair and bones;
moisturizes the skin, makes it smooth and elastic;
has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the urinary system;
due to the large amount of antioxidants, it is considered an excellent anti-cancer agent;
normalizes the functioning of the reproductive system, prevents and treats infertility;
restores the proper functioning of the endocrine system.

For pregnant women

Dried apricots will help saturate the expectant mother’s body with all the necessary vitamins and microelements, which will flow through the placenta to the baby and ensure its proper development.

Pregnant women should eat dried apricots every day, as they have a positive effect on the body and reduce the occurrence of unpleasant moments of pregnancy:

prevents anemia;
fights vitamin deficiency;
facilitates the manifestation of toxicosis;
Having a laxative effect, it helps to cope with constipation;
helps normalize digestion and eliminate heartburn;
normalizes blood pressure;
strengthens the immune system;
has a diuretic effect, which is very helpful for swelling;
prevents tooth enamel from deteriorating;
strengthens hair and nails.

For edema, the best diuretic is considered to be a decoction of dried apricots.

Ingredients:

0.5 kg dried apricots;
2 liters of water.

Preparation:

Pour water over the dried apricots and simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes.
Cover with a lid and leave for about an hour.

Drink 1 glass three times a day.

For constipation, a compote of prunes and dried apricots will have a laxative effect.

Ingredients:

150 g dried apricots;
110 g prunes;
50 g granulated sugar;
2 liters of water.

Preparation:

Pour boiling water over dried fruits for 15 minutes.
Drain the water, rinse the dried fruits well and cover with cold water, add granulated sugar.
Bring to a boil, simmer over low heat for 7 minutes.
Cover with a lid and leave for one hour.

Drink 1 glass in the morning and evening.

The benefits of dried apricots for men

Dried apricots also have a beneficial effect on men's health:

supports heart function and prevents muscle cramps;
serves as a prevention of urological diseases (impotence, prostatitis);
promotes testosterone production;
normalizes blood pressure;
improves blood circulation in the genitals, improves potency;
cleanses blood vessels.

Dried apricots for children

Dishes with the addition of dried apricots can be offered to a child as early as six months. If a child has an allergic reaction to dried fruits, then dried apricots should be given no earlier than three years of age.

Dried apricots are introduced into the child’s diet in the form of puree, starting with half a teaspoon, and carefully observing the reaction of the little body to the new product. Over time, the portion is increased to 50 grams per day.

For children from one year old, dried apricots are offered in grated form, adding to porridge and cottage cheese. Due to the high sugar content, dried apricot compotes are not recommended for children under three years of age.

Introducing dried apricots into a child’s diet will help:

increase hemoglobin;
strengthen the immune system;
and also normalize stool and relieve constipation;
Dried apricots help improve brain function, help cope with stressful situations and improve memory.

Schoolchildren, in the absence of an allergic reaction to the product, can be given up to 100 g of dried apricots per day.

Puree with dried apricots

Children from 6 months can be offered fruit puree with dried apricots as their first complementary food.

Ingredients:

1 pear;
1 apple;
30 g dried apricots;
water.

Preparation:

Wash the fruits, peel them and chop finely.
Wash dried apricots and cut into strips.
Place the ingredients in a saucepan, add water and simmer for five minutes.
Grind the resulting mixture with a blender.

Porridge with dried apricots and apple

For children from 8 months old, you can prepare porridge with dried apricots and apples.

Ingredients:

one apple;
5 pieces. dried apricots;
2 tbsp. l. porridge.

Preparation:

Peel the apples, remove the core, cut into small cubes, add dried apricots, add water (so that it just covers the fruit) and boil for 5 minutes.
Drain the water and grind the fruit to a puree consistency.
Prepare baby (rice, oat or buckwheat) porridge in any way, add chopped fruit.

Read more in the article: Prunes - benefits and harm to the body

Read more in the article: Raisins - benefits and harm to the body

The benefits of dried apricots

Eating dried apricots reduces the risk of cancer and prevents premature aging of the body. The beneficial properties of dried apricots have been clinically proven and are widely used for medicinal and preventive purposes:

for general strengthening and restoration of vitality, and after illnesses, operations, during periods of prolonged stress and chronic fatigue;
To normalize the function of the endocrine glands, in particular the thyroid and pancreas;
To improve sleep, helps in the treatment of depression and for the rehabilitation of the nervous system;
to optimize the functioning of the digestive system - dried apricots act as a mild laxative and cleanse the body of toxic and other harmful accumulations;
for the treatment of diseased joints - it relieves inflammation and pain well, supplies building materials for the restoration of bone and cartilage tissue;
for the treatment of anemia, hypertension;
as a gentle, decongestant - removes excess fluid, dried apricot preparations richly saturate the body with potassium, unlike other diuretics;
for type 2 diabetes mellitus, and also as an adjuvant for the treatment of this disease - the low glycemic index of the product allows it to be used in the diet;
for diseases of the cardiovascular system - supports and improves heart function, a folk remedy resists blockage of blood vessels and the formation of blood clots.

Fermented milk products perfectly complement the healing power of dried apricots.

Benefits for women

Regular consumption of dried apricots allows you to maintain good physical shape, helps burn fat, and makes a woman's figure slimmer. Dried apricots are also a wonderful natural remedy for cleansing the female body and helping to remove toxins from the body.
In addition, the product helps reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and stroke.
For women suffering from constipation, dried apricots are an excellent help in combating this problem, since the pectin contained in dried apricots helps to cleanse the intestines in a timely manner.
This product supports the reproductive system. Therefore, regular consumption of dried apricots prevents infertility.

Benefits for men

Thanks to their high magnesium and potassium content, dried apricots support heart health and help prevent muscle cramps. Dried apricots are also rich in calcium, which supports bone tissue. Contains a lot of fiber, which normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Normalization of intestinal function leads to improved blood circulation in the pelvic organs, which in turn prevents the occurrence of prostatitis and impotence. Dried apricots also help cleanse the body of heavy metal salts.

The high fiber content in dried apricots helps to activate blood circulation in the genitals, therefore supporting male potency. Normalizing blood circulation in the genital area helps improve the functioning of the testicles and has a positive effect on hormonal levels.

Dried apricots during pregnancy

It's not uncommon for women to crave snacks and treats during pregnancy, and dried apricots are a great healthy alternative to fatty and salty foods. Pregnant women need to regularly supplement their body with iron to avoid developing anemia. A deficiency of this mineral can negatively affect the fetus. A handful of dried apricots contains about 15% of the daily value of iron, as well as large amounts of copper and cobalt.

Dried apricots also contain substances necessary for a pregnant woman, namely: folic acid, potassium, calcium and magnesium. One of the common problems during pregnancy is disruption of processes associated with digestion. Dried apricots help regulate the process and prevent the intestines from slowing down as the child develops.

Dried apricots during breastfeeding

You can eat dried apricots while breastfeeding. Dried fruits contain a large amount of useful minerals and vitamins that will help restore the body in the postpartum period. Vitamin C supports the exhausted female body, strengthening the immune system and protecting against colds. B vitamins improve metabolic processes, which help a woman return to her previous form.

Dried apricots also contain vitamin E, thereby restoring the condition of the skin, giving the skin greater elasticity. Calcium is involved in strengthening bones and nails, and potassium helps restore and maintain heart function. Magnesium helps a woman cope with postpartum depression.

Dried apricots can be included in your diet 3–4 months after birth. For the first dose, you need to consume a small amount of dried apricots, and then observe the baby’s reaction for 2 days. If the child reacted normally to the product and did not experience colic or allergies, it means that dried apricots are accepted by the body as expected. In this case, you can eat dried apricots up to 3 times a week (no more than 30 g).

It is not recommended to include dried apricots in the diet in case of problems with the gastrointestinal tract, diabetes, obesity, disorders of the cardiovascular system, as well as edema.

For children

Due to the fact that dried apricots contain a lot of potassium and magnesium, this product is necessary for maintaining heart function, especially in children. Phosphorus and B vitamins are involved in the development of the nervous system, support brain health, and help reduce the risk of neuroses. Antioxidants help cleanse the body of harmful substances.

Dried apricots are recommended for use by children who suffer from anemia, as this product helps maintain normal hemoglobin levels. Dried apricots help relieve constipation. Dried apricots can also be used to support the functions of a child’s body, which protect him from colds.

It is allowed to include dried apricots in a child’s diet starting from 1 year. If you are prone to allergies, you should postpone the product until the child is 3 years old.

The use of dried apricots for various diseases

For constipation

To treat and prevent constipation, you should consume the following mixture of dried fruits and honey:

100 g each of dried apricots, raisins, prunes and figs;
2 tbsp. spoons of honey.

Pour boiling water over dried fruits and leave for 12 hours. Next, drain the water, grind the mixture in a blender, add honey. Use 1-1.5 tsp. three times a day for 1-2 weeks. After a month, repeat the course.

For diabetes

Diabetics are recommended to eat no more than 5 pieces of dried apricots per day, adding them to various dishes. For example, you can eat this type of dessert: add a few pieces of chopped dried apricots to a pack of cottage cheese and mix. Consume during breakfast.

For immunity

A vitamin mixture of dried fruits will help increase the body's defenses, especially in the autumn-winter period:

250 g dried apricots;
150 g each of prunes and walnuts;
2.5 tbsp. spoons of honey.

Grind dried fruits, add honey, mix. Take 1 tbsp. spoon three times a day.

For gastrointestinal problems

Compote of dried apricots with the addition of raisins helps normalize digestion and restores the normal functioning of the liver.

To prepare compote take:

250 g of dried apricots and raisins;
2 liters of water;
3 tbsp. spoons of sugar.

Rinse dried fruits well and soak in warm water for 15 minutes. Add sugar, bring to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes. Leave for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1 glass three times a day.

For stress

For the proper functioning of the nervous system, restoration of the body after severe stress and elimination of insomnia, it is worth using the following remedy:

Soak 5 pieces of dried apricots in cold water for 12 hours. Next, bring to a boil and cool. Drink the decoction in small sips throughout the day, and eat one piece of dried apricots half an hour before meals.

For the cardiovascular system

To maintain heart function and restore vascular patency, it is worth consuming the following mixture:

3 lemons;
100 g each of rose hips and hawthorn fruits;
200 g each of walnuts and prunes;
150 g raisins;
250 g dried apricots;
3 tbsp. spoons of honey.

Grind all ingredients in a blender, add honey at the end. Place in the refrigerator for ten days. Take 1 tbsp on an empty stomach. spoon until the mixture runs out, then take a break for two weeks.

For gout

The following remedy will help relieve pain, remove uric acid salts and normalize metabolism in the body:

200 g dried apricots;
100 g sunflower seeds;
5 tbsp. spoons of oatmeal;
1 banana.

Grind all the ingredients, roll into a sausage, place in the refrigerator for three hours, then cut into small slices. Use as a healthy dessert.

For joint pain

In order to get rid of crunches and pain in joints and ligaments, you should use the following mixture:

100 g dried apricots;
50 g each of raisins and walnuts;
2 tbsp. spoons of honey;
1 lemon;
250 g fresh or frozen raspberries.

Place the ingredients in a blender and grind. Use 2 tbsp. spoons three times a day.

Daily intake of dried apricots, how much should you eat?

How much dried apricots should you eat per day for health benefits? It is enough to eat 50-100 dried apricots per day. It is worth choosing clean, moderately soft fruits. They should smell nice, and in no case have the smell of wine. Dried apricots should not be overly sour.

Dried apricots must be washed before eating. And it’s best to pour boiling water over it for 15 minutes and let it sit there, drain the water, dry it a little and eat. Boiling water is poured over dried apricots to get rid of possible dyes and what can be used to treat the fruits. You can eat it separately or add it to other dishes. I really like adding it to cottage cheese.

You can also cook compotes, desserts, cereals, salads, soups, and meat dishes with dried apricots (dried apricots go with meat as a sweet and sour seasoning). Dried apricots harmonize with nuts and prunes. In jam, in porridge, in fruit salad or in the form of a wonderful thirst-quenching compote, dried apricots will bring pleasure and take care of our health.

The use of dried apricots in cosmetology

In cosmetology, dried apricots are used to prepare various masks that help improve the condition of the skin and hair.

Anti-wrinkle mask

Ingredients:

3 pcs. dried apricots;
10 g pumpkin seeds;
2 tbsp. spoons of kefir.

Grind dried apricots and seeds, add kefir heated in a water bath, stir. Apply to facial skin for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

A mask of dried apricots and orange juice will help make your skin soft and velvety.

Ingredients:

5 pieces. dried apricots;
1 yolk;
1 tbsp. spoon r. oils;
1 teaspoon honey;
1.5 tbsp. spoons of orange juice.

Grind the dried apricots in a blender, add the yolk, r. oil, honey and juice, mix well. Apply the mixture to your face for 15-20 minutes.

To give your hair shine and softness, you can use a mask of dried apricots and honey.

Ingredients:

100 g dried apricots;
3 tbsp. spoons of honey;
50 ml water.

Pour boiling water over dried apricots for 15 minutes, chop, add honey. Apply to hair roots for 30 minutes. Wash off with herbal decoction.

Dried apricots for weight loss

Beneficial properties of dried apricots for weight loss:

helps to quickly satisfy hunger;
can be used as a sweetener;
thanks to the large amount of fiber, it helps cleanse the intestines and improve metabolism;
fills the body with useful vitamins and minerals.

Dried apricots can be consumed by adding to various dietary dishes. You can also arrange fasting days, eating only dried apricots, mineral water and herbal teas. You can use dried apricots as a healthy snack. Just 5-7 pieces of dried apricots can replace a full breakfast or afternoon snack.

Dietary recipes

Cocktail with dried apricots

Soak dried apricots (5-6 pieces) in hot water for 30 minutes. Drain the water, grind the dried apricots in a blender, add apple juice (150 ml) and unsweetened yogurt (100 ml). Mix all ingredients. This cocktail can be consumed instead of breakfast.

Dried apricot salad

6 pcs. dried apricots;
one small carrot (100 grams);
one beet (100-120 grams);
lemon juice (to taste).

Soak dried apricots for 15-20 minutes and chop. Boil carrots and beets, grate on a coarse grater. Mix with dried apricots, add lemon juice and stir.

Detox drink

Take 300 grams of dried apricots, soak in hot water. Grind to a puree consistency, add 0.5 liters of apricot juice, stir. Drink in portions, divided into 4 doses per day.

The benefits of dried apricots for weight loss. Dried apricots versus candies - video

Is it possible to eat dried apricots while losing weight?

Despite the fact that dried apricots are a fairly high-calorie product, their consumption during weight loss is quite acceptable. But in order for this not to slow down the process, but, on the contrary, to speed it up, it is necessary to follow some rules.

First of all, you need to observe moderation. If you are not trying to lose kilos, but are simply staying in shape, you should not overuse dried apricots, because you can gain a few extra kilos quite unnoticeably, and at the same time also get problems with the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended to limit yourself to 30 g of dried fruits per day.
It is also worth paying attention to the time of consumption of dried apricots. Since the product is rich in carbohydrates and quite high in calories, dried fruits should be consumed in the first half of the day. It is recommended to eat a portion of dried apricots as a dessert after lunch.
Dried fruits help cleanse the body and also remove excess fluid from it. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly replenish the body with water (from 2 liters per day).

Healthy drinks with dried apricots

Tea with dried apricots

50 g dried apricots;
1 liter of water;
2 teaspoons of green tea;
1 teaspoon lemon juice.

Preparation:

Wash dried apricots, cut into small cubes, pour boiling water.
After 1-2 minutes, add green tea and lemon juice.
Leave for 3-4 minutes.

This tea will give you energy and strength for the whole day.

Drink with dried apricots and ginger

30 g dried apricots;
a piece of ginger root (about 1 cm);
0.5 l of water;
1 teaspoon honey;
A few slices of lemon or lime.

Preparation:

Cut dried apricots into thin strips.
Peel the ginger and cut into thin slices.
Place ginger and dried apricots in a teapot and pour boiling water over them.
Leave for about 5 minutes, pour into cups, when it cools to 60 degrees, add honey and a slice of lemon.

This drink will help strengthen your immune system in the autumn-winter season.

How to choose and store dried apricots correctly

What a good dried apricot should be like:

The color of properly dried dried apricots (without the use of chemical components) should be dark orange or brown.
The surface of the fruit should be wrinkled, opaque, matte, and somewhat dusty.
Good dried fruits should be crumbly, not sticky, and free of mold and insects.
Good dried fruits should feel firm and firm to the touch, not too soft or sticky.
There should be no foreign odors or unpleasant taste.
Dried apricots should not have shine. A glossy sheen will mean that the dried fruit has been rubbed with oil or glycerin.

It is not enough to know how to choose good dried apricots; it is equally important to know how to store them correctly.

Rules for storing dried fruit:

Dryness. Dried apricots must be stored in a dry place. With high humidity, dried apricots will very quickly become moldy.
Cool. Dried apricots should be stored in a cool place. At elevated air temperatures, dried apricots become hard and lose their nutritional qualities. The optimal temperature for storing dried apricots is considered to be no higher than +20 degrees.
Darkness. Under the influence of sunlight, all the vitamins contained in dried apricots are destroyed.

To store dried apricots, it is better to choose a glass container with a well-closing lid.