Can you eat fruit seeds? The ideal solution to improve health and find beauty is pomegranate seeds.

With the help of apricot seeds, you can expel worms, cure the heart and even prevent cancer.
The sweet, fragrant fruits that we all love to feast on are not just delicious. They are very useful, and - to the bone. In fragrant grains there is a substance that can cure both cough and dermatitis. It was apricot oil that was always valued by the weight of gold.

What is the secret of apricot pits?

Apricot kernels smell like almonds. They contain amygdalin - it is also called vitamin B17, - says phytotherapeutist Elena Baklyukova. - It is also found in bitter almonds, pits of apples, cherries, peaches, plums, millet. This vitamin, according to some studies, prevents cancer, but recently this is doubtful. And they also have carotene and other vitamins that are indispensable for health, which make the bones a universal medicine.

In addition, apricot kernels contain a unique oil that treats dermatitis, sore throats, runny nose, annoying cough, can replace expensive nourishing cream (vitamin F is especially useful for the skin, accelerates cell regeneration, controls the sebaceous glands, restores balance, counteracts the formation of acne) .

This oil acts as an antibiotic. If wounds (stomatitis) have formed on the tongue or gums, then you can chew an apricot seed, this gruel relieves pain and inflammation.

Is it true that you can't eat a lot of apricot pits?

Amygdalin breaks down in the intestine, forming hydrocyanic acid, and it provokes severe poisoning. Therefore, apricot seeds can only be eaten a little - a maximum of 3 - 5 pieces per day for adults and adolescents. By the way, this is a recognized anthelmintic. And if you add one crushed seeds to tea, you get a good prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

nutritional value

Apricot kernels are a controversial health food and suggest cancer prevention and treatment. The seeds contain monounsaturated fat and are a good source of protein and dietary fiber. The oil in the seeds has vitamin E. However, the seeds also contain cyanide, a potentially deadly toxin. While your body can detoxify small amounts of cyanide, eating too many apricot seeds or kernels can be hazardous to your health.

Bitter and sweet apricot kernels

The nutritional value and toxicity of apricot pits varies by cultivar. Some apricot seeds are sweet and contain cyanide. These sweet apricot seeds are suitable substitutes for almonds. Bitter seeds contain higher levels of cyanide. The product label should indicate whether apricot seeds are considered sweet or bitter. However, expect a bit of a bitter taste even from sweet apricot seeds.

calories, nutritional value

There are 160 calories in a 1/4 cup serving of apricot pits. Only 1 gram of fat is saturated fat. Apricot kernels do not contain cholesterol, they contain a small amount of sodium or potassium. A serving of apricot pits contains 7 grams of carbohydrates with 2 grams as sugars and 5 grams of dietary fiber. One serving of apricot kernels contains 7 g of protein. Apricot seeds are not a significant source of most vitamins or minerals, but there are 4 milligrams of vitamin E per 100 g serving of apricot oil.

Amyglalin and pangamic acid

Apricot seeds contain amygdalin, which some researchers believe helps prevent and cure cancer, and pangamic acid, which may be helpful in treating coronary heart disease. Levels of these compounds are highest in raw, whole apricot kernels, as opposed to cooked or processed ones. You may find that amygdalin is referred to as vitamin B-17 and pangamic acid as vitamin B-15, however these substances are not recognized as vitamins and are considered unsafe for use in food or medicine.

Safe Consumption

Cyanide occurs naturally in apricot seeds and related foods, including cherries, peaches, and almonds. The amount of cyanide per apricot seed varies by size and variety, but the average apricot seed contains 0.5 milligrams of cyanide. The lethal dose of cyanide is between 0.5 and 3.5 milligrams per kg of body weight, depending on factors including age and liver health. Based on medical history, a lethal dose for an 80-kg person ranged from 80 to 560 apricot pits per day. For a 60-pound woman, a lethal dose would be 65 to 455 bones a day. Toxicity occurs at lower doses, so the lethal range should be considered as the extreme upper limit.

We tend to see health benefits in the most unexpected things. As a child, I was sure that nettle burns were good for blood vessels, and my friends on the Black Sea diligently smeared themselves with jellyfish washed ashore, claiming that it was good for the skin. The most popular idea of this kind is the benefits of fruit seeds.

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

It turns out that the benefits of fruit seeds are a moot point. 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, cherries contain amygdalin glycoside, which is broken down in the stomach with the release of hydrocyanic acid, which is a poison,” explains Irina Russ, nutritionist, 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 them no more than five or six pieces a day.”

The situation is also contradictory with other bones.

Grapes and pomegranate

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

However, you can eat these seeds only if you do not have diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, otherwise they can cause an exacerbation. In addition, take care of tooth enamel: hard bones are also not useful for it.

Cherry

Swallowing a cherry pit is probably only by accident: it is unlikely that anyone will intentionally eat something absolutely inedible. However, if this happens, you should not panic: despite the content of hydrocyanic acid, in a small amount the bones are not dangerous.

It is also possible to cook cherry jam without removing the bones: under the influence of high temperatures, amygdalin is destroyed. For the same reason, one should not be afraid to make clafoutis with cherries and cherries the way the French do it, without removing the core.

Peach

Peach kernels are difficult to come by, and if you manage to do so, you will find that they are completely tasteless. Due to the high content of amygdalin, they are bitter, so there is really no need to eat them. Another thing is peach kernel oil. It is rich in omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and since amygdalin is water-soluble but not fat-soluble, hydrocyanic acid is not present in the oil and 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. Eating more than ten delicious nucleoli is not worth it.

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

Almost all people love to eat the sweet juicy pulp of such a well-known berry as watermelon. The question often arises as to whether it is possible to eat a watermelon with bones? As a rule, everyone throws them away, which, it turns out, they do in vain. After all, the beneficial and harmful properties of watermelon seeds remain unknown to many. In fact, they have been used for a long time to treat many diseases, ranging from the common cold to serious diagnoses.

Watermelon seeds: useful properties, harm

Lightly dried, one third are composed of protein, due to which they contain a sufficient content of amino acids, which play an important role in the growth and formation of muscle tissue. They are also involved in the synthesis of energy necessary for the body. The main role among the amino acids contained in the seeds is played by arginine. It is necessary for the normal functioning of the heart, regulates blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiac ischemia.

Other important amino acids found in watermelon seeds include tryptophan and lysine. One hundred grams of seeds contains approximately 30 grams of protein, which is 61% of the required daily human requirement. In addition, another amazing health benefit of seeds is that they contain fats. In 100 grams of watermelon seeds - 51 grams. One of these fats is Omega-6. This saturated fat lowers high blood pressure.

In addition, watermelon seeds contain B vitamins, which play an important role in converting food into energy necessary for humans. One hundred grams of watermelon seeds contain 3.8 milligrams of niacin, which is 19% of the required daily value. Niacin supports the nervous system, has a positive effect on the human digestive system, and also has a positive effect on skin health.

A large number of useful properties of watermelon seeds are associated with their rich mineral composition. One hundred grams of seeds contain 556 milligrams of magnesium, which is 139% of a person's daily value. Magnesium is involved in the regulation of blood pressure, aids in the absorption of carbohydrates, and lowers blood sugar levels.

Other useful substances of watermelon seeds include potassium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and iron. Zinc is important for the body's immune system. Its lack can provoke hair loss and a decrease in the body's defenses. The daily requirement for zinc is 15 milligrams. For example, 100 grams of watermelon seeds contain two-thirds of the required daily intake of zinc.

Another useful property of seeds is dietary fiber, which has a positive effect on the health of the human digestive system.

Contraindications to the use of watermelon seeds

Can you eat watermelon with bones? Yes, but not all. Contraindications for the use of watermelon seeds include the citrulline contained in them. This amino acid, when broken down in the human body, releases ammonia, which our body does not need. A healthy person excretes ammonia without harm to the body along with urine, but with a disorder of the kidneys or bladder, citrulline can have a negative effect on human health. In this connection, watermelon seeds are contraindicated for those people who suffer from kidney disease and citrullinemia. Do not use seeds for pregnant women, lactating women and children under the age of three.

calories

Is it possible to eat this berry can be consumed dried, fried and even raw. One 100 gram cup contains 557 calories. This is a quarter of the required daily allowance of a person in energy. Those who lead an inactive sedentary lifestyle should not abuse watermelon seeds, because their intake can be regarded as a separate meal. For people involved in sports or hard physical labor, watermelon seeds are an indispensable energy support.

How to roast watermelon seeds?

Is it possible to swallow the bones of watermelon raw, we have already found out. Now let's talk about how their seeds have an attractive appearance and a pleasant taste. To prepare them, it is necessary to rinse and dry the seeds using a clean, dry towel. After the seeds have dried, it is necessary to prepare a saline solution. Use one teaspoon per quarter cup of water. In the future, a dry frying pan is put on fire, and watermelon seeds are added there, which are fried on it for about six minutes, until they become dark in color. After that, pour the prepared saline solution into the pan and continue to fry the watermelon seeds until all the water is gone. Then the seeds are cooled, and then ready to eat.

Watermelon seed oil

In addition, the oil has a positive effect on the functioning of the kidneys, heart, stomach, removes toxins from the body. When using oil, it is worth remembering that it is not washed down with water, and the recommended dose is 1 teaspoon per day. The oil is not recommended for people with increased blood clotting. It can also be used as a food additive, such as salad dressing.

The use of watermelon seeds in traditional medicine

Can you eat watermelon with bones? Yes, a lot of research proves their beneficial properties. Powder from watermelon seeds can also benefit the human body. It has a positive effect on the normalization of blood pressure and brings it back to normal. For its preparation, it is necessary to use dried watermelon seeds and peels. They are ground into powder and consumed twice a day. The course lasts a month, the daily rate is half a teaspoon. This will keep the required blood pressure at the desired level without the use of medications.

Conclusion

So can you eat watermelon with bones? In conclusion, it should be said that watermelon and its seeds, despite a number of restrictions for certain categories of people, can be widely used for food, as they have many useful properties. It promotes the health of the body and increases its protective properties. It can also be used in the treatment, prevention and prevention of various diseases and ailments. And for this you only need to know little secrets and tricks when eating watermelon and its seeds.

Can you eat watermelon with bones? If there are no contraindications, of course, yes. But remember, everything should be in moderation! Be healthy!

Many of us do not consider apricot kernels as a nutritious or healthy product, so they are thrown away like garbage. Their nucleoli are a soft nut-like mass with a rich composition and extensive health effects. Peeled apricot kernels have been used by various peoples for many centuries as a medicinal and food raw material. So, are apricot pits good and bad?

From this article you will learn:

Apricot kernels: benefit or harm?

Apricot kernels have broad prospects in various fields of application. In cooking, they can be added to confectionery, consumed separately from other products, and made into jam. For medicinal purposes, the nucleoli are used in the preparation of decoctions, ointments, creams, lotions and infusions. Methods of their application in cosmetology are also known. In addition, valuable oil with a pleasant taste and promising properties for medicine or cosmetology is obtained from apricot kernels.

Composition and physical properties

Apricot kernels contain a large amount of fatty acids, compounds of several minerals, organic acids and a number of both essential and non-essential amino acids.

The presence of various fatty acids determines the energy value of the product. Organic acids and minerals provide a positive effect on the functioning of internal organs and metabolism.

Nutritional value and mineral content (per 100 g):

calorie content - 520 kcal;
fats - 45.4 g;
proteins - 25 g;
carbohydrates - 2.8 g;
ash substances - 2.6 g;
water - 5.4 g;
magnesium - 196 mg;
potassium - 802 mg;
phosphorus - 461 mg;
sodium - 90 mg;
calcium - 93 mg;
iron - 7 mg.

About 29% of the composition is oleic acid, which is one of the basic sources of energy, and also supports the absorption of other lipids. Approximately 11% of the composition is linoleic acid. It plays an important role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, heart function, and has antioxidant properties.

What are the benefits of apricot kernels for the body

The apricot kernel, as well as other nuts, is, first of all, a saturated energy product, which contains a lot of both proteins and fats. Moreover, fats are absorbed by the human body efficiently, since they are enclosed in a light liquid form - oil. It contains the already mentioned oleination, linoleic, as well as linolenic, stearic, myristic and palmitic acids, which have a strong antioxidant effect. Unrefined oil also retains in its composition ascorbic acid, B vitamins, tocopherols, provitamin A.

The product also contains significant proportions of phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. Enriching the diet with these elements helps the brain, heart, kidneys, nervous and endocrine systems. A high iron content suggests a positive effect in the form of normalization of hemoglobin levels, strengthening the circulatory system. The complex of mineral substances, in addition, has a disinfecting effect at the level of tissues and cells.

Scientific studies of the composition of the nucleoli report the presence of vitamin B17 in their composition, which is characterized by a high proportion of cyanide. It is believed that this potentially toxic substance in moderate doses destroys cancer cells and does no harm to healthy ones.

Can you eat apricot kernels

These nucleoli taste bitter, but not so much that they cannot be eaten. The use is not only not prohibited, but also useful. Regarding how much apricot kernels you can eat at a time or during the day, you should answer individually. For children, for example, it is better not to give more than 1-2 pieces in order to avoid rejection by the body. An adult person can eat a little more, but you should not get carried away too much.

When asked whether it is possible for pregnant women to take apricot pits, doctors say that there is no direct contraindication, however, due to the specific composition and the large amount of some active components, it is not worth the risk - it is better to limit yourself to a “children's” portion of up to 1-2 pieces per day.

Another question of interest to many is whether it is possible to eat apricot pits from compote. Theoretically, after such processing, the concentration of potentially hazardous components in the kernels is reduced. However, this does not mean that you can forget about security. Limiting a maximum of 8-10 bones per day will be a good limit to avoid health problems.

Experts say that the risk of intoxication is high when using more than 40 grams of the product. It can be expressed in headache, respiratory failure, convulsions, general weakness and drowsiness, fainting, nausea and pain in the stomach. With such symptoms, you need to drink the absorbent substance at hand and go to the doctor (or call an ambulance).

Medicinal properties

In modern medical theory, there is no detailed medicinal characteristics of the apricot kernel. Chemical and pharmaceutical industries work with this product's oil, which has a more understandable composition and predictable action. The nuclei themselves are mainly studied by folk medical practice:

decoctions and tinctures on apricot kernels are used against respiratory diseases;
when using oil and the pulp of the bones, the state of the cardiovascular system improves;
moderate consumption of oil stabilizes the work of the intestines, relieving constipation and alleviating the condition with hemorrhoids;
soft and light texture protects the walls of the digestive organs from aggressive influences, which is useful for ulcers and gastritis;
it is believed that when used in various dosage forms, apricot pits have a preventive and therapeutic effect against oncology;
practically experience shows that the use of a small amount of raw nucleoli helps in the fight against helminths;
traditional medicine suggests brewing the bones as tea to prevent bronchitis, dysbacteriosis, beriberi, nephritis, flatulence and whooping cough.

In folk medicine

In non-traditional medical practice, treatment with apricot kernels implies, first of all, anti-cancer therapy. Among many peoples who grow or harvest the fruits of this tree, it is believed that the nucleoli have an inhibitory effect on the tumor. This assumption is even supported by some scientists, although the world medical community has not yet officially spoken out about this.

Experts suggest the effectiveness of the product, based on data on the presence of amygdalin. Also known as vitamin B17, this plant-derived substance is considered one of the most effective agents in oncology. It is used in chemotherapy, and in the dosage form it is produced under the name Laetrile. The destructive effect on cancer-affected cells is provided by the action of cyanide. Its content in the nucleoli is moderate, therefore it does not cause poisoning when eaten in small volumes.

Folk recipes for use:

When coughing, it is recommended to take 1 tbsp. per day until then to soften and accelerate the withdrawal of sputum. Use until relief comes.
When using raw kernels in an amount of not more than 10 pieces per day, an anthelmintic effect is achieved.
For rubbing the legs with wrapping, a tincture of 0.5 liters of vodka and a glass of kernels is used. Infusion time - 3 weeks.
Traditional medicine proposes to cleanse the blood and strengthen blood vessels to take every day on an empty stomach a spoonful of ashes from the shell of the nucleoli burnt in a frying pan.
It is recommended to drink apricot milk to improve general well-being, a burst of energy, boost immunity and improve health. It is prepared by infusion of 200 g of seeds in 600 ml of water at room temperature and further beating with a blender (it is better to replace the water after infusion).

In addition, the use of kernels in moderation is considered useful for anemia, cirrhosis of the liver, digestive disorders, and kidney diseases.

Apricot kernels in cosmetology

Apricot pulp has extensive beneficial properties for women, expressed as a food and medicinal component. In the case of bones, the greatest value for the beautiful half of humanity is the oil squeezed from the nucleoli. The high content of useful fatty acids helps to maintain elasticity, healthy appearance and good immunity of the skin of the hands, face and whole body. The product also has a positive effect on hair and nails. You can find out in what proportions and with what ingredients apricot kernel oil is used for the face, nails or hair from a separate article about the beneficial properties of apricot oil.

Due to the fact that raw materials are rarely at hand, the seeds themselves are not often used as part of cosmetics. An example of industrial use is a cleansing scrub with apricot pits from the Chistaya Liniya brand. The tool has been on the market for more than one year, has many fans and continues to collect positive reviews.

This product is a translucent oily liquid with a slightly viscous structure, which is obtained by cold, hot pressing or extraction from apricot pits. In the crude form, the oil contains fatty acids, phenolic substances, minor inclusions of minerals and vitamins. With cold pressing, only 30-40% of the total volume of the product is obtained from raw materials. The output is the most valuable oil in terms of useful components. Further processing involves hot pressing and extraction using solvents, but the final product has worse consumer qualities.

Apricot kernel oil is pale yellow or colorless. The aroma, depending on the plant variety, place of growth and processing technology, may have apricot, vanilla and nutty notes.

Apricot kernel oil is used in the cosmetic industry and in cooking.

Apricot kernels benefit and harm: in cooking

On the question of whether they eat apricot pits, many decided in childhood, when they enthusiastically separated their hard shell and ate softer nucleoli. This variant of use is acceptable, the main thing is not to abuse it. The daily limit for children is 25 grams of the product, and for adults - 50 grams.

Today, both in home and industrial cooking, apricot kernels are used to produce products added to confectionery, pastries, cookies, sweet desserts, ice cream, etc. Apricot oil is rarely used in salad dressings.

At home, the bones are often ground and added to jams, compotes, jams and other dishes.

Urbech with apricot kernels

Urbech from apricot kernels is one of the variants of an original Dagestan dish, which is prepared by grinding nuts and seeds of different plants (the hard peel is first removed and only soft kernels are processed). Despite the high fat content in the kernels, honey and butter are added to the base ingredient to make the taste more delicate and bright. Due to the fact that the chosen cooking method preserves all useful substances intact, apricot seed urbech has the following beneficial properties:

normalizes metabolism;
strengthens blood vessels and makes the work of the heart more uniform (removes moments of work “for wear and tear”);
neutralizes the harmful effects of stress on internal organs and systems;
fills with energy and cheerfulness;
stimulates the immune system;
makes the work of the digestive tract more efficient and coordinated;
helps in the treatment of osteoporosis, arthritis and other joint diseases;
supports the prevention of SARS and viral infections.

The popularity of urbech in Dagestan cuisine is one of the beneficial factors contributing to a high life expectancy. Despite a lot of physical work, mountaineers retain clarity of mind, good spirits and energy. This is an excellent product for men who are engaged in heavy physical labor.

Contraindications to the use of urbech: intolerance to the ingredients, difficult work of the gastrointestinal tract.

Apricots for jam and pits - together or apart?

As to whether it is possible to add apricot pits to jam, it is difficult to speak unequivocally. First, it depends on personal preference. Secondly, even deciding to add them to a delicacy, you need to know when to stop. It is worth remembering that the kernels contain a certain amount of potent substances, a high concentration of which can turn benefit into harm. Staying within reason is easy - if the number of seeds matches the number of fruits, nothing bad will happen. Jam with pits is no different in taste from the pitted one. Naturally, before adding the bones to the total mass, you need to get rid of the hard outer shell, leaving only the soft inner nucleoli. Apricot jam with pits is recommended to be eaten during the first year after rolling.

dona shurak

Dona shurak is a delicacy widely spread in Uzbekistan, salted apricot pits. Uzbeks claim that neither peanuts nor any other nuts can be compared with this delicacy. First, the bones, still in a hard shell, are boiled in salty hot water, and then fried for 20 minutes on ash or hot sand. According to some recipes, the nucleoli are then sprinkled with chalk to apply a white coating. The process of eating is reminiscent of eating oysters - first (along the crack made before scalding) the nut needs to be split, and only then the salted kernel is removed.

Shelf life and storage

You can store the nucleoli, both in a purified form and in a hard shell. The last option is a priority if long-term storage is planned - natural protection will better preserve the beneficial properties of the product. The bones must be dried and poured into a glass, wooden or metal container, into which air, sunlight, dust and pests do not penetrate.

The recommended shelf life is no more than 1 year. The fact is that over time, fatty and organic acids are oxidized in the seeds, and the concentration of hydrocyanic acid also increases. An expired product is easily identified by its bitter taste.

Contraindications

Doctors and nutritionists agree that moderate consumption of apricot kernels, in most cases, does not harm health. The exception is cases associated with individual intolerance or the presence of problems that make it difficult to digest and process the product (disturbances in the digestive tract, instability of the endocrine system, etc.).

Doctors strongly advise not to test your body for strength to pregnant girls, as well as to those who have diabetes, chronic and acute diseases, liver, thyroid gland.