Apricot occupies a special place among stone fruits, thanks to a valuable complex of vitamins, a large number of nutrients and a significant variety of uses. And for children, both men and women, the fruits of the apricot tree can be beneficial if you observe the norms and take into account the characteristics of the body.

The chemical composition of apricot

Based on the fact that the varieties of apricots are different, the chemical composition may vary slightly.

The following are the average chemical composition per 100 g of edible portion:

• sucrose - 7-14 g;
• fructose - 0.6–09 g;
• Vitamin PP - 0.7 mg;
• beta-carotene - 1.6 mg;
• Vitamin A (RE) - 267 mcg;
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - 0.03 mg;
• vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - 0.06 mg;
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) - 0.3 mg;
• vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) - 0.05 mg;
• vitamin B9 (folic acid) - 3 mcg;
• Vitamin C - 10 mg;
• Vitamin E (TE) - 24.6 mg;
• vitamin PP (niacin equivalent) - 0.8 mg;
• Vitamin H - (Biotin).

Macronutrients contained in 100 g of edible part:

• calcium - 28 mg;
• magnesium - 8 mg;
• sodium - 3 mg;
• potassium - 305 mg;
• phosphorus - 26 mg;
• chlorine - 1 mg;
• sulfur - 6 mg.

Trace elements also play an important role in all vital processes of the body.

100 g of the edible part of the product contains:

• iron - 0.7 mg;
• zinc - 0.082 mg;
• iodine - 1 mcg;
• chromium - 1 mcg;
• Manganese - 0.22 mg;
• molybdenum - 8 mcg;
• fluorine - 11 mcg;
• boron - 125 mcg;
• vanadium - 25 mcg;
• silicon - 5 mg;
• cobalt - 2 mcg;
• aluminum - 364 mcg;
• nickel - 8 mcg.

Important! Apricots should be consumed to protect themselves from cancer. High levels of vitamins A and C will help strengthen the immune system by fighting cancer-causing cells.

The fruits contain oleic and linoleic acids. They make up approximately 92% of total fatty acids. Essential amino acids make up 32–34% of all amino acids. Apricot trees are an excellent source of antioxidants. Free radicals inhibit the process of cell growth, which lead to changes in the DNA of cells and the possible formation of cancer cells in the body.

Nutritional value and calorie content of apricot

Knowing the calorie content and nutritional value of a product, you can balance nutrition so that the consumed product brings maximum benefits, while maintaining energy potential.

Fresh

It is important for those people who monitor their health and make up a diet for every day to know the nutritional value and the number of calories in the product.

100 g of fresh product contains:

• proteins - 0.9;
• fats - 0.1 g;
• carbohydrates - 9 g;
• dietary fiber - 2.1 g;
• water - 85.5;
• starch - 0.7 g;
• ash - 0.7 g;
• organic acids - 1 g.

Did you know? Although China is considered to be the birthplace of apricot, this opinion is disputed by the historians of Armenia. Based on excavations from the 1960s, they claim that apricot was grown 4000 years BC in this country. e., before the start of trade relations with China.

How many calories in a particular product are of interest to everyone who considers it necessary to control their weight. The caloric value of apricot per 100 g is 44 kcal. Using 100 g of fresh fruit pulp, the body will receive the necessary 12% of the daily allowance of vitamin C, 12% of vitamin A and 6% of potassium.

Frozen

In frozen form, the nutritional value of apricot is preserved in almost the same terms as in fresh form. This allows us to conclude that it does not really matter in what form the fruits are consumed - fresh or frozen. They will bring almost the same benefits.

In 100 g of frozen apricot pulp:

• protein - 0.7 g;
• fat - 0.1 g;
• carbohydrates - 9.2 g.

In a frozen product, the calorie content is slightly lower than in a fresh product, and is 36.8 kcal.

Dried

It has long been a tradition to dry the orange gifts of nature. This was done in various natural ways. Left to dry on a tree - received apricot. Dried completely under indirect sunshine, but with the removal of the bone, a kaisa turned out. Important! After tasting dried apricots, you must necessarily rinse your mouth. Dried fruits contain sugar, and excessive amounts can affect dental health. They dried it, dividing the flesh in half - this is how the well-known dried apricots turned out. Now all these methods are also applicable, but modern equipment has appeared that allows you to dry apricots faster.

In apricot per 100 g of product is:	In a case, per 100 g of product:	In dried apricots per 100 g of product:
calorie content - 242.0 kcal	calorie content - 220.0 kcal	calorie content - 220.0 kcal
proteins - 5.0 g	proteins - 1.5 g	proteins - 5.0 g
fats - 0.4 g	fats - 0.5 g	fats - 0 g
carbohydrates - 53.0 g	carbohydrates - 52.0 g	carbohydrates - 65.3 g

Compote

Apricots are great for canning. Apricot compote is a source of potassium, which is stored in this drink and can have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. The drink tastes good, has a certain acidity.

Those who follow their figure should not forget that 100 g of the product contains 484 kcal, which is 11 times more than 100 g of fresh fruit. As for proteins, their indicator is 0.2 g, fats - 0.02 g, and carbohydrates - 12.7 g per 100 g of product.

Useful and healing properties of apricot for the body

• What vitamins and other substances contained in apricots will bring maximum benefit to a person, it is important for everyone to know:
• Apricots are a source of vitamin A, known as retinol. It is fat soluble and helps improve vision.
• Dried or fresh apricot trees are a good source of fiber. It helps to reduce bad cholesterol in the body.
• The fruit protects against gastrointestinal upsets by regularly cleansing the intestines. Due to the high potassium content in fruits, the heart muscles are strengthened.
• Using apricots, you can ensure healthy bone growth and development - it contains almost all the minerals necessary for this, such as calcium, phosphorus, manganese, iron and copper. In combination with potassium, calcium is well absorbed and distributed evenly.
• If you include fresh or dried fruits in the diet, they will act as a prophylactic for various age-related conditions of bones, including osteoporosis.
• Phosphorus with magnesium, which are concentrated in large volumes in a sunny fruit, stimulate brain neurons. It is useful to use dried apricots or fresh apricots for those who work a lot mentally: for schoolchildren, students, researchers, etc.
• Apricot tree fruits contain antioxidants that help the body get rid of toxins and eliminate free radicals that damage cells, which slows down the aging process. They will also help reduce the risk of chronic heart disease.

When losing weight, it is advisable to use fresh apricot pulp. Dietary fiber will improve the digestive system, which will help increase metabolism. Several fruits of the apricot tree can be eaten as an appetizer, if you feel hungry during the diet, you will feel full in the absence of unnecessary calories.

Find out what the benefits of black and white grapes are, and also get acquainted with the composition and nutritional value of apples.

For children

Although apricots are a storehouse of nutrients, they contain a lot of sugar, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain and contribute to tooth decay in children. If the pediatrician will recommend the use of apricots to the child, it is worth clarifying the optimal amount.

With the approval of the pediatrician, the child will receive a sufficient amount of potassium, which supports the proper functioning of the muscles and heart, and vitamin A, which is beneficial for the baby’s eye health. In addition, small doses of magnesium, zinc, calcium and niacin from a portion of dried apricots will also benefit the child.

Before introducing an orange fruit into a child’s diet, you need to know not only how it is useful, but also whether it is allergenic or not. Doctors explain that an allergic reaction to apricots can most often occur in childhood, this may be due to a hereditary predisposition or individual lack of tolerance. In adults, allergies to this fruit crop are extremely rare.

Important! You should always consult with a pediatrician whether apricots can be offered to a child and at what age.

For men

A huge number of micro and macro elements prevents the development of muscle cramps. This is especially important for men who are actively involved in sports. High levels of magnesium and fiber protect the arteries from blockage and stimulate smooth blood flow.

Fiber improves bowel function and activates blood circulation in the pelvic organs, playing a role in preventing urological problems. Apricot increases potency due to an increase in blood flow to the inguinal region, prevents prostate diseases, treats an existing disease.

Men after 45 years are at risk of developing cardiovascular disorders. Apricots will help prevent pathological changes, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, etc. When using dried apricots in men, blood pressure normalizes, the likelihood of a stroke decreases - this is facilitated by the presence of nicotinic acid in fruits.

Did you know? The Hesperides' golden apples from Greek mythology, which Hercules collected in the eleventh of his 12 exploits, were actually apricots.

For women

Beauty and health are inseparable concepts for every woman. If beauty is a daily self-care, then health is, first of all, proper nutrition. Solar fruits are useful for women, because they contain a huge range of nutrients and vitamins.

Vitamin C is the basis of strong immunity. The brighter the fruit, the more of this vitamin in it. Ascorbic acid found in fresh fruit will help slow down the aging process. In combination with vitamin A, it will have a beneficial effect on the skin, allowing it to look fresh, young and beautiful.

Vitamin A will help eliminate acne and heal old scars. B vitamins will have a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, balance blood pressure, calm the nervous system, and improve digestion.

Also find out what benefits the female body provides products such as apples, cherries, watermelons, tomatoes, prunes and carrots.

Apricots for pregnant women, how not to harm

Dried apricots are indicated for women expecting a baby, because it contains vitamin E. It helps the unborn baby develop, stimulates muscle development. The fresh fruit of this vitamin contains 4 times less than in dried fruit.

The fruits contain a full complex of B vitamins, which will only benefit the fetus. They will affect the processes of hematopoiesis, will affect the development of the nervous system, fill the muscles of the fetus with energy.

The healing substances contained in orange fruits will help during pregnancy to weaken puffiness, increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

Dried apricots can help pregnant women cope with constipation, thanks to a large portion of the pectin contained in it. Cellulose is present in pectin, which helps maintain the water level and prevent such conditions that cause discomfort.

We recommend finding out whether pregnant women can consume prunes, pears, carrots, parsley, celery, onions, dill and cherries.

Breastfeeding Apricots for Women

Reason and measure are the primary rules for nursing mothers. Doctors do not forbid doctors to include in their diet in the postpartum period various foods, including apricots. However, you need to understand that you need to introduce products familiar to yourself, but new to the baby, gradually.

Fruit fruits can cause colic in a baby, so the best option is to start eating apricots after giving birth no earlier than 4 months, the first intake should be no more than half the apricot.

If the child responds well, then the next dose can be increased by 2 times. Apricot helps stimulate lactation and improve breast milk quality. In particular, he deprives him of the bitterness that may appear with improper nutrition.

It is also worth knowing how to use such products when breastfeeding: onions, asparagus, cherries, plums, parsley, watermelon and sauerkraut.

Apricot tree intake for women with various diseases

Women with high blood sugar should carefully consume the fruits in question so as not to activate the development of diabetes. If there are serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, you should refrain from consuming fruit on an empty stomach, so as not to cause indigestion.

In addition, apricot fruits contain carotene - it is practically not absorbed in people with hepatitis. Do not abuse apricots in women with thyroid disease. For the prevention of anemia and the treatment of existing anemia, you can use solar fruits, because they contain iron.

Features of the use of apricot

When using any product, the main task is not to harm yourself.

Permissible apricot consumption per day:

For adults	fresh - 500 g; in dry form - 100 g
Pregnant women	in fresh form - 5–7 pcs.; in dry form - 50 g; in liquid form - 150 g of freshly squeezed juice
Children up to a year	3-5 pcs. in the form of mashed fresh fruit, diluted with water, milk or a mixture; 9–11 months after birth
Children from 1 year to 3 years, based on personal tolerance	from 50 to 150 g fresh in the composition of mashed potatoes, jelly, jams
Teenage children	fresh up to 200–250 g; in dry form - 30-50 g; in liquid form - 180-200 g

Harm and contraindications

Any fruit can be harmful if consumed in excessive quantities. Experienced doctors do not recommend consuming large amounts of apricots in patients with diabetes. However, these recommendations do not apply to the reception of decoctions with dried fruits. They are able to normalize blood glucose levels and improve the patient's condition.

With pancreatitis, the use of apricots in a minimum amount is allowed. Allowed to eat a couple of fruits a day. The intake of fruits on an empty stomach and in the stage of exacerbation of the disease is contraindicated. It is forbidden to include unripe fruits in the menu. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, you may encounter stool disorder, bloating and flatulence.

It is contraindicated for hypotonic patients to include a large number of these fruits in the diet, since they are able to lower blood pressure. Apricot is contraindicated in people with individual intolerance to this fruit.

Also find out how much apricot kernels can be eaten per day.

What areas is apricot used in?

The fruits of the apricot tree are eaten fresh, dried or cooked.

In addition, they are used in various fields:

1. Sun fruit is widely used to flavor liquors.
2. Apricot oil is used in the manufacture of cosmetics.
3. The extensive use of apricot kernels has long occupied its niche in medicine. Apricot oil is also used there - as a solvent for fat-soluble medicines, for the manufacture of drugs for the treatment of bronchitis, kidney disease, asthma, etc.
4. Apricot kernels are used in folk medicine for the preparation of decoctions in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Storage Tips

When buying or growing apricots, you need to know the subtleties of their storage.

For fresh and dried fruits, storage methods differ:

1. Fresh ripe fruits can be stored in the refrigerator. Sealed containers are used for packaging. Shelf life - 7-10 days.
2. A large number of fresh fruits can be stored in the cellar, basement and other cool place with temperatures up to 0 ° C. Each fruit should be packaged in parchment paper and stacked in wooden cases. Do not stack fruits on top of each other. Shelf life - up to 30 days.
3. Dried apricots are stored in the refrigerator in sealed bags. Shelf life - from 6 months to 1 year.

Did you know? To flavor the Italian popular liqueur Amaretto, apricot kernel extract is used.

The Persians called the sun fruit "yellow plum", the Romans, in the first century BC. e., called it "premature" for early flowering, and the Slavs - apricot. Some names have long been forgotten, but the value and benefits of this fruit to humans are unchanged.