Apricot kernels: is it possible to eat, composition, calorie content, benefits, harm, application

Friends, have you ever eaten apricot kernels? Surely, many of you do not know about the benefits and harms of this kernel, and by the way, they are useful for cancer, diabetes, pancreatitis, and even for pregnant women. Apricot kernel oil is widely used in cosmetology, and urbech can completely replace aromatic chocolate paste.

This tree, like many other fruit trees, in the summer pleases us with delicious and aromatic fruits, from which we prepare compotes, jams, add them to pies, yoghurts, ice cream and much more. But this is just part of what we do, and it can be used to a much greater extent.

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 apricot kernel, which is hidden behind the shell, contains a whole complex of valuable substances and has a unique, but not repulsive taste. The benefits and harms of the apricot kernel are little known to most people. It's worth starting with the positive properties. First of all, apricot kernel is a natural anthelmintic and antiparasitic agent. It also contains substances that have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

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, these are: lethargy, headache, nausea and stomach cramps. In severe cases, convulsions, fainting, or acute heart failure may occur.

Therapeutic measures for SC poisoning

An antidote is used for treatment

SK antidotes are divided into groups that, in reaction with HCN, neutralize the toxic substance. The use of methemoglobin began based on the main mechanism of action of SK. Because oxidized iron is in the methemoglobin molecule, and hydrogen cyanide reacts with it to form cyanmethemoglobin. Methemoglobin is converted with the help of nitrites.

Their antidote effect occurs by inhalation using two ampoules of 0.5 ml of amyl nitrite, intravenously - one percent sodium nitrate (30 ml). An overdose of these drugs is very dangerous and leads to vascular insufficiency. Therefore, it is necessary not to exceed the permissible limits, and if it is necessary to continue antidote treatment, then use other antidotes.

Methemoglobin formers do not cleanse the body of the toxin, but temporarily block cyanogen. Therefore, nitrites are used in conjunction with other KS antidotes to avoid relapse of intoxication. Antidote therapy is carried out in combination: first nitrites, then hyposulfite with chromosome. They have a slow effect, but completely remove the poison.

Artificial ventilation

Resuscitation actions

Tracheal intubation is performed followed by artificial ventilation. Poisoning with hydrocyanic acid provokes the development of Parkinson's disease and disruption of the cerebellum.

Action of acid during freezing. Frozen fruits and berries should be stored for no more than a year. Since during long-term storage, a mechanism of destruction of amygdalin occurs, which contributes to the release of hydrocyanic acid. It also releases during rapid defrosting.

Prevention

To avoid becoming a victim of poisoning and not being at risk, you must promptly:

constantly ventilate the room where work with toxins was carried out;
follow safety instructions;
maintain personal hygiene;
regular monitoring of the level of toxic substances;
checking equipment for serviceability.

Every person should be informed about first aid methods for hydrocyanic acid poisoning. Using hydrocyanic acid at home leads to irreversible consequences. It is important to know that hydrocyanic acid that enters the body in small doses is neutralized naturally. Therefore, the clinical picture of poisoning does not appear.

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 healthy cells begin to suffer from large quantities.

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. The high calorie content of apricot kernels allows us to recommend them as a food supplement for heavy physical activity.

Apricot oil is 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 glaze, caramel, sweets, yoghurts, creams, ice cream, waffles and various pastries. The kernels of some apricot varieties are used as a substitute for almonds.

Experienced chefs recommend adding crushed apricot kernels to compotes, jams, baked goods and ice cream. This gives the dish a distinct apricot hue.

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

Removing kidney stones

Plum pits are a powerful weapon offered by alternative medicine against kidney stones. The active components that saturate the decoction crush the formations and promote their removal from the tissues. Using a home remedy will also protect against relapses, has a beneficial effect on the genitourinary system, and normalizes the functioning of internal organs.

Step-by-step folk recipe:

Remove the kernels from the seeds, place them in an even thin layer on baking sheets, and dry.
Grind the dry seeds into small pieces and place them in a cooking container (you will need 10-15 grams of product).
Bring water (200 ml) to a boil and steam the plant mass.
Place on the stove and boil for a quarter of an hour.
After cooling and straining, bring to the original volume with boiled water.

Drink the prepared decoction three times, after each meal. The duration of treatment is individual, usually depending on the size of the formations and general health. It is recommended to regularly visit a doctor, who should monitor the effectiveness of alternative treatment. If necessary, with the permission of a specialist, use the decoction as an adjuvant (with prescribed drug therapy).

Composition of apricot kernels

And I would like to start with one of the most controversial components of apricot kernels - a glycoside called “amygdalin”, which is also found in bitter nutmeg, plums, peaches, apples and pears. Why controversial? On the one hand, there is an opinion that this compound fights cancer cells (we'll talk about this a little later). On the other hand, it can harm the body.

But first things first.

The bitter taste of apricot kernels comes from hydrocyanic acid, which is the result of the hydrolysis of amygdalin, a “relative” of potassium cyanide.

It is an excess of hydrocyanic acid in the body that can lead to poisoning, accompanied by the following symptoms:

headache;
breathing problems;
weakness and lethargy;
pain and cramps in the stomach;
nausea;
vomiting.

In case of acute poisoning

Convulsions, loss of consciousness, pressure changes and sudden cessation of breathing may occur.

All of these conditions require immediate medical attention.

In the context of what has been said, a completely reasonable question arises.

How many apricot kernels can you eat per day?

Doctors say that the daily intake of raw apricot kernels for adults is no more than 40 g,

which corresponds to 20 seeds of small fruits or 10 large kernels.

Children are not recommended to consume more than 2 - 3 seeds per day.

At the same time, a counterargument can be made:

As children (and even in adulthood), we ate a lot more apricot kernels without any consequences for the body. And that's a fact.

BUT! We ate large quantities of SWEET apricot kernels, which contain minimal hydrocyanic acid. Harm to the body if consumed excessively is caused by the bitter-tasting kernels, which were stored and processed for a long time and incorrectly:

The longer you store apricot kernels, the higher their content of amygdalin, which is concentrated mainly in the pointed base of the kernel. The recommended shelf life for seeds is 1 year.
For the purpose of long-term storage, apricot pits must be dried and poured into an airtight container, which is stored in a dark, dry place.
Under the influence of high temperature, amygdalin is destroyed, therefore, hydrocyanic acid is not formed. Therefore, it is believed that raw bitter apricot kernels are dangerous to health.

First aid to the victim

As soon as the first symptoms appear, the person must be laid horizontally to avoid the spread of poison throughout the body and body. If the poison gets into the esophagus, rinse the stomach and induce vomiting. It is caused by a person who is conscious. To do this, you need three glasses of water with the addition of 3 teaspoons per glass. Next, rinse the stomach with milk diluted with boiled water.

A weak solution of potassium permanganate with activated carbon will have an excellent effect on the body. They are antidotes. If signs of clinical death appear, then immediately carry out resuscitation measures until emergency assistance arrives. If the toxin gets on your skin, carefully remove your clothes and wipe the affected areas with soap and water, without spreading it all over your body! Otherwise, the action of poison absorption will have an accelerating effect. Hydrogen cyanide is a poison. And incorrectly provided assistance will lead to death.

List of antidotes used for poisoning. These include:

baking soda;
sugar;
Activated carbon;
camphor;
vinegar vapor.

Timely first aid helps neutralize toxic substances and prevent complications.

The benefits of apricot kernels

For weight gain

Some people are ready to sweat literally and figuratively in the gym every day in order to get rid of extra pounds, but for others the issue of weight gain is more pressing.

Apricot kernels are a very high-calorie product, 100 g of which contains about 520 kcal, 45 g of fat and 25 g of protein. Therefore, eating apricot kernels daily will help not only gain weight, but also build muscle mass.

To normalize heart function

Fatty acids contained in apricot kernels have a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels and the heart muscle.

However, only raw apricot kernels have similar properties.

Frequent consumption of not only apricot kernels, but also the fruit pulp contributes to:

Reducing the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, which is responsible for clogging blood vessels and the formation of blood clots.
Reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Removing excess fluid from the body, which reduces swelling and prevents its occurrence (potassium salts present in the bones have diuretic and anti-edematous properties).
Increasing hemoglobin levels, since the seeds contain iron and elements that increase its bioavailability (for example, folic acid).
Normalization of blood pressure.

To strengthen the immune system

Do you want to strengthen your immune system and recover faster after intense mental or physical stress? Regular consumption of apricot kernels will help you with this.

They contain potassium, calcium, phosphorus and unsaturated fatty acids, which have a beneficial effect on the body as a whole and the redox processes occurring in it in particular.

Iodine and magnesium have a stimulating effect on the brain, thereby activating mental activity, improving memory and concentration.

For the intestines

Apricot kernels gently regulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, increase intestinal tone, and reduce the symptoms of heartburn and flatulence.

Apricot kernels are especially useful for people suffering from constipation. With daily consumption of a small amount of kernels, stools return to normal within 3 to 5 days.

Against helminths

Apricot kernels have long been used as an effective anthelmintic natural remedy.

It is enough to eat 15 - 20 small apricot kernels per day to get rid of helminths within a few days (these are the reviews of those who have resorted to this method of fighting worms).

For men

Due to the high concentration of vitamin E, apricot kernels normalize the functioning of the gonads, which has a positive effect on the reproductive function of men.

In addition, tocopherol performs several other important functions in the male body:

promotes testosterone secretion;
strengthens skeletal muscles;
increases endurance.

It's no surprise that many athletes include apricot kernels in their daily menu as a snack.

Here we come to the most controversial property of apricot kernels, the debate about which has not subsided for many decades.

Apricot kernels against cancer

The main compound attributed with anti-cancer properties is amygdalin (or vitamin B17, letrile, laetrile). Let's try to give it an objective assessment.

And let's start with the fact that in the process of hydrolysis, amygdalin forms 4 molecules, two of which are glucose. The other two are cyanide and benzaldehyde, which are released in cancer cells and kill them. At the same time, glucose is a kind of bait for cancer cells, which cannot grow and multiply intensively without sugar fermentation.

Simply put, cancer cells “attract” amygdalin to obtain glucose, but die when cyanide and benzaldehyde are released from it.

Moreover, this “release” is provided by the enzyme beta-glucosidase, which is present in large quantities in cancer cells.

In addition, there is an opinion that cyanide and benzaldehyde negatively affect only cancer cells, without affecting healthy ones.

But is this really so?

According to the results of a study by scientists from China, published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, amygdalin has a toxic effect on both healthy and cancer cells. To be fair, it must be said that vitamin B17 has the most pronounced effect on the latter.

Scientists from Sofia University (Bulgaria), in a study conducted in 2020, obtained results suggesting that amygdalin exhibits a higher cytotoxic effect against cancer cells.

However, this study was carried out exclusively in vitro, that is, in a test tube.

There have been no controlled clinical studies on vitamin B17.

, which would compare groups of patients treated with letril with control groups not receiving vitamin B17. Also, no double-blind studies have been conducted, in which neither patients nor researchers know which group receives the drug and which receives placebo.

In 1982, the results of the work of 5 American cancer research centers were published. Scientists observed 178 cancer patients using laetrile as part of a “metabolic therapy” program that also included diet, enzymes and vitamins. Moreover, before the start of treatment, most of the patients were in good condition. A third of patients had never received chemotherapy before treatment.

The use of vitamin B17 did not bring any significant benefit: it was not possible to cure, stop or improve the condition of cancer patients, nor did they prolong their lives. Moreover, some patients were diagnosed with severe cyanide toxicity, which was life-threatening.

As a result, scientists have made several conclusions regarding amygdalin, which:

does not exhibit antitumor activity, so its use in the treatment and prevention of cancer is not justified;
is a toxic compound that can cause serious health problems, including death.

Can apricot kernels be used to prevent cancer? Some scientists say that it is possible, but eat no more than 20 kernels per day, while apricot kernels must be introduced into the diet gradually: first 2, then 3 - 5 per day, and so on. Again, there have been no studies on whether apricot kernels can prevent the development of cancer or not.

All about the benefits of apricot kernels. Do they protect against cancer? — Research results

Hello, dear readers! The peculiar taste properties of apricot kernels have long attracted adults, and are especially popular with children. When consuming these grains, the question often arises: are they beneficial or harmful?

The Tien Shan region in China is considered to be the birthplace of apricot. This is a very ancient fruit tree, which was described by the Chinese Emperor Zhu, who lived 2200 BC. e. From China, apricot came to Armenia, the Middle East and Central Asia.

The apricot was brought to Rome by Armenian merchants in the first century BC. e. called "Armenian apple". The apricot appeared in Europe in the 16th century, and in Russia only in the 17th century. In Ukraine, apricot is called “zherdel”, which indicates its direct “arrival” from Persia.

Apricot fruits are widely used in cooking. Eating apricot fruits raw and in the form of dried fruits (apricots, kaisa, dried apricots) is very beneficial for human health. Apricot kernels are highly valued in cooking, medicine, pharmacology and cosmetology.

Manzinella

The exotic plant Manchinella grows on the Caribbean coast. This plant and fruits are poisonous and dangerous. The natives use the sap of the tree by dipping the tips of their spears in it. When liquid gets on the skin, irritation occurs and blisters appear that require treatment.

The most poisonous fruits in the world look like tangerines and have a pleasant taste.

However, after consumption, the mucous membranes become covered with ulcerative lesions, the esophagus swells, and the functioning of the stomach is disrupted. Without help, death occurs very quickly.

Is it possible to eat apricot kernels?

It is not only possible, but also necessary, since they are priceless for the body:

help the human body fight various parasites, including worms (when kernels are consumed raw). It is enough to eat 15 - 20 small apricot kernels per day to get rid of helminths within a few days (these are the reviews of those who have resorted to this method of fighting worms);
prevent the appearance and treat cancer, since cancer cells contain a large amount of the enzyme beta-glucoside, which “attracts and forces” vitamin B17 to “release” organic poison and destroy the diseased cell. Healthy cells contain minimal amounts of this enzyme and are therefore not affected. In the northwestern regions of India, where apricot seeds are constantly used in food, cancer does not occur;
strengthen the heart muscle due to the high potassium content, have a beneficial effect on the functionality of the cardiovascular system (just add a few apricot seeds to tea);
increase the ability of brain activity (due to the high magnesium content);
improve the functioning of the nervous and muscular systems, this is facilitated by the high content of calcium and phosphorus);
reduce cholesterol levels, dilate blood vessels, improve metabolic processes, strengthen the immune system, reduce cravings for alcohol (due to the content of vitamin B15);
increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood due to iron content;
cleanses the intestines of toxins, since the dietary fibers of the nucleoli absorb and remove them;

relieve inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, bronchi, and are a sedative for coughs and whooping cough (prepared emulsions from crushed nucleoli, as well as milk from them);
relieve inflammatory processes in arthritis and arthrosis, have an analgesic effect due to the action of benzaldehyde;
slow down the aging process of the body, are antioxidants due to the presence of vitamins A, C and tocopherol (vitamin E);
effectively help fight nephritis, liver diseases, arthritis, flatulence, constipation, hemorrhoids (especially apricot seed oils).

In southern countries, apricot seeds are considered a traditional delicacy. They have delicate taste qualities. Cooks use them as nuts to prepare delicious dishes, aromatic foods, and add them to salads, soups, oatmeal, cottage cheese, baked goods, as well as to cocktails and various drinks. Apricot kernels add piquancy to apricot jam if they are added to the sweet mass during cooking. Apricot high-value edible oil is added to glazes, creams, yoghurts, and ice cream.

Treatment of helminthic infestation

When the body is infected with parasites, it is recommended to use fresh plum seeds - the kernels from canned fruits do not contain elements that destroy helminths. Break the hard shell of the seeds with a hammer (act carefully so as not to injure yourself or damage the nucleoli), you will need 7-8 kernels. For children, reduce the dosage - 3-4 pieces are enough.

Grind the kernels into a paste using a mortar. Mix with bee honey (10-15 g), mix the mass well. Consume at one time. Take the home remedy three times a day. The most effective treatment will be if taken immediately after a meal.

It is not recommended to abuse it - treatment only needs to be carried out for three days. After a week, repeat the course - use homemade medicine for another 2-3 days. Treatment must be completed with a visit to the doctor and undergoing the necessary tests to confirm complete elimination of parasites.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89NnPHIXzF4

Using a simple home remedy is also recommended for preventive purposes. Eating the tasty mixture 1-2 days a month is enough to protect the body from infection with worms.

For cancer, alternative medicine suggests taking a tincture made from fruit seeds. Treatment at home is recommended only after medical consultation.

Self-medication in the presence of malignant tumors can result in serious complications, rapid spread of the disease to healthy tissue, even death. Preparation:

Prepare the seeds - remove the pulp, rinse, do not dry, immediately place in a clean glass container for infusion, the jar should be one third full.
Add a few ripe whole fruits.
Fill to the top with vodka or good homemade pervach, close tightly with a plastic lid, and place in the basement (cellar).
The infusion is considered complete when the skin peels off the ripe fruits and the liquid acquires a pleasant dark shade.
Strain, fill a clean bottle with liquid, and seal.

Take twice a day, dosage – 10 drops. In case of increased sensitivity of the body, a tendency to allergic reactions, or intolerance to alcohol-containing drugs, dilute with a small amount of cold water. Take after a meal.

The product has several contraindications. It is not recommended to give homemade medicine containing alcohol to children, women expecting a baby, or breastfeeding.

How many apricot kernels can you eat?

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. But the benefits are also minimized.

Therefore, for benefit, it is better to eat a few seeds raw. Some sources write that the maximum is 2-5 seeds. Although in childhood we ate 20 of them until we got tired of stabbing.

Other sources write that the daily intake of raw apricot kernels for adults is no more than 40 g,
which corresponds to 20 seeds of small fruits or 10 large kernels. Children are not recommended to consume more than 2 - 3 seeds per day.

By consuming about 40 g of seeds per day, you will replenish the daily requirement of magnesium by about 25%, potassium by 18%, phosphorus by 33%.

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

Apricot kernels for cancer

Dr. Krebs fully proved back in the 50s that vitamin B17 does not cause any harm to people. At first he tried this vitamin only on animals, but after successful tests he injected himself with a huge dose of Vitamin B17. Dr. Krebs Died in 1996 (lived 96 years).

Why is vitamin B17 harmless? Because each molecule of this vitamin consists of only 1 cyanide compound, as well as 1 benzaldehyde and 2 glucose compounds, which are all compactly and tightly packed together. In order for cyanide to become dangerous, it is necessary to first “open” the molecule, thereby releasing it from there, and this can only be done by an enzyme called beta-glucosidase.

This enzyme is found in the body of every person in extremely small quantities, but it is 100 times more abundant in cancerous tumors. Since cyanide is released exclusively in cancerous areas of the body, it is amazing how detrimental this effect is to all cancer cells. All cancer cells die.

Harmful effects of apricot kernels

Any fruit has its positive and negative qualities, but the greatest controversy among scientists has occurred and continues to this day around the apricot kernel.

Nutrition science experts (nutritionists) recommend avoiding the use of seeds of bitter apricot varieties, in which the component amygdalin (an active source of hydrocyanic acid) is in an abnormal concentration.

You should not eat old apricot seeds that have been sitting for years, as the amount of cyanide increases every year.

Created by alternative medicine using an extract from apricot kernels, the drug “Laecryl”, which has the property of killing cancer cells, is banned in the United States due to its high toxicity. Many countries have added vitamin B17, which is produced in Mexico, to the prohibited list.

Oversaturation of the body with apricot seeds can provoke the effect of vitamin B17 (cyanide) on healthy cells, suppressing their vital functions, causing the entire human body to suffer.

The first signs of human poisoning with hydrocyanic acid are: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, convulsions, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, itchy skin, rash, red eyes, shortness of breath.

The opinion of other scientists is that the proportion of cyanide in apricot kernels is very small and they cannot cause significant harm to human health.

However, you should not experiment with your health. It is safer to adhere to the recommended standards when consuming apricot seeds.

Apricot kernels are contraindicated for:

problems with the thyroid gland;

Symptoms of hydrogen cyanide poisoning

Signs of poisoning are observed if the poison is taken orally. That is, by inhaling its vapors or the skin was affected. The rapid impact of the toxin on the body depends on the route of entry and the manifestation of the clinical picture. Severe cases occur if the poison has entered the respiratory tract. Symptoms appear instantly. At high levels, death occurs almost immediately.

When it enters the esophagus, the acid “hides” and does not make itself known for some time. Intoxication occurs even more slowly and severely if poisoning occurs through the skin tissue. Active physical activity and elevated room temperature will lead to profuse sweating, and the latent period will last up to an hour and a half.

With large doses of hydrocyanic acid, a person loses consciousness

Chemical composition

Nature placed a delicate kernel in the rough shell of an apricot kernel and endowed it with many valuable substances:

vitamins A, B15, B17, C, E, PP;
macroelements (potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium);
trace elements (iron);
unsaturated fatty acids;
saturated fatty acids;
vegetable oil from 35 to 60%;
essential oil.

100 g of apricot kernels contain:

proteins – 25 g
fats – 45 g
carbohydrates – 3 g
calorie content – about 500 kcal.

Based on the rich composition of apricot kernels, many scientists believe that this gift of nature should not be thrown away, as it brings great benefits to the human body. Others claim its harmful effects, since the presence of bitterness indicates the content of the toxic substance cyanide. However, their opinions are so contradictory that research into this extraordinary apricot kernel continues to this day in many countries around the world.

Beneficial properties of apricot kernels

Even in ancient China, folk healers used apricot seed oil to treat diseases of the skin and joints. Since the process of squeezing apricot oil was incredibly labor-intensive, it was available only to members of the imperial family and those close to it.

Currently, breeders have developed new varieties of apricots with a large stone and a large and sweet-tasting kernel, which contains up to 5% amygdalin. The bitter kernel of the wild apricot, with its sharply pointed tip, contains up to 12.5% amygdalin.

In 1952, Dr. Ernst Krebs discovered vitamin B17 (aka amygdalin, laetrile, nitrolosite) by isolating bitter almonds. This vitamin is found in the pits of plums, peaches, cherries, and apple seeds, but its highest content is in the kernels of apricots. Under the influence of gastric juice, vitamin B17 is broken down into cyanide (salts of hydrocyanic acid) and benzenedehyde. Hydrocyanic acid is an organic poison and its excess can cause harm to the human body. In this regard, the recommended consumption for apricot kernels in one day is:

for adults – 40-50 g
for children – 20 g.

In practice, it has been established that apricot kernels (if consumed correctly) can improve health and even get rid of some diseases.

Recipes

There are many variations in preparing juice from apricot fruits, the main ones are juice with pulp, clarified, diluted, concentrated, with the addition of various fruits, berries, and spices.

Juice from apricot fruit pulp

This is the simplest way to make juice, which requires a minimum of time and a few ingredients:

apricots with pits – 0.5 kg;
citric acid – 1/2 tsp;
granulated sugar.

Step-by-step preparation:

We do not strictly select fruits. Overripe, bruised, greenish apricots are suitable, with the exception of completely green and rotten ones.
In a container with water, thoroughly rinse it several times to remove dust, dirt and sand.
Remove the seeds.
Transfer the apricot halves into a dry enamel bowl and fill with clean water. The water should cover the apricots halfway.
Place the pan with apricots on the fire, close the lid tightly and bring the mixture to a boil. It is enough if the apricots are cooked for 7 minutes. Remove from heat.
We turn the blanched fruit mass into a concentrated puree using a blender or a fine-mesh strainer.
Add granulated sugar to taste to the thick, aromatic mass, about 2 tablespoons per half a kilogram of apricots.
Add citric acid.
We dilute the concentrated juice with pulp with water (250 ml), stir and put on fire until it boils. Let's try. You can add sugar, water or citric acid to taste.
The juice needs to boil for 8-10 minutes, after which we remove it from the heat and immediately pour it into pre-sterilized jars and roll up the lids.
Place the jars with the lid down until they cool completely, then put them away for storage in a cool place.

Apple-apricot juice

Most often, fruit and berry juices are mixed with apple juice, due to the cheapness of the raw materials and its positive taste. To prepare the juice you will need:

apricots and apples – 5 kg each;
granulated sugar – 700g;
clean water – 0.5 l.

Step-by-step preparation:

Pour the specified volume of clean, filtered water into the pan. Add granulated sugar.
Place the sweet liquid on the fire until the sugar is completely dissolved.
We divide the selected and washed apricot fruits into halves, freeing them from seeds. We put it into the juicer. Pour the resulting juice into the pan.
We also pass the apples, cut into pieces with their cores removed, through a juicer and add to the sweet apricot syrup.
Bring the juice to a boil, skim off any foam that has formed and simmer for 5 minutes.
Pour the prepared apricot-apple juice into sterilized jars and seal with lids.
Turn the lids down, wrap with a warm cloth and leave until cool.