The properties of apricot kernels or Shahroud pistachios, which are used as nuts in stuffed dried apricots, are numerous for the body's health, and in this article, we will mention 10 of their benefits.

Properties of apricot kernels

Apricot is one of the delicious and popular fruits that also has countless benefits for the body. The apricot kernel is also one of the edible and tasty fruit seeds and is often used for stuffing dried apricots. The apricot kernel has numerous health benefits, and in this article from Pilar's blog, we will get acquainted with 10 benefits of apricot kernels for the body's health.

In the following, by reading this article, we will understand that apricot kernels are used to treat high blood pressure, cancer, migraine, and reduce chronic inflammation. Strengthening the immune system, ensuring heart health, digestive and respiratory systems, liver, kidney, and skin health are other properties of apricot kernels.

Pilar Food Industries, as the largest producer of dried fruit in the north of the country, due to its proximity to Shahroud, the hub of apricot production in the country, has taken steps to procure apricot fruit from this county and, by utilizing skilled labor and employing fully mechanized devices, has produced apricot chips, apricot slices, and stuffed dried apricots with apricot kernels.

Daily consumption of apricot kernels

Consuming apricot kernels can be beneficial for the body as long as you pay attention to the amount consumed. Apricot kernels are low in calories but contain a lot of antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Apricot kernels come in two types: bitter and sweet. Consuming bitter apricot kernels is not recommended at all because they contain a higher percentage of amygdalin, which can cause poisoning. For edible purposes and making desserts or sweets or producing dried fruit, it is better to use sweet apricot kernels, as they contain very little amygdalin, to the extent that their toxicity can be ignored.

Nutritional value of apricot kernels

Shahroud is the main source of apricots in the country. The nutritional value of apricot kernels is so high that in Shahroud, they are referred to as Shahroudi pistachios. Pilar Food Industries, the largest producer of dried fruit in the north of the country, due to being located in Azadshahr County and proximity to Shahroud, uses apricots to produce dried fruit such as apricot chips, apricot slices, and stuffed dried apricots, and uses the kernels for stuffing the apricots. Shahroudi pistachios have been consumed since the past due to their minerals and therapeutic properties. The minerals found in apricot kernels include:

Vitamin A and C

Vitamin E

Vitamin B15 (pangamic acid)

Vitamin B17 (amygdalin)

Essential fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, omega 6, and omega 3)

Carbohydrates, plant fiber, protein, calcium, and iron

The presence of the above minerals in apricot kernels helps reduce bad cholesterol in the blood and prevents heart disease, improves mental health, and more.

Traditional medicine with apricot kernels

Apricot kernels have a warm and moist nature and are used to treat phlegm and respiratory problems, strengthen sexual powers, indigestion, joint swelling, and infections. According to traditional medicine, apricot fruit has a cold nature, so consuming both apricots and their kernels will reduce the coldness of the body.

10 benefits of apricot kernels for the body's health

Apricot kernels have numerous health benefits, and we will mention 10 of them below:

Prevention of cancer

Prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Detoxification and cleansing of the digestive system

Treatment of liver diseases

Improvement of lung and respiratory health

Bone strength

Improvement of skin health

Anti-inflammatory properties and prevention of chronic diseases

Strengthening the immune system

Treatment of kidney problems

Prevention of cancer

Prevention of cancer is one of the most important properties of apricot kernels. Apricot kernels are rich in antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin B17 is one of the nutrients found abundantly in apricots that prevent cancer. However, keep in mind that according to recent test results, these compounds can harm healthy cells in the body as much as they can eliminate malignant cells, so do not use apricot kernels for cancer treatment without consulting a doctor.

Prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Prevention of cardiovascular diseases is one of the benefits of consuming apricot kernels due to the presence of vitamin B15 or pangamic acid. Vitamin B15 or pangamic acid is effective for heart health. According to research, the continuous consumption of a small amount of apricot kernels due to the presence of pangamic acid reduces blood pressure and saves individuals from the risk of artery blockage and heart attack. One type of dried fruit is stuffed dried apricots, which are stuffed with apricot kernels, so we recommend consuming them to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Detoxification and cleansing of the digestive system

The presence of a combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber in apricot kernels creates a feeling of fullness in individuals, thus playing a significant role in weight control and weight loss. The fiber in apricot kernels completely cleanses and detoxifies the digestive system, increases nutrient absorption in the intestines, and promotes regular bowel movements, thus preventing constipation, bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

Treatment of liver diseases

Due to its anti-cancer and liver-protective properties, apricot kernels are used in traditional medicine to treat liver diseases, including liver cancer. Interestingly, apricot kernels have preventive effects against liver damage.

Improvement of lung and respiratory health

Apricot kernels will prevent phlegm from settling in the respiratory tract, and according to existing evidence, they are beneficial for the lungs and respiratory system. The active compounds in apricot kernels, such as expectorants, reduce the body's sensitivity to allergens and help reduce the severity of asthma attacks and throat inflammation.

Bone strength

The body needs to absorb calcium for strong bones. Consuming a few apricot kernels along with other calcium-rich foods is the best source of calcium for the body, which increases bone density.

Improvement of skin health

The exfoliating and scrubbing properties found in apricot kernels help remove dead skin cells. Apricot kernel oil is used in the production of hygiene and cosmetic products because apricot kernels contain very high amounts of a fatty acid called oleic acid and vitamins E and A, which hydrate and nourish the skin.

Anti-inflammatory properties and prevention of chronic diseases

As mentioned, the antioxidants present in apricot kernels fight against free radicals in the body, which gives apricot kernels anti-inflammatory properties and prevents chronic diseases such as arthritis and joint pain.

Strengthening the immune system

The antioxidants known as carotenoids found in apricot kernels, such as beta-carotene, enhance the strengthening of the immune system. They combat free radicals, increase white blood cells, and strengthen the body's defense system against infections.

Treatment of kidney problems

Apricot kernels contain some amygdalin, and according to research results, amygdalin may have a potential role in treating patients with kidney problems. However, whether its presence in apricot kernels can be effective for kidney patients is currently unclear.

Properties of Apricot Kernel

Necessary conditions for preserving fruit concentrate

Use of disposable containers

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