With the onset of cold weather, the risk of developing ARVI and colds increases. To protect yourself, you need to think in advance about strengthening the immune system. In pharmacies today you can buy dozens of drugs for the prevention and treatment of viral and colds. They are not cheap, and the effect is usually minimal. Do I need to buy them then? It may be better to use proven products: walnuts, dried apricots and honey.
general description
This is not just a delicious dessert, but also a storehouse of vitamins, trace elements and antioxidants. A mixture of walnuts, dried apricots and honey will be a complete replacement for pharmacy vitamin complexes, strengthen immunity, improve the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, and other organs.
There are other benefits as well. This homemade blend of natural ingredients is suitable for all family members. That is, including children, the elderly and pregnant women. the only exception may be the case of an allergic reaction to one of the components, whether it be walnuts, dried apricots or honey.
The healthiest dessert
We are used to drinking tea with sweets, and snacking on cakes for an afternoon snack. Unfortunately, the body does not receive any benefit from this. In most cases, doctors agree that you are only harming yourself. Another thing is walnut, dried apricots and honey. Delicious and healthy in every way.
Dried fruits help strengthen the immune system, so they are recommended to be consumed during colds and viral diseases in order to increase resistance to infections. A healthy mixture is a rich source of trace elements and minerals. It helps to cope with vitamin deficiency, correct the manifestation of anemia, and prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Ingredients Used
It should be noted that all dried fruits are very useful for your body. Therefore, you can safely take not only dried apricots, but also dates, figs, pears and everything else that is at hand. Let's look at the properties of each of the possible components. This will make the ingredient selection process easier. I must say that they all have unique properties. But the most commonly used are:
- Dried grapes. The only drawback is the likelihood of increased gas formation. The mixture (dried apricots, raisins, nuts and honey) is a source of proteins and fats. Especially useful for people who play sports. Thanks to this, the body's defenses are quickly restored and increased. It contains quite a lot of magnesium, potassium and iron. B vitamins normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
- Prunes. Improves bowel activity, helps to cope with constipation, simultaneously cleanses the body and normalizes blood pressure. A vitamin mixture of dried fruits with the addition of prunes will be very useful for people over 50 years old.
- Dried apricots. This is a solar product that keeps the heat of summer and a huge supply of vitamins. What is useful dried apricots for women? Regular consumption of food helps to maintain excellent physical shape. This product allows you to make a slim figure and perfectly fights obesity. Of course, if you replace the usual chocolate, cakes and sweets with dried apricots. But that's not all that dried apricots are useful for women. This is a wonderful natural remedy for detoxification, that is, the removal of heavy compounds, toxins and toxins from the body. Fiber, which is contained in apricots, has a mild laxative effect, cleanses the intestines and improves its functioning.
- Figs. In our modern realities, getting it is not so easy. On the shelves, figs can only be found in dried form, the taste of which is very modest. But we must pay tribute, all useful substances are preserved during drying. Figs contain potassium, calcium and magnesium, activates brain activity, strengthens the heart and blood vessels.
- Dates. Another popular component of delicious, vitamin mixtures. It is not so expensive and is on the shelves all year round. These unique dried fruits contain over 20 minerals and various vitamins.
bee products
Honey is an essential component of any composition based on dried fruits. It acts as a flavoring agent and preservative. Moreover, honey itself is an invaluable source of various beneficial substances. Even a child knows how important bee products are to us. It contains the most important antioxidants, phytoncides, amino acids. Honey has the following properties:
- It cleanses the body of toxins that regularly come from water and air.
- Strengthens immunity.
- Improves blood circulation and heart function.
- It has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
- Stimulates the activity of the digestive tract.
- Improves metabolic processes.
Source of energy and protein
Quite often, vitamin mixtures from dried fruits are complemented by almonds or walnuts. This is the most high-calorie component, thanks to which nutritionists set a limit on its use. The rule that works best here is that a medicine in large doses is a poison. And yet, every person needs to eat nuts regularly. The benefits and harms to the body are difficult to describe in a nutshell. But the pros clearly outweigh. It is a rich source of lipids and vegetable protein, which our body usually lacks. They are very nutritious and give a lot of energy. Among other things, nuts strengthen the body's defenses, replenish mineral reserves. And so on, ad infinitum.
To prepare a delicious treat, you can take any gifts of nature:
- Pine nuts are a fantastic cocktail of nutrients. Despite the high calorie content, it is advisable to consume daily.
- Walnuts.
- Almond.
- Pistachios.
- Peanut. Although it is not a nut in the full sense, it still contains a lot of useful things.
You can take one or more types of nuts. Depends on your preferences, as well as financial capabilities. Dried fruits mixed with nuts must be eaten by pregnant women and the elderly. It is important to include them in the diet for beriberi and anemia, after past illnesses and during the recovery period. But it is necessary to say not only about the benefits of nuts. Harm to the body can be caused in the following cases:
- Severe allergic reaction to this product.
- Obesity or overweight.
- Diabetes.
- Individual intolerance.
This does not mean that it is impossible to prepare vitamin mixtures from dried fruits. If the reaction is only to nuts, then you can simply exclude them. If you are allergic to bee products, it is permissible to replace them with maple or sugar syrup. If you have diabetes, avoid sweeteners. Lemon can act as a preservative.
We use correctly
All these products are very useful, and together they are a real “apple of rejuvenation”, a source of strength and vitality. But you need to remember that this is more likely not a food product, but a biologically active food supplement. That is, it is recommended to use the mixture as a medicine, in small quantities. Let's remember how many walnuts you need to eat per day. Six halves or three whole nuts is the maximum. The product is very high-calorie, so you can not be zealous with it.
A mixture of dried fruits, honey and nuts is a very tasty treat. But they should not be abused either, especially if you follow your figure. If a folk remedy is taken for prevention, then one tablespoon per day will be enough. It is best to eat it on an empty stomach in the morning with water. After 30 minutes, you can start breakfast. During epidemics, it is recommended to increase the amount to 3 tablespoons, that is, one before each meal.
Norm for children
Very often, parents remember this simple and effective way to boost immunity at the very moment when the kids start to get sick. From the age of one, children can also receive mixtures of dried fruits and honey. But here it is important to think again about the allowable dosage. Above, we have already said how much you need to eat walnuts per day. For children, 1/3 of the adult norm is acceptable. That is, no more than 1 nut per day.
If we are talking about ready-made mixtures, then they are given 1 teaspoon once a day. During epidemics or during a serious illness, the amount can be increased to 3 small spoons per day. Don't forget to take precautions as well. If you develop a rash, redness, or other signs of an allergic reaction, then stop using the mixture and adjust its composition in such a way as to eliminate the allergen.
Classic recipe
Honey with nuts and dried fruits can be a real lifesaver, as well as replace most of the drugs in your first aid kit. How good is this medicine. For cooking you will need:
- Dried apricots - 0.2 kg.
- Raisins - 0.2 kg or a large glass.
- Prunes - 0.2 kg.
- Date - 100 g.
- Walnut - 1 tbsp.
- Honey - 0.5 tbsp.
First of all, you need to wash all the dried fruits and spread them on a towel so that excess liquid is absorbed. It is not needed in the final product, as it reduces the shelf life. After that, turn all the components through a meat grinder or chop with a blender. But it is better to cut the nuts with a knife and add to the finished mixture. Otherwise, they will simply be lost against the background of the general mass. Other components can be added if desired. For example, apples, pears, figs. The recipe for dried fruits with honey and nuts is very variable, you can adjust it as you wish.
Add sourness
What could be more useful in the SARS season than lemons?! This invigorating fruit is a champion in ascorbic acid content and helps to activate the fight against bacteria or viruses. In addition, the taste of lemon somewhat compensates for the sweetness of the rest of the ingredients. It turns out a very pleasant dessert that will help your body survive in the fight against seasonal diseases.
Vitamin blend for the heart
This is the most important muscle in our body, which also needs nutrition and support. Periodic use of this mixture will avoid many health problems. You will need equal proportions of dried apricots, lemon, walnut. Honey can be added a little less. For example, if all the ingredients are 250 g each, then 200 g of honey is enough. Take one lemon, but large. Now grind the nuts and dried fruits, and wash the lemon and pass through a meat grinder along with the peel. Yes, it adds a slight bitterness. But it is in the zest that contains a colossal amount of vitamins and minerals. It would be very foolish to throw away such a valuable product. Moreover, we are talking about a medicine, not a dessert. Add honey to the mixture, mix and transfer to a clean jar.
Healthy seed mixes
Pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, they are also valuable sources of nutrients. There is a great recipe for immunity. Nuts, dried apricots and honey in this case are taken in 200 g. To them you need to add 100 g of dates and figs, 200 g of raisins and 150 g of any seeds. If pumpkin is chosen, then it is best to chop them together with nuts. By the way, the latter can be simply excluded from this recipe. Pass dried fruits through a meat grinder, mix with seeds and honey.
Since childhood, we have been treated for flu and colds with honey and lemon, so the general strengthening effect of these products is beyond doubt. Did you know that the heart and blood vessels also need daily protection. The standard diet contains little magnesium and potassium, which eventually leads to thinning of blood vessels.
How can a mixture of dried apricots, nuts and honey help for the heart? You need to start with the fact that it in itself increases the level of hemoglobin, strengthens the heart muscle, and normalizes blood pressure. With regular consumption of dried apricots, blood vessels are cleansed of harmful cholesterol, the development of atherosclerosis is inhibited, and the whole organism is rejuvenated.
Together is strength
If one dried fruit is able to provide such support, then it is not difficult to guess that a vitamin mixture, in which raisins and walnuts, honey, prunes, dried apricots and lemon are added, is even more beneficial. Each of these components is a storehouse of nutrients for your health.
- Dried apricots are primarily potassium and magnesium.
- Lemons are a source of vitamin C.
- Raisins are the best product for vascular health.
- Prunes - amino acids.
- Walnut - polyunsaturated fats and iodine.
Of course, a healing effect will be exerted not only on the heart, but also on all other organs and systems. It is especially useful to take the mixture after exertion, both physical and mental.
Multiprescription
It is the most complex of all available today. At the same time, it can be considered the most powerful in its healing properties. Representatives of official medicine also speak well of him. To prepare this mixture you will need:
- Not one, but three whole lemons with zest.
- 200 g of prunes, raisins, dried apricots and walnuts.
- 100 g of wild rose and hawthorn.
- A glass of honey.
Lemons need to be washed and greased with sunflower oil. Be sure to remove the bones, otherwise the mixture will be bitter. Pass all components through a meat grinder (except honey) and put in the refrigerator for 10 days. Then mix with honey. The recommended dosage is one tablespoon per day, on an empty stomach. When the mixture is over, you need to take a break for a month. After that, the course can be repeated.
Who Should Refuse
To do this, first carefully study the recipe. Nuts, dried apricots, honey are very useful for immunity. But such a mixture will be contraindicated for those who are allergic to bee products.
- It is undesirable to use the mixture for diabetics, people suffering from excess weight, as well as in the presence of chronic diseases. In any case, if in doubt, it is better to consult a doctor.
- Speaking of dried apricots, it should be noted that it can lower blood pressure. Therefore, it is important for hypotensive patients to use it in moderation.
- If the bowel has a tendency to diarrhea, then you need to be careful. In any case, try the mixture on the weekend. The combination of dried apricots and prunes promotes bowel movements.
- Another important point. To give a beautiful look, dried apricots, and other dried fruits, are often treated with various substances: sulfuric gas, antibacterial solutions, salt at best. Therefore, you may experience an unpleasant odor or even more serious problems. How to deal with it? Below we will look at how to store dried apricots at home, so you can harvest it yourself during the peak season. And when choosing store-bought dried fruits, avoid especially beautiful, shiny and fragrant ones. Real dried apricots are rather unpresentable. It will become much better after treatment with boiling water. And, of course, before use, all dried fruits must be soaked in running water.
Preparations for the winter
In August, a large number of prunes, raisins and apricots are on the market. It's time to take care of the upcoming winter season. For this we need juicy, fleshy fruits. Wash them, divide them into halves and lay them on a towel. The exception is raisins. It just needs to be picked off the brush. Now let's do the processing. If the fruits are very soft, then dip them in a solution of citric acid (1 teaspoon per liter of water) for 10 minutes. Harder apricots can be dipped in boiling sugar syrup for 3 minutes.
Prepare a large pallet and gauze mesh. In such a device, dried apricots can be taken out into the garden, where the fruits will dry in the shade. Bring home at night so that dried fruits do not deteriorate from dew. They are ready in about 10 days. You can also use an electric dryer. Some housewives speed up the process by first processing fruit in the oven.
So that dried apricots do not sour and do not deteriorate in winter, they must be stored in tied linen bags in a dry, dark place. But plastic bags or plastic cans are strongly discouraged. Better take a glass one, and tie the neck with a clean cotton cloth. In this case, tasty and healthy dried fruits will lie until spring. Remember to take them out regularly and make a healthy mixture.
Instead of a conclusion
In pharmacies today there are many vitamin complexes that promise a complete transformation. But not all of the ingredients in them are natural. Unlike them, dried fruits and honey are a real gift of nature, a storehouse of useful substances. Use such mixtures in the autumn-winter period and you will not be affected by colds. Moreover, the beneficial substances contained in these amazing products help maintain beauty.
