With the onset of cold weather, the risk of developing acute respiratory viral infections and colds increases. To protect yourself, you need to think in advance about strengthening immunity. In pharmacies today you can buy dozens of drugs for the prevention and treatment of viral as well as 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 remedies: walnut, dried apricots and honey.
general description
This is not just a delicious dessert, but also a storehouse of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. A mixture of walnuts, dried apricots and honey will become a full-fledged replacement for pharmacy vitamin complexes, strengthen immunity, improve the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, and other organs.
There are other pluses. A home-made mixture of natural ingredients is suitable for all family members. That is, including children, the elderly and pregnant women. the exception may be only a case of an allergic reaction to one of the components, whether it be walnuts, dried apricots or honey.
The most healthy dessert
We are used to drinking tea with sweets, and snacking on pastries for a snack. Unfortunately, the body does not get any benefit from this. In most cases, doctors agree that you only harm yourself. Another thing is walnut, dried apricots and honey. Tasty and healthy in every way.
Dried fruits help strengthen the immune system, so it is recommended to use them during colds and viral diseases to increase resistance to infections. The beneficial 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 process of selecting ingredients easier. I must say that they all have unique properties. But the following are most often used:
- 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 nervous system.
- Prunes It improves intestinal activity, helps to cope with constipation, at the same time cleanses the body and normalizes blood pressure. The dried fruit vitamin mix with the addition of prunes will be very useful for people over 50.
- Dried apricots. This is a solar product that stores the warmth of summer and a huge supply of vitamins. What is the use of dried apricots for women? Eating regularly helps keep you fit. This product allows you to make a slim figure and fights obesity perfectly. Of course, if you replace dried apricots with the usual chocolate, cakes and sweets. But this is not all that is why 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 found in apricots, has a soft laxative effect, cleanses the intestines and improves its functioning.
- Figs In our modern realities, getting it is not so simple. 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 ingredient in delicious, vitamin blends. It is not so expensive and is on the shelves all year round. The composition of these unique dried fruits includes more than 20 minerals and various vitamins.
Beekeeping products
Honey is an obligatory component of any composition based on dried fruits. It acts as a flavoring and preservative. Moreover, honey in itself is an invaluable source of various useful substances. Even a child knows how important the beekeeping product is to us. It contains the most important antioxidants, volatile, amino acids. Honey has the following properties:
- Cleanses the body of toxins that regularly come from water and air.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- 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 mixes from dried fruits are supplemented by almonds or walnuts. This is the most high-calorie component, thanks to which nutritionists put a limit on its use. The rule here is that the medicine in large doses is poison. Nevertheless, each person needs to regularly use nuts. The benefits and harms to the body are difficult to describe in a nutshell. But the pros clearly outweigh. This 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, to infinity.
To prepare a delicious treat you can take any gifts of nature:
- Pine nuts - 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 vitamin deficiency and anemia, after illness and in the recovery period. But I must 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 beekeeping products, it is permissible to replace them with maple or sugar syrup. With diabetes, do without sweeteners. A lemon may act as a preservative.
We use correctly
All these products are very useful, and together they represent a real “rejuvenating apple”, 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 much to eat walnuts per day. Six halves, or three whole peanuts - this is the maximum amount. The product is very high-calorie, so you can’t 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 are watching 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, washed down with water. After 30 minutes you can start breakfast. During epidemics, it is recommended to increase the number to 3 tablespoons, that is, one before each meal.
Norm for children
Very often, parents remember about this simple and effective way to raise immunity at the very moment when the kids begin to get sick. From one year, children can also get a mixture of dried fruits and honey. But here it is important to think again about the allowable dosage. We have already said above how much walnuts should be eaten per day. For children, 1/3 of the adult norm is permissible. 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 severe illness, the number can be increased to 3 small spoons per day. Do not forget about precautions. If there is 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 exclude the allergen.
Classic recipe
Honey with nuts and dried fruits can be a real help, and also replace most of the drugs in your medicine cabinet. And how tasty this medicine is. To prepare 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.
The first step is to wash all dried fruits and lay them on a towel so that excess fluid is absorbed. It is not needed in the final product, because it reduces the shelf life. After that, turn all the components through a meat grinder or grind with a blender. But it is better to cut nuts with a knife and add to the finished mixture. Otherwise, they simply get lost on the background of the total mass. If desired, you can add other components. 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 season of ARVI than lemons ?! This fruit with an invigorating taste is the champion in the content of ascorbic acid and helps to intensify the fight against bacteria or viruses. In addition, the taste of lemon somewhat compensates for the sweetness of the remaining components. It turns out a very pleasant dessert that will help your body withstand the fight against seasonal diseases.
Vitamin Blend for the Heart
This is the most important muscle of our body, which also needs nutrition and support. Intermittent use of this mixture will avoid many health problems. You will need in equal proportions dried apricots, lemon, walnuts. You can add a little less honey. For example, if all the ingredients are 250 g each, then 200 g of honey will suffice. Take one lemon, but large. Now chop the nuts and dried fruits, and wash the lemon and pass through the meat grinder along with the peel. Yes, she adds a little bitterness. But it is in the zest that contains a huge 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.
Useful seed mixes
Pumpkin, sunflower, sesame seeds, they are also valuable sources of nutrients. There is a great recipe for immunity. Nuts, dried apricots and honey in this case are taken 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 grind them with nuts. By the way, the last of this recipe can simply be excluded. Pass dried fruits through a meat grinder, mix with seeds and honey.
From childhood, we were treated for the flu and colds with honey and lemon, so the general strengthening effect of these products is beyond doubt. But did you know that the heart and blood vessels also need daily protection. A 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 for the heart help? You need to start with the fact that it by itself increases the level of hemoglobin, strengthens the heart muscle, and normalizes blood pressure. With the regular use of dried apricots, the vessels are cleansed of harmful cholesterol, the development of atherosclerosis is inhibited, and the whole organism is rejuvenated.
Together is power
If one dried fruit is able to provide such support, then it is easy to guess that the vitamin mixture, in which raisins and walnuts, honey, prunes, dried apricots and lemon, are even more beneficial. Each of these components is a storehouse of useful substances for your health.
- Dried apricots are primarily potassium and magnesium.
- Lemons are a source of vitamin C.
- Raisins are the best product for healthy vessels.
- Prunes are amino acids.
- Walnut - polyunsaturated fats and iodine.
Of course, the healing effect will be rendered 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.
Multirecept
It is the most complex of all available to date. Moreover, it can be considered the most powerful in its healing properties. Representatives of official medicine speak well of him. To prepare such a 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. After that, 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 this, the course can be repeated.
Who should refuse
To do this, first of all, carefully study the recipe. Nuts, dried apricots, honey for immunity are very useful. But such a mixture will be contraindicated for those who are allergic to beekeeping 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 best to consult a doctor.
- Speaking of dried apricots, it should be noted that it can lower blood pressure. Therefore, it is important for hypotensives to consume it in moderation.
- If the intestines are prone to diarrhea, then you need to be careful. Anyway, try the mix on the weekend. The combination of dried apricots and prunes promotes bowel movement.
- Another important point. To give a beautiful appearance of dried apricots, and the rest of the dried fruits are often treated with various substances: sulfur gas, antibacterial solutions, salt in the best case. Therefore, you may encounter an unpleasant odor or even more serious problems. How to deal with it? Below we will consider how to store dried apricots at home, so you can harvest it yourself, at the very peak of the season. And when choosing dried fruit stores, avoid especially beautiful, shiny and aromatic. Real dried apricots are quite unpresentable. It will become much better after treatment with boiling water. Well, of course, before eating, all dried fruits must be soaked in running water.
Winter blanks
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, halve them and lay them on a towel. The exception is raisins. It just needs to be taken from the brush. Now let's do the processing. If the fruits are very soft, then dip them in a solution of citric acid (1 tsp. Per liter of water) for 10 minutes. Harder apricots can be dipped for 3 minutes in boiling sugar syrup.
Prepare a large pallet and gauze mesh. In this arrangement, dried apricots can be taken out to the garden, where the fruits will dry in the shade. Bring home at night so that dried fruits do not deteriorate from dew. After about 10 days they are ready. An electric dryer can also be used. Some housewives speed up the process due to the initial processing of fruits in the oven.
So that the dried apricots do not sour and do not deteriorate in the winter, it must be stored in tied linen bags, in a dry, dark place. But plastic bags or plastic cans are strongly not recommended. Better take a glass, and tie the neck with a clean cotton cloth. In this case, delicious and healthy dried fruits will remain until spring. Do not forget to regularly get them 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 components in them are natural. In contrast, dried fruits and honey are a real gift of nature, a storehouse of nutrients. Use such mixtures in the autumn-winter period and you will not touch the common cold. Moreover, the beneficial substances contained in these amazing products help maintain beauty.