Apricot Consumption During Menstruation

1. Can Apricot Be Consumed During Menstruation?
Apricots, a popular fruit with a blend of sour and sweet flavors, are generally suitable for most individuals without specific contraindications. However, during menstruation, when the body undergoes unique changes, many women hesitate to consume apricots, fearing adverse effects. So, is it safe to eat apricots during this period?
Answer: Apricots should be avoided during menstruation as they can impede blood flow, leading to menstrual discomfort and abdominal pain. It is recommended to consume them before or after menstruation.

Furthermore, during menstruation, it is advisable to steer clear of sour and astringent foods. These types of foods tend to have convergent and retention properties, which may cause blood vessels to constrict and blood to stagnate, hindering the smooth flow and excretion of menstrual blood, potentially resulting in menstrual blood stasis and pain.

2. Precautions for Eating Apricots During Menstruation

1. Limit Intake: Avoid consuming more than 3 apricot meats during menstruation. Apricot meat, with its sour, sweet, slightly toxic, and warm nature, can release toxicity and heat when consumed excessively, potentially harming the bones and vision of pregnant women. Therefore, moderate consumption is crucial.

2. Be Mindful of Additives: Pregnant women should be cautious when consuming apricot preserves, as they often contain additives like artificial flavors and preservatives that may cause harm.

3. Avoid Bitter Apricot Kernels: Although bitter apricot kernels contain amygdalin with anticancer properties, they are also slightly toxic. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from eating them during menstruation.

3. What to Do If You Eat Too Many Apricots?

While apricots are delicious, overconsumption should be avoided. Bitter apricot kernels, particularly, are toxic and require soaking in cold water before consumption. Eating an excessive amount of these kernels (40-60 for adults and 10-20 for children) can lead to poisoning.
The amygdalin in bitter apricot kernels can be hydrolyzed into hydrogen cyanide and benzoic acid by enzymes. Excessive hydrogen cyanide can bind to iron-containing respiratory enzymes in tissue cells, disrupting oxygen delivery and potentially causing tissue cell suffocation. In severe cases, it can suppress the medulla oblongata center, leading to respiratory paralysis and even death.

Appropriate consumption of apricot kernels can bring benefits such as quenching thirst, lubricating the lungs, relieving asthma, smoothing the intestines, and reducing the risk of intestinal cancer. They can be incorporated into various dishes like porridge, cakes, and bread. However, due to their toxic content, apricot kernels must be soaked and boiled multiple times before consumption to reduce or eliminate harmful substances. Pregnant women, young children, individuals with a hot constitution, and diabetic patients should avoid apricots and their products.