Apricot is a delicious and juicy fruit of yellow, orange or red color. It is a veritable treasure trove of nutrients. This sunny fruit has long been valued for its nutritional properties, and today it remains an important part of a healthy diet. In this article, we will consider what apricots are useful and how they can improve your health.
Chemical composition and calories
Apricots contain many vitamins and minerals such as:
- Vitamin A (beta-carotene). Helps improve eyesight, maintains healthy skin and boosts immunity.
- B vitamins. Help the nervous system function properly and improve metabolism.
- Vitamin C. A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
- Potassium. Essential for heart health and regulation of water balance.
- Iron. Prevents anemia and strengthens the circulatory system.
- Dietary fiber. Improve digestion and help detoxify the body.
Caloric content of fresh apricots is low — about 48 kcal per 100 g, which makes them an excellent choice for those who watch their weight. It is enough to eat a couple of fruits and then the feeling of satiety will come.
Health benefits of apricots
Nutritionists are surprised at how many benefits apricots provide for the human body:
- Heart health. Apricots are rich in potassium and antioxidants that help regulate blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol and protect the cardiovascular system from inflammation.
- Improved digestion. The high fiber content makes apricots a great assistant for normalizing the intestinal function. They help to eliminate constipation and maintain healthy microflora.
- Healthy skin and hair. Beta-carotene and vitamin C stimulate collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles. Apricot kernel oil is widely used in cosmetology to moisturize skin and restore hair.
- Vision Support. Beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, strengthens vision, reduces the risk of yellow spot degeneration and protects the eyes from UV rays.
- Bone Strengthening. Micronutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium make apricots an important food for strengthening bone tissue, especially in the elderly.
- Detoxifying the body. Apricots contain natural antioxidants that detoxify the body and protect cells from free radical damage.
Dried apricots: kaisa and uruk
Dried apricots, such as kaisa and uruk, are just as healthy as fresh ones. They contain concentrated amounts of nutrients, especially potassium and iron. They are a great snack to restore energy, but it’s important to remember that dried apricots are higher in calories than fresh apricots.
How to choose and consume apricots properly
When buying, pay attention to the color and smell. Mature apricots should be bright orange and fragrant. Fresh apricots are better stored in a cool place so that they do not lose their useful properties. Apricots can be eaten fresh, added to porridge, salads, desserts or used to make jams, compotes and smoothies.
Contraindications
Despite the enormous benefits, apricots can be contraindicated for people with certain diseases and cause harm. Here are the situations when you can not eat apricots: allergies to fruit, gastrointestinal diseases in the acute phase, diabetes mellitus (with caution due to the content of sugars, especially in dried apricots).
Benefits of apricot: interesting facts about the information
- Apricots were cultivated more than 4,000 years ago in China. They are also mentioned in ancient Greek and Roman texts.
- The word “apricot” comes from the Latin praecox, meaning “early”, because of its early ripening compared to other fruits.
- Stone tree. The apricot belongs to the plum (Prunus) genus and is considered a stone fruit like peaches, cherries, and plums.
- Core value. Inside the apricot stone is the kernel, which is used in the food industry to make oils, as well as in cosmetics.
- Symbolism. In China, apricots are considered a symbol of female beauty, happiness and longevity.
- Apricot orchards of Armenia. Armenia is one of the oldest countries where apricots were cultivated. Some botanists believe that apricots may have originated from this region. The Latin name *Prunus armeniaca* literally translates as “Armenian plum”.
- Dried apricots. Dried apricots (ureuk and apricots) retain most of the health benefits of fresh fruit. They are popular as a source of quick energy boost.
- Culinary variety. Apricots are used in desserts, jams, compotes, sauces for meat, and for making drinks, such as apricot liqueur or compote.
- Longevity. In the Hunza tribe living in the mountains of the Himalayas, apricots are considered a staple food. People there are famous for their longevity, which is attributed to the frequent consumption of apricots.
- Apricot oil.The oil extracted from apricot seeds is used in aromatherapy and is considered a good skin moisturizer.
- Tree’s hardiness. Apricot trees can survive in arid conditions, making them ideal for growing in semi-desert regions.
- Culture and myths. In ancient Rome, apricots were considered a delicacy and were only available to the rich. And in the Middle Ages in Europe, they were attributed aphrodisiac properties.
Apricots are not just a tasty treat, but also a valuable product for improving health. Including them in your daily diet helps improve your heart function, boost your immune system and keep your skin beautiful. Regardless of the season, this sunny fruit will always find its place on your table, bringing benefits and pleasure.
To learn about the benefits of other products, go to the Benefits food page.