Apricots are one of the delicious and nutritious fruits that are very popular in various parts of the world.
The origin of this fruit goes back to China, but it is now grown in many countries of the world that are characterized by moderate climates.
The benefits of apricots are many, which we will learn about in this article, so follow along with us.
The benefits of apricots are varied in that they contribute to improving general health, thanks to their richness in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Apricots can also be eaten fresh or dried, and they are also a main ingredient in many recipes and drinks.
We will learn about some of them in this article as well.
Health benefits of apricots
 |
| The amazing benefits of apricots that you do not know |
What is apricot?👈
Before we learn about the benefits of apricots, we first learn about what they are.
The apricot is a fruit characterized by its soft texture and delicious taste.
It is yellow or orange in color.
The apricot tree belongs to a family called Rosaceae and is distinguished by its beautiful flowers that bloom in the spring.
The apricot fruit contains a hard pit in its middle, which is used in the manufacture of aromatic oils.
Apricots can be eaten fresh or dried, and they can also be made into juice or jam or included in many recipes.
👌👌👌Benefits of Watermelon | Is watermelon really a friend of fitness?
Nutritional value of apricots👈
The nutritional value of apricots is one of the most important reasons why this fruit is beneficial for health, as apricots contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, in addition to dietary fiber and antioxidants.
Vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin A: Apricots are rich in vitamin A, which is an essential vitamin for eye health, it contributes to improving night vision and protecting the eyes from damage resulting from environmental factors, it is considered one of the most important benefits of apricots.
- Vitamin C: Apricots contain a good amount of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and helps fight diseases.
- Potassium: Potassium plays an important role in regulating blood pressure and improving heart function.
- Iron: Apricots are a good source of iron, which is important for the formation of red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Dietary fiber:
The benefits of apricots also include their high content of dietary fiber, which can help improve digestion and prevent constipation.
Fiber contributes to feeling full for longer periods, which helps in weight loss.
Antioxidants:
Apricots contain many antioxidants, which in turn help protect the body from free radicals, which reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Health benefits of apricots👈
Benefits of apricots in improving eye health:
Thanks to its high content of vitamin A, apricots contribute to improving eye health.
Vitamin A helps maintain good vision and prevents age-related diseases such as macular degeneration.
Benefits of apricots in promoting digestive health:
The dietary fiber found in apricots enhances the health of the digestive system by improving bowel movement and preventing constipation, and eating apricots regularly can help maintain a healthy and effective digestive system.
Benefits of apricots for supporting the immune system:
Vitamin C in apricots boosts the body's immunity and helps fight diseases and infections.
Eating apricots can also help reduce the duration and severity of colds and other diseases.
Benefits of apricots for improving heart health:
One of the important benefits of apricots is improving heart health.
Potassium, fiber, and antioxidants all work together to improve heart function, lower blood pressure, and reduce harmful cholesterol levels.
Benefits of apricots in supporting skin health:
Apricots contain antioxidants and vitamins that help maintain healthy skin.
These ingredients can also help reduce signs of aging and keep the skin fresh and beautiful.
Types of apricots👈
After we learned about the benefits of apricots, what are the types? There are many types of apricots, differing in size, taste, and color. Some of these types are:
- Turkish apricots: Famous for their sweet flavor and soft texture, they are considered one of the best types of dried apricots.
- French apricot: is characterized by its bright orange color and slightly sour flavour.
- Iranian apricots: are distinguished by their large size and rich flavour.
- American apricot: It is famous for its medium size and soft texture.
Harmful effects of apricots👈
Despite the many benefits of apricots, there are some harms that can occur when consumed in large quantities or in some special cases, including:
Allergies:
Some people may be allergic to apricots, which can cause symptoms such as itching, rashes, and difficulty breathing.
Effects on the digestive system:
Despite the benefits of apricots for the digestive system, eating large amounts of apricots can cause digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Interaction with medications:
Apricots contain high amounts of vitamin K, which can interact with some medications, so people who take these medications should consult a doctor before including apricots in their diet.
Increase diabetes level in the blood:
Dried apricots contain a high amount of sugar, which may lead to high blood sugar levels, so diabetics should eat apricots with caution.
How to choose and store apricots👈
To benefit most from the benefits of apricots, it is important to choose fresh fruit and store it correctly, as follows:
Apricot selection:
When choosing apricots, you should look for fruits that are a beautiful orange or yellow color that dazzles the eye.
The fruits should be slightly soft when pressed, but not overly soft or cracked.
Apricot storage:
Fresh apricots can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week, and if you prefer to dry apricots, they can be stored in a cool, dry place for a long time.
Some apricot recipes👈
Apricot jam:
Apricot jam is one of the most famous products made from this fruit.
To prepare apricot jam, you need:
Ingredients:
- A kilogram of fresh apricots.
- Half a kilogram of sugar.
- Juice of one lemon.
How to prepare:
- Wash the apricots and cut them into halves.
- In a large bowl, mix apricots with sugar and lemon juice.
- Leave the mixture on medium heat until it begins to boil, then reduce the heat and let it cook slowly until the mixture becomes thick.
- Fill the jam in sterilized jars and store it in a cool place.
Apricot and spinach salad:
To prepare a refreshing apricot salad, you need:
Ingredients:
- A cup of fresh spinach.
- Half a cup of dried apricots.
- Half a cup of feta cheese.
- A tablespoon of honey.
- A tablespoon of olive oil.
- A teaspoon of balsamic vinegar.
👌👌👌Benefits of oranges | Protection from diseases in this way
How to prepare:
- Mix spinach, dried apricots, and feta cheese in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
- Pour the mixture over the salad and stir well.
Conclusion👍
Apricots are a delicious and nutritious fruit that has many health benefits, from enhancing eye and digestive health to supporting the immune system and improving heart health.
The benefits of apricots are varied, thanks to their rich content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Despite the many benefits of apricots, they should be eaten in moderation to avoid any potential harm.
By choosing fresh apricots and storing them properly, this delicious fruit can be enjoyed all year.