Do You Already Know The Incredible Health Effects Of Apricot?

To avoid excessive chemicals and pesticides, make sure the origin of the fruit is organic before eating the apricot . Apricot is recommended to be eaten, preferably very ripe, as raw fruit can cause unpleasant indigestion.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the properties of apricot and its health effects. In addition, we share four different but just as delicious ways to enjoy this fruit, either fresh, compote, marmalade or dried.

Apricot

Apricot or “Armenian plum” (Prunus armeniaca) is the most native fruit from China and is widely cultivated in Turkey today. The nutritious nutritional value of apricot includes beta-carotene, or vitamin A (which gives the apricot a yellowish-orange color), as well as plenty of minerals such as iron and potassium. In addition, apricot contains fiber and natural fructose, which is important for digestion and intestines.

Apricot peel is often treated with pesticides and other chemicals that are harmful to health, and it is therefore recommended that apricots are always obtained organically. Organic apricots can also be eaten safely with their peel, so that the nutrients in the peel can be utilized as efficiently as possible.

Hunza people

The Hunza people (also known as the Burusho people or Botraj people) are an indigenous people living in Pakistan and India who have become known in Western culture as a people of longevity. The diet of Hunza residents is completely plant-based and interestingly, apricots, both fresh and dried, play an important role in the daily nutrition of residents.

In addition to a plant-based and fruit-rich diet, it should be borne in mind that the low stress levels of the inhabitants and the unpolluted climate also have a positive effect on the high quality of life of this world-spoken and admired culture.

Apricots are consumed in the Hunzal diet all year round. In fact, the apricot is so popular that many Hunza families grow their own apricot trees, which is also a sign of the family’s good financial situation. In addition to the fruit, apricot seeds are used to make high-quality apricot oil , which is widely used in cooking, lamp oil making and skin care.

Health effects of apricot

Apricot has relatively diverse health effects on the well-being of the whole body:

• Apricot antioxidants and beta-carotenes help prevent premature cell aging caused by free radicals .
• In addition, antioxidants are one of the most effective ways to prevent the onset of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease.
• It also has anti-inflammatory effects that also help relieve inflammatory pain and irritation.
• Prevents eye and vision related diseases such as macular degeneration, twilight blindness and vision impairment.
• In particular, the high iron content of dried apricots helps prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia.
• High potassium content removes excess fluids and reduces swelling in the body.
• Treats high blood pressure.
• Enhances intestinal function and prevents constipation.
• The high fruit sugar and fiber content of apricot keeps hunger at bay for a long time and curbs sugar cravings, in other words, it is an excellent option to replace unhealthy delicacies.
• Reduces leg muscle cramps.
• Balances nervous system function and relieves stress and anxiety.
• Lowers high blood cholesterol levels.

Other uses

In addition to its many health effects, apricots have many other uses:

• Apricot oil is an excellent alternative to skin care (reminiscent of almond oil).
• Apricot seeds are an excellent source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is widely used in the treatment of diseases and disorders of the eyes and intestines, for example, as well as in numerous natural products for beauty care.
• The famous Italian flavored liqueur Amaretto is also made from apricot seeds.

The seeds (stones) of many varieties of apricot contain amygdalin toxin, which is dangerous to health, and these seeds should not be consumed untreated at all.

We also remind you at this point again that apricots should always be eaten fully ripe, as unripe fruit can cause digestive problems.

4 ways to eat apricots

• Fresh: Fresh apricot is a delicious and filling snack to enjoy at any time. In addition, you can also use apricots in fruit smoothies to give the drink extra sweetness and a touch of bitterness.
• As a compote or marmalade: You can also make a sweet apricot compote or marmalade by preparing apricots according to this instruction, for example (replace only the mandarins used in the instruction with apricots). Compote and marmalade are perfect for bringing a lively sweetness to yoghurt, pastries and snack biscuits, for example.
• Dried: Dried apricots are an excellent source of nutrients, fructose and fiber. Due to their high caloric content, they also serve as a healthy source of energy, especially for growing children and athletes. However, being overweight or losing weight should limit the consumption of dried apricots precisely because of their high sugar and energy content.