In the summer, the desire for fresh and nutritious snacks grows more than ever, so it is natural to think of a Apricot fruit that offers a wide selection of seasonal products that are nothing short of delicious. It is, in fact, the time of cherries, strawberries, peaches, but also of apricots which, in particular, contain a low intake of calories and contribute to the protection of the heart.
Apricots, Few Calories, And Many Vitamins
Apricot is the fruit of apricot, an arboreal plant, Prunus armeniaca, which belongs to the Rosaceae family, like plums, peaches, and cherries. “The taste – explains the interviewee – is sugary and slightly acidic. The kernel, brown and woody, hides inside a seed, called Carmella, with a typical bitter taste due to a substance, amygdalin, which in high doses is toxic because it contains cyanide. ” From a nutritional point of view, 100 grams of apricots contain:
- 86 g of water
- 6.8 g of carbohydrates
- 1.5 g of fiber
- 0.4 g of protein
- 0.1 g of fat
- Minerals: potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron
- Vitamins: A, group B, and C.
“Numerous antioxidants, among which the beta-carotene content and the presence of sorbitol stand out.” Caloric intake is deficient: only 28 calories per 100 grams of edible product, excluding the stone.
Apricots: Precious Properties For The Heart, Sight, And Skin
The first beneficial effect of apricots for the organism is undoubtedly linked to their ability to reduce the “bad cholesterol,” simultaneously increasing the levels of the good one: “in this way they perform a protective action for the heart. The fantastic amount of potassium, then, helps to regulate the heartbeat. ” We know how precious vitamins are for the eyes, and apricot is an example of how this translates into practice: the high content of vitamin A protects these particular organs, keeping them healthy.
This substance is also helpful for skin health, as it stimulates the production of melanin, “for this reason, the essential oil of apricot can counteract psoriasis, given that some studies show how it can induce death by apoptosis. Of diseased cells.” “The numerous antioxidants – ads and adds the interviewee – are essential for preventing degenerative macular disease, which arises with advancing age. In particular, lutein protects the retina from damage caused by ultraviolet rays. “
Antioxidants also help to counteract the action of free radicals, protecting the body from cellular aging and the onset of chronic heart diseases and some types of cancer.
Benefits For The Digestive System
The excellent fiber content contributes to the health and good functioning of the digestive system, favoring digestion and the formation and elimination of feces apricots are helpful in case of digestive problems and constipation. Just as it should be remembered that fiber increases the sense of satiety and delays appetite, taking into account the low caloric intake, it is undoubtedly a recommended fruit for losing weight. “
Against Fatigue And In Support Of The Body
This fruit is also valuable for the elderly, children, and convalescing people due to its excellent iron content. The nutritionist biologist points out that primarily non-hemi iron is absorbed more slowly. “Furthermore, apricots are rich in catechins, flavonoids capable of inhibiting some enzymes involved in the genesis of the inflammatory process.
In this sense, they are instrumental against ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, and against the damage that inflammation can cause on blood vessels. ” We must not forget the properties beneficial for the development and proper functioning of bones, muscles, the nervous system, and the liver since, as studies confirm, the apricot appears to be able to regenerate liver cells.
Contraindications
Apricot has no particular contraindications other than slight laxative properties conferred by the presence of sorbitol. This effect, however, occurs only in the case of abundant consumption. A standard dose, as highlighted by the doctor, favors intestinal function. However, they are not recommended at the digestive level in case of gastroduodenal ulcer and gastroenterocolitis, while some people may then manifest allergies to this fruit. “In this sense – specifies the interviewee.
It is important to pay particular attention in case of allergies to grass or birch, as you can often be allergic to apricots due to a form of cross-allergy between fruit and pollen.” They are also not recommended for those suffering from kidney stones. As for dried apricots, it should be noted the presence of sulfites (compounds containing sulfur that are added to dried fruit as preservatives to prevent oxidation and bleaching of the fruits) can cause undesirable respiratory effects in people sensitive precisely to sulfites and in all those who have asthma.
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