Apricot and its antioxidant properties

What is the apricot?

The apricot (Prunus armeniaca) also known as apricot, albergero or apricot. Likewise, it is the fruit of a fruit tree called apricot tree, a family tree of Rosaceae with reddish branches. This fruit is native to central Asia. The first wild variety was found in China and in the area of ​​the countries of Turkey, Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Syria. The fruit has juicy, firm flesh with a delicious sweet flavor.

In appearance it is a fruit similar to the peach , but unlike this, it is not a semi-acid fruit. Unlike the peach, it is sweet and smaller, yellow or orange with some red tones. In addition, the pulp is fibrous and not as juicy as other sweets. This fruit is rich in antioxidants in all its varieties.

Origin of apricot

According to reliable historical records, the origin is around 3000 BC. The first information about these fruits comes to us from China, but it was the Greeks who introduced them to Europe. Subsequently, the Romans spread it throughout the occupied territory from Armenia, where they called it the Armenian apple . These fruit trees have been cultivated in Armenia since ancient times and their scientific name Prunus armeniaca refers to this country.

In Spain it does not reach the occupation of the Arabs who are the ones who introduce it into our country. We know this fruit as apricot, a term that comes from the Arabic al-barquq.

Apricot production

The apricot ( Prunus armeniaca) grows naturally, in all its varieties, in areas with a continental climate. In addition, it can be produced perfectly in a Mediterranean climate as long as there are cold winters that allow its lethargy. Dry climates are better for the apricot tree than humid climates, as the fruits ripen much better.

The apricot is produced all over the world, but Turkey, Iran and Uzbekistan are the three largest apricot producers followed by Algeria, Italy, Pakistan, Ukraine, France, Spain and Japan.

In Spain, the main producing provinces of these fruits are Murcia, Valencia and Albacete, producing the following varieties of this fruit: bulida, canino, moniqui, Nancy and paviot.

Apricot season

Their season  begins in May , although we can begin to find them in season in the month of April. In addition, we can enjoy this food until the end of summer. More specifically, until the month of September. It is the period in which we can enjoy its beneficial properties that it has for our health.

You can check the calendar of the fruit season to be able to consume these foods at their most optimal moment. In addition, when they are in season they provide us with more benefits for our health, they have a better aroma and are tastier , among other advantages.

How do you eat apricots?

As we always recommend, fruit is always best eaten fresh and raw. Therefore, it is the best form of consumption to be able to benefit from the beneficial properties they have for our health.

The case of the apricot is no different, its consumption is recommended mainly as fresh fruit. However, it is also used to make different recipes for compotes and  jams. Also as apricot juice or smoothie or mixed with other fruits or vegetables.

It is also eaten as a dried fruit, they are called apricot dried apricots.

Apricot dried apricots

The dried apricots are the result of the dehydration of apricots. Similarly, it can also be done with peaches. It has the same type of nutrients, but in less quantity than fresh. They also have less water concentration, as is obvious.Apricot dried apricots are a good option to eat between meals as a healthy snack. In addition, we can consume it as a replacement for commercial sweets full of free sugars. On the contrary and unlike fresh fruit, we can consume it out of season.

Apricot properties

The caloric intake of these fruits is lower than that of other fruits thanks to their high amount of water and their lower intake of carbohydrates.

It is rich in beta-carotene (provitamin A) which is a powerful antioxidant just like the tropical mango fruit. In addition to the following vitamins: folate or B9, niacin or B3, riboflavin or B2, thiamine or B1 and pyridoxine or B6.

It contains a large amount of minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, selenium and zinc.

It is also rich in fiber. It is important to know that the consumption of these fruits and other varieties of fruits and vegetables provide us with fiber. Therefore, we can meet the World Health Organization’s 25-milligram fiber daily recommendations.

Average nutritional information per 100 grams of apricot

Apricot benefits

It is ideal to eat this fruit in spring or summer, which is when it is its optimal season, great as a snack or as a table fruit. In addition, it is especially recommended for its nutritional properties so beneficial to our health.

Apricots are sweet fruits such as watermelon or melon and they provide us, among others, the following benefits for our health:

Beneficial for our eye health

They are rich in beta carotenes that are transformed into vitamins A in our body, being beneficial for the good health of our retina. Including apricots, which are rich in beta-carotene such as carrots or pumpkin, in our daily diet helps us to have optimal eye health.

Detox natural

Thanks to its high fiber and water content, it is a natural cleanser, since they help you eliminate toxins from the colon, kidneys, stomach and liver.

Ideal for weight loss diets

These foods do not provide sugars that help not increase blood sugar levels. Also, they have a satiating effect that helps us on a weight control diet.

Beneficial for our heart

Apricots help us to have a healthy heart thanks to the fact that they are rich in iron and vitamin E. Therefore, we recommend including it in the diets of people who have heart problems.

Healthy skin

These foods are rich in vitamin C, which is an essential ingredient for our skin to look healthy.

Natural diuretic

It has a natural diuretic effect thanks to the fact that this food is rich in potassium. Also, it helps us eliminate fluids and balances salts in the body.

This mineral also helps us control hypertension. Therefore, we recommend including in the diet of people with high levels of blood pressure.

Natural intestinal regulator

Thanks to its richness in fiber and tannins, it has a laxative effect. In addition, it regulates the intestinal flora.

Certainly, due to its nutritional characteristics, it seems that it has the ability to help us with constipation and also has the ability to reduce inflammation of the intestines, due to the astringent and anti-inflammatory properties of tannins.

Great contribution of iron

Thanks to its high iron content, it is recommended to include in the diet of people who need to keep the levels of this mineral balanced. More specifically for women in menopause or who have very heavy menstruation.

Used in natural cosmetics

It is used in natural cosmetic ingredients for its beneficial properties for the skin. In addition, apricot oil is a powerful natural exfoliator for the skin. Also thanks to vitamin A, it revitalizes the skin, making it look bright and healthy.

It is used as an ingredient in the manufacture of different natural cosmetic products such as soaps, shampoos, facial masks and moisturizers.

Therefore, and thanks to the properties of the apricot, we find ourselves an essential food in our diet.