4 benefits of apricot –

When you feel like eating something sweet, grab an apricot. The juicy fruit is naturally sweet, somewhat sour and super tasty and can also be known as apricot (apricot), fruit of the apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca).

But in addition to being tasty, apricots can do much more than please your palate. “They have great nutritional value, richness of aroma and flavor and functional properties attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds. Has digestive action, can improve diuretic function; and in its dry form, it can have beneficial laxative effects on the intestines,” explains Karla Lacerda, nutritionist and CEO of startup CalcLab. “The apricot attributes can also be used in the form of oil, which has been a great beauty ally for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to skin health, fighting the signs of aging”.

4 BENEFITS OF APRICOT

1

RICH IN FLAVONOIDS

That it is a fruit rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, its connoisseurs already know, but the apricot is surprising for being rich in a group of antioxidant polyphenols called flavonoids or phenolic compounds, which are powerful allies in protecting against various problems.
The main and most expressive apricot flavonoids are chlorogenic acids, anthocyanin, catechins and quercetin. These compounds act to neutralize free radicals, which are harmful agents that damage cells, negatively interfere with DNA, impair organ function, and cause oxidative stress.

“This powerful fruit still has the supporting presence, of equal benefit to health, of ferulic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid and gallic acid. Polyphenols are also associated with the reduction of diseases due to their protective effect against the action of oxidative stress, they participate in the protection of blood vessels from damage related to inflammation, and they even collaborate in the control of blood pressure”, says Karla.

two

HAS ANTIOXIDANT ACTION

Another benefit of having apricots in your diet is the antioxidant action that contributes to strengthening the immune system, improves the maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes, contributes to the formation of collagen, improves cell renewal, is essential for eye health (helps in maintaining good vision and hydration of the ocular surface) and also helps in the growth and development of the body, especially in childhood.

“All this due to the rich presence of vitamin A. The beta-carotene present in the apricot is responsible for providing this vitamin, which is so important for general health. breast, colon, rectum and lung) or their complications” explains the professional.

3

RICH IN VITAMIN C

Vitamin C protects the skin against UV damage, environmental pollutants, it also neutralizes free radicals and participates in the production of collagen, which gives strength and elasticity to the skin. In addition, it improves iron absorption and the functioning of the immune system. “The list of apricot nutrients is almost endless because in addition to all the mentioned benefits, the fruit is also rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, non-heme iron and fibers”.

4

SOURCE OF THE AMINO ACID TRYPTOPHAN

Apricots are a source of the amino acid tryptophan, which is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, better known as the feel-good hormone serotonin. “That is why it is a good option to consume this fruit in the afternoon, which is the time when this hormone naturally reduces in the bloodstream, causing more hunger or cravings for sweets” shares the nutritionist Vanessa Lobato.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF DAMASCO?

In addition to not being easily found in Brazil in its fresh form, apricot spoils easily and some preservative substances (used to keep it viable for longer) can develop allergies, such as salicylates that cause reactions in people allergic to aspirin (acid acetylsalicylic). “The apricot seed is edible when sweet, but if it is bitter it contains a substance that produces hydrocyanic acid, which is a potent poison” warns Karla.

The ideal or most common color of the fruit is orange or yellow, if it is in a reddish tone, be careful, as the redness occurs due to the presence of sulfur dioxide, which has the purpose of preserving the fruit, but is inorganic and harmful to health.

THE RIGHT AMOUNT TO CONSUME

As in the country the dehydrated apricot is found more easily, many people just consume it that way, however, the increase in the amount of calories between dried and fresh fruit is quite significant, making its consumption not at will, since about 100 grams of fresh fruit have an average of 50 calories, while 100 grams of dried apricot have 240.