Summer has arrived and with her her seasonal fruits, including the delicious apricots. Round and yellow, they look like a smaller version of a fishing but share the harshness of purple plums.
The apricots, in addition to being delicious, should be consumed frequently in the summer period for its numerous benefits for the general health of our body and its numerous nutrients.
In fact, they are rich in vitamins (especially carotenoids), vitamin A and C and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, iodine, iron and calcium.
Let’s see in detail the 7 main beneficial effects obtained by simply eating a couple of apricots a day.
Healthier eyes
Among the multiple health benefits, apricots contain numerous essential compounds for better eye health, including the vitamins A and e e.
Specifically, the vitamin to prevent nocturnal blindness, a disorder caused by the lack of clear pigments in the eyes. Vitamin E, however, is a liposoluble antioxidant that protects the eyes from the damage of free radicals.
The apricots are also rich in Beta Carotene (which acts as a precursor of vitamin A) and others carotenoidslike lutein and zeaxanthin, who help protect the retina, one of the most delicate parts of the eye.
Brighter skin
Apricots also have beneficial effects on skin health, this is because they contain multiple antioxidants useful for preventing the main damage of the skin.
For example, the vitamins C and e e They favor skin health by protecting it from the damage of UV rays and environmental pollutants, neutralizing free radicals.
In particular, vitamin C plays an important role in the construction of collagen, which gives strength and elasticity to the skin.
Regularized intestine and cholesterol
Apricots are rich in fiber Both soluble and insoluble, essential for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels.
The fibers are also fundamental because they delay the movement of food through the digestive tract and feed beneficial intestinal bacteria, increasing the health of the ruling system and preventing the risks of obesity.
A single apricot (about 35 grams) contains 0.7 grams of fiber, eating at least 5 can be obtained a good source of soluble fibers capable of nourishing healthy intestinal bacteria and improving the health of the digestive system.
More hydrated body
Like most fruits, apricots are naturally rich in waterfall which promotes regular blood pressure, body temperature, joint health and heart rate.
Hydration is also very important because it is containing the blood to circulate nutrients throughout the body. For this reason, eating apricots can be an easy way to reintegrate both water and loss of electrolytes after exercise since, a bit like bananas, this fruit of good quantities of water and potassium
More regular blood pressure
Apricots are rich in potassiumwhich favors the nervous signaling, muscle contractions and the balance of liquids.
Eating foods rich in potassium, such as apricots, can maintain healthy blood pressure and therefore help prevent hypertension and reduce the risk of stroke.
Less swollen belly
Since potassium works closely with sodium to maintain the balance of liquids, apricots can also help prevent abdominal swelling.
More protected liver
The last but not least beneficial effect of apricots is to protect the liver from oxidative stress.
This is because thanks to their high content of antioxidants, apricots can help prevent liver damage.
An ally (also) of the line
Apricots are a low calorie fruit: about 15 calories per fruit. This makes them ideal as light snack, especially if you are trying to keep the line or lose weight. They are perfect to insert in a balanced diet, perhaps in combination with dried fruit for a satiating snack and rich in energy.
How to eat them (and when to avoid them)
Apricots are versatile and can be consumed:
Be careful though: those suffering from irritable colon or fruits allergies with core should consume them in moderation, since they can cause fermentation or crusader reactions.
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