A nutritionist has named a fruit that improves heart function and strengthens the immune system

Apricot belongs to the trees of the “pink” family. The homeland of this fruit is considered to be Armenia, where this plant is a real symbol of the nation. In ancient Greece, the fruit was even called the “Armenian apple”. Alexander the Great brought it there from the Caucasian state. At the same time, scientists tend to believe that the spread of this culture still began in China.

The name is translated from Dutch into Russian as “soon-to-ripen”. This is not accidental, because they ripen very quickly. Today they are grown en masse in Turkey, Italy, Spain and Greece. In the southern part of Russia, the season begins in June, and in the northern strip – in August.

Benefits

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Apricots are rich in vitamins and minerals that contribute to the overall health and well-being of a person.

The main nutrients found in apricots are:

Vitamin A. The fruit is an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. It is important for healthy skin, vision, and maintaining the immune system;

Vitamin C. The fruit contains vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. It helps strengthen the immune system, protect cells from damage and produce collagen synthesis;

Potassium. This mineral plays an important role in maintaining the functioning of the heart, nervous system;

dietary fiber. They support the normalization of digestion and the creation of a healthy intestinal flora.

Who is contraindicated?

Restrictions for the consumption of apricots relate to the individual reactions of a person and the state of his health. Therefore, if you have any specific medical problems or allergies, it is better to consult your doctor before consuming this fruit.

Not recommended in the following cases:

Allergies. People with sensitivities to stone fruit fruits such as peaches, plums or apricots are at risk of having an allergic reaction. Symptoms may include itching, reddening of the skin, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, and difficulty breathing;

kidney problems. If the paired organ is impaired, especially if there is a potassium intake restriction, it is recommended not to include apricots in the diet. Why? They are rich in this mineral, and an excessive rate can be dangerous.

Diabetes mellitus. Fruits have a relatively high glycemic index, which can lead to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. People with this disease are recommended to control the consumption of apricots. Also consider them in the overall diet and glucose management plan;

Gastrointestinal problems. Such as diarrhea, heartburn, bloating or gas. If you have sensitivities to stone fruit, advance medical concerns or doubts about the safety of eating apricots, it is best to limit your consumption of these fruits or consult your doctor or dietitian for personalized recommendations.

Why should women eat apricots?

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The fruit is very beneficial for the continuation of labor and reproductive health, so it is recommended for consumption by women.

Apricots contain folate, which is an important element in the planning period and during pregnancy. They participate in the formation of healthy nervous tissue in the future child and reduce the risk of certain fetal defects.

They also help maintain normal hormone levels, which can contribute to a regular menstrual cycle. The fruit also contains phytoestrogens, which are essential during menopause, as they regulate the production of female hormones.

How much per day can I eat?

You should not eat too many apricots. They contain high amounts of glucose and fructose than can cause an imbalance in blood glucose levels. Therefore, 3-5 apricots per day is the optimal norm. It is better as a dessert after the main meal.

How to choose?

When buying apricots, pay attention to their appearance and condition. Choose fruits with a rich orange color and soft (but not hard) texture. Refuse to buy if there are cracks, dents or dark spots on the skin. This indicates a spoiled product.

You can use the “earlobe and nose tip rule.” What does this mean? If the density of the apricots feels like the tip of your nose – it means the apricot is ripe, but will still keep for a few days. If it feels like an earlobe, you should eat it in the next 24 hours, otherwise it will spoil.

Also pay attention to the smell. Ripe apricots should have a pleasant, sweet flavor.

How to store?

Keep apricots in a cool place to preserve their freshness.

If desired, you can extend the shelf life by freezing the fruit. This will allow you to use them in the future for making smoothies or baking. To do this, cut each fruit in half, remove the seeds. Pack them in airtight bags. Keep in the freezer for no more than three months.

To increase the storage time, you can pour sugar syrup. In this case, you can eat for one year. Better yet, make dried fruit by drying apricots. They are stored for one year.