Belonging to the Rosaceae family, apricot (scientific name: Prunus armeniaca) is a nutritious and tasty fruit, orange in color, soft pulp and fine skin. Its flavor resembles the flavors of plums and peaches.
Ariane Longo, clinical nutritionist and herbalist at Gastro Obeso Center, explains that apricot is a fruit rich in antioxidants such as beta carotene, vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin. It also has a high content of fiber, potassium and iron.
The fruit can be consumed in fresh and dry versions, with dried apricot widely used in various recipes, always giving an exquisite touch to the dishes.
Learn more about this fruit that offers incredible health benefits and can be your kitchen ally!
8 Apricot Health Benefits
There are many advantages of apricot consumption due to the high concentration of nutrients present in the fruit:
Read also: 38 Happiness Flavored Banana Cake Recipes
1. Cancer prevention and fight: As an excellent source of antioxidants, apricot helps fight free radicals (which in turn may favor the onset of cancer, among other diseases).
2. Improved Immune System: In addition to its antioxidant power, apricots can enhance overall health and help combat a variety of problems by containing high levels of vitamin A and C, which boost the immune system.
3. Eye Health Ally: A source of vitamin A, vitamin C, carotenoids and beta carotene, apricot, when consumed frequently, helps reduce the risk of vision problems.
4. Fight against constipation: As it is rich in fiber, apricot helps significantly in treating constipation.
5. Bone Health Ally: The fruit contains important nutrients for healthy bone growth and helps to prevent age-related conditions (such as osteoporosis). With anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help to prevent pain.
Read also: 40 jelly recipes to sweeten your life healthily
6. Weight loss aid: High in fiber, the fruit provides more satiety and, with its sweet taste (especially in the dry version), helps to reduce the desire for sweets, thus being a great ally in a weight loss diet.
7. Friend of the heart: Apricot contains important properties for good heart health, for example by fighting excess cholesterol and blood pressure.
8. Fight against anemia: As it is a source of iron and copper, apricot significantly helps to prevent anemia.
In addition to fruit consumption, apricot oil is often used as a beauty ally: with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it contributes to the health of the skin, combating, for example, acne and the signs of aging.
Damascus: Powerful Ally of the Weight Loss Process
If inserted into a balanced diet plan, preferably directed by a nutritionist, apricot can offer good advantages for those who want to lose weight. The dry version is often found more easily and is most commonly used in weight loss diets.
Read also: 5 benefits of granola and how to make it taste better and healthier
• Fresh apricot, like other fruits, should be consumed in a short period as it spoils easily. For conservation, the ideal is to be kept away from sunlight and at room temperature, or in glass jars with lids under refrigeration. Already the dried apricot, being dehydrated, has a longer shelf life and has a higher value of fructose ?, comments Ariane.
Because of its high fiber content, dried apricot provides satiety, assisting in low calorie diets. However, one cannot overdo it and exceed 4 to 5 units per day, as each unit contains approximately 6g of carbohydrate and 23 calories ?, adds the nutritionist.
"Apricot is usually indicated for intermediate snacks, preferably associated with the mix of oilseeds or preparations with yogurt," says Ariane. It can also be used to naturally sweeten some recipes, such as pies and cakes.
Apricot recipes for you to vary the menu
There are plenty of reasons to include apricot in your menu, so how about writing down some ideas for dishes to prepare with the fruit?
1. Apricot and passion fruit jelly: Very simple to prepare, this jelly is perfect to accompany bread, crackers or toast. You will only need apricot, passion fruit juice, apple, crystal sugar, brandy, vanilla paste and water.
Read also: 50 tapioca recipes for you to enjoy healthily
2. Apricot and Coconut Sweetie: Light, delicious and with an exquisite touch, this sweetie is great for serving at parties and celebrations.In addition to the main ingredients (apricot and coconut), you will only use sugar, water and candy pans!
3. Gorgonzola, apricot and walnut paste: A simply delicious option for you to serve with bread. Good tip for when you are visiting at home and want to offer a neat entry before dinner! Everyone will love!
4. Banana, apricot and chocolate cake: a healthy cake while still being tasty! It takes nothing from flour and is sweetened with natural apricot sugars. But it is essential to use dark or dark chocolate in the recipe as they have a higher cocoa content.
5. Vegan Apricot Cheesecake: This version is served in the cup and, besides being beautiful, it is delicious! It is also easy to make and a good alternative to serve on special occasions such as Easter, Christmas, New Year.
6. Tender with brie cheese and apricot jam: a recipe as elegant as it is delicious! It is a very juicy tender with apricot jam and gratin brie cheese. Great choice for the holidays!
7. Pork loin with apricot puree and spinach rice: This recipe is very easy to make, and you can prepare it the day before and, on the day of serving, just assemble the dish. Ideal for a special family lunch.
8. Moroccan couscous with apricot and raisins: a delicious and different accompaniment. You will need apricots, white raisins, black raisins, onions, white wine, Moroccan couscous, water, butter, salt and ground pepper.
9. Chicken with apricot sauce: A chicken sassami recipe that gets a sophisticated twist on apricot. But it is very easy to make, besides being delicious and with a party flavor!
10. Apricot Brie Cheese Paste: The combination of apricot and thyme brie cheese flavors is divine! The recipe is easy, vegetarian. A great snack suggestion to gather friends and family.
Contraindications and warnings about consumption
Ariane points out that if consumed in excess, apricot can lead to episodes of diarrhea due to the high fiber content (which accelerate intestinal motility). "And because it contains too much carbohydrate, it can also increase the calorie value of the diet," warns the nutritionist.
Remember that apricot can be a good ally of your health, even in a weight loss process, but for this, it should be consumed moderately and associated with a balanced diet.
Recipe: How to make tamarind juice! (April 2024)
- food
- 1,230
