Apricots: the underappreciated fruit packed with health benefits

They look unassuming, and we mainly reach for them in dried form. However, it is worth inviting them into your diet permanently because these small fruits contain many health benefits.

Its roots go back to Asia, although it has settled well in American gardens and orchards. As a member of the rose family, the apricot feels best in a warm climate and needs a lot of sun to bear fruit. Therefore, it usually appears on our tables in the middle or end of summer. It's a true summer fruit, unjustly overshadowed by the much more popular nectarines or peaches.

Apricots are a source of beta-carotene, which protects against free radicals, delaying aging and reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Additionally, beta-carotene positively affects eyesight and skin condition. They also contain other antioxidants, such as flavonoids and zeaxanthin, which support eye health and prevent, among other things, macular degeneration.

As befits fruits, they are also rich in vitamins from group B, vitamin C, and provitamin A, the aforementioned beta-carotene. They also contain a lot of potassium (about 270 mg/100 g), which plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, proper muscle and kidney function, and the transmission of nerve impulses.

The fibre in apricots acts like a "brush" for our intestines, stimulating their peristalsis and facilitating the movement of food content. This helps to avoid constipation and other problems related to irregular bowel movements. The intestines will work better, and troublesome and embarrassing problems with gas and bloating will be forgotten.

Apricots can be consumed in two forms - fresh and dried. Although dried apricots are more caloric, their nutritional value is also much more concentrated. This means that in a smaller amount of dried apricots, you'll find more vitamins, minerals, and fibre than in a larger amount of fresh ones. This makes them a good snack for physically active people who need a quick energy boost. It's worth choosing those without sulphur dioxide.

During the fruit season, it is worth reaching for fresh apricots, taking advantage of what nature has given us.

However, remember that everything has its limits - eating too many apricots can have a laxative effect.