Apricots

Apricots are the fruits of the apricot tree, or Prunus armeniaca, of the Rosaceae family. Fresh apricots contain vitamins A and C and mineral salts such as potassium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus, they are also rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant with a protective role in heart disease, cataracts and stroke and inhibition of tumor cell growth, as reported in the guidelines of the American Institute for cancer research about phytochemicals and their effect on human health. Apricots are also rich in soluble fiber, able to stabilize blood glucose and with beneficial effects in case of constipation. In addition to this, thanks to the presence of fiber, these fruits help to control hunger, give a sense of satiety and control cholesterol. Apricots contain iron and are indicated to counteract anemia, fatigue and weakened immune system. Finally, apricots have cleansing properties. You can also eat apricots in dried form, even richer in potassium, useful against hypertension. But be careful if you eat dried fruits because, for better conservation, sulfites are often added and this can cause allergic reactions, so prefer organic foods. There is another use of apricots, reported by the well-known French herbalist Messegue, which is based on an ancient tradition dating back to the great Arabic physician Mesué and on the experience of Messegue himself. It is possible to obtain a decoction by boiling 100 grams of fresh apricot pulp per liter of water for 4-5 minutes, filter and once lukewarm it can be used for external use, for wraps in hemorrhoids but also otitis and respiratory tract diseases.