APRICOTS

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

Apricots are small, pitted fruit, about the size of a golf ball. They are similar in appearance to a small peach. They have a very light fuzz on the skin, are pale orange to deep saffron in color and often show a tinge of pink or red blush on the cheek. It is classified to be the same member of the rose family as peaches. Apricots only ripen on the tree.

The apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is a fruit-bearing tree native to China where it was originally domesticated but is now cultivated on every continent except Antarctica. They were first introduced to the Western world in the early 18th century by Spanish missionaries in California. 

GENERAL TRIVIA ABOUT APRICOTS 

• One apricot tree can produce fruit for as many as 25 years.
• There are literally dozens of different varieties of apricots. 
• Different varieties will ripen at different times of the season, from late spring right through until mid-summer. 
• Each variety has its own unique flavour 
• Trees can be grown from apricot stones too
• Store fresh apricots in an airtight food storage container in the refrigerator for the longest possible shelf life. 
• To ripen unripe apricots quickly, leave them on the countertop.
• They're a good way to hydrate your skin. One cup of apricots offers about 2/3 of a cup of water.
• Apricot oil is used in cosmetics. 

IMPRESSIVE HEALTH BENEFITS

Apricot is used for asthma, cough, constipation, bleeding, infertility, eye inflammation, spasms, and vaginal infections.

• Vitamin E and Vitamin C, antioxidants have skin-boosting properties.
• Research has established an inverse relationship between flavonoids and asthmatic symptoms
• Excellent for promoting eye health as they are rich in Vitamin A, beta carotene and other carotenoids. Lutein helps to support retina and lens health. Apricot nutrients also help to reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
• Apricots offer plenty of good dietary fiber to help your digestive tract.
• Flavonoids in apricots are a good source of catechin, quercetin, and chlorogenic acids, which help to protect against inflammation and inflammatory illnesses, along with reducing your risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
• apricots can protect against liver damage and ease the symptoms of fatty liver disease 
• The potassium in the fruit can lower blood pressure levels and can hence prevent heart attacks. 
• The fiber in the fruit lowers cholesterol levels and prevents heart-related diseases like atherosclerosis.
• Can help with weight loss as the nutrients in apricots stimulate certain brain cells (called tanycytes) that make us feel full and control our appetite.
• Apricots are rich in calcium and potassium, important minerals for bone health.
• Good source of iron, which helps treat anemia
• Apricot Oil Can Boost Hair Growth and treat scalp issues.