What are the benefits of apricot?

The apricot, this summer fruit so beloved by the French, is full of unsuspected nutritional benefits.

Summer is in full swing, and a wide variety of sun-drenched fruits are available. Among them, the apricot stands out. With its juicy, fragrant summer flavor, it's one of the French's favorite fruits during the holidays, especially for those heading south to discover the flavors of Roussillon or Bergeron apricots.

But did you know that behind its attractive appearance lies a true concentration of health benefits? No wonder doctors and nutritionists love it! "It's one of my favorite fruits," says nutritionist Jean-Michel Cohen. "I think it's one of the most interesting fruits from a nutritional standpoint." Indeed, the apricot is one of the fruits richest in minerals and trace elements. Potassium, phosphorus, copper, and magnesium, it's a good source of minerals, a crucial point during the summer when we sweat more.

Apricots are also a great ally for... our skin. "It has a very good supply of beta-carotene, like all orange fruits," says Dr. Jean-Michel Cohen. Beta-carotene is a natural pigment that transforms into vitamin A in our bodies. While vitamin A plays a role in protecting our retinas, it also actively participates in cell regeneration and contributes to our complexion and the good health of our skin, which is put to the test during the summer.

And what about sugar? "It contains a little more sugar than melon: 9 grams per 100 grams. It has a low glycemic index, so it's a good product," concludes the nutritionist. Apricots are no exception when it comes to fiber. With about 2 g of fiber per 100 g of fruit, they promote regular intestinal transit and can therefore help combat constipation. In addition, their phenol and flavonoid content gives them valuable antioxidant properties to protect our cells from premature aging.

So, is apricot all good? Yes, except for one small detail. "The negative points are mainly culinary; it doesn't keep very well," admits the nutritionist. Expect to keep for a maximum of 2 to 3 days in a fruit basket. The refrigerator will affect the taste of the apricot and should therefore be avoided.

So, how many apricots should you eat to fully benefit from their benefits? "150g for apricots is 2 to 3 apricots depending on their size," says the expert. No more than that each day, and be careful not to overdo it: excessive consumption can cause laxative effects or digestive problems, especially in people with sensitive intestines. It's therefore better to vary the pleasures by combining apricots with other seasonal fruits.

And if you love apricots so much that you want to eat them year-round, dried apricots are still a good option. Here too, the right amount "will be 2 or 3 dried apricots," according to the nutritionist. Dried apricots may also contain some preservatives and additives to preserve their color and prevent them from browning. People with sulfite intolerance should therefore avoid them.