Apricots: biochemistry and functional properties

Apricot is one of the most important fruit produced in the temperate countries. Consumed both as fresh and dried, it represents an important ingredient of diet. It contains polyphenols, carotenoids with well-known biological effects, including liver and heart protective, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory, and microelements, such as Zn, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Na, Mn, P, and K. Apricot and its by-products could potentially be useful as complementary support in human nutrition and for treatment of different diseases.