Fights Cancer
Apricot is an excellent source of antioxidants. Free radicals are
usually caused due to pollution, sun-rays and other environmental conditions.
They hinder the process of cell growth, leading to changes in the DNA of the
cells. This leads to the formation of cancer cells in the body. Therefore,
consume apricots on a regular basis to protect yourself from cancer. Besides,
studies have also revealed that apricot seeds contain a compound called B17,
which helps in the treatment of cancer. It contains high levels of Vitamin A
and C, which boost the immune system, fighting cancer causing cells.
Eye health
Foods rich in Vitamin A, C, carotenoids and beta-carotene can help
reduce the risk of vision problems. The degenerative effect of free radicals may
lead to cataract. It can also inhibit the blood supply to the eyes, causing
macular degeneration. The high levels of beta-carotene improve blood flow to
the eyes, reversing age-related macular degeneration. It contains an
antioxidant called Zea xanthin, which provides light filtering functions, thus
improving vision.
Constipation
Apricots contain a high amount of pectin, a
soluble fiber, which helps in the treatment of constipation. It is often
recommended to patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and
constipation. Fiber bulks up the stool, making it easier to transport through
the bowels. It activates the peristaltic motion of the digestive tract,
regulating the bowel movements. The high levels of fiber in apricot are also
vital for colon health.
Better Bones
Apricots contain all the necessary nutrients required for healthy bone
growth. Thus, eating apricots regularly will ensure the growth and development
of the bones. It will also prevent age-related conditions, including
osteoporosis. The anti-inflammatory properties of apricot reduce inflammation
in the body, relieving arthritis pain and gout.
Fluid levels
Potassium in apricot helps to maintain the fluid balance in the body,
ensuring that energy is equally distributed throughout the organs. A healthy
balance of electrolytes ensures that you have more energy and stamina to deal
with day-to-day activities.
Earaches
Apricot oil is known to cure earaches. Drop a few drops of apricot oil
into the affected ear canal for quick relief.
Fever
Apricot juice is believed to cure fever. Its soothing and
anti-inflammatory properties affect the body’s overall temperature, curing
fever. Prepare a concoction using apricot juice and water. Add 1 tablespoon of
honey to this concoction. Drink this concoction twice a day to relieve cold,
cough and fever.
Heart health
Apricot is an excellent fruit for maintaining heart health. Research has
found that people who eat foods rich in Vitamin C are less susceptible to heart
diseases. The high levels of dietary fiber remove the excess cholesterol from
the arteries, reducing strain on the heart. It protects the low-density
lipoprotein from oxidation, preventing heart diseases and stroke. Potassium in
apricot regulates the balance of intracellular and extracellular water levels,
thereby regulating blood pressure. Half a cup of apricot provides the body with
10% of the recommended amount of potassium.
Anemia
Apricot is an excellent source of iron, a mineral which plays a very
important role in the formation of hemoglobin. In addition, apricot also
contains copper, which aids in iron absorption. This improves the blood flow in
the body, preventing anemia.
Weight loss
This low calorie fruit will make an excellent addition to your weight
loss regime. One hundred grams of apricot contain 45 calories. The insoluble
fiber in apricot absorbs water and keeps the stomach full for a longer time.
Fiber also promotes quick movement of food through the digestive tract.
Respiratory health
Apricot oil is believed to be anti-asthmatic in nature. It is very
beneficial for treating respiratory disease and its related symptoms. The oil
has expectorant and stimulating qualities, which helps to relieve pressure and
stress from the respiratory system. This helps to prevent asthma attacks.
Pregnancy
Apricots are very beneficial for pregnant women. It contains several
essential nutrients, which can help in the growth and development of the fetus.
Pregnant women are advised to consume dried apricots as it contains high
amounts of iron. Iron will facilitate the circulation of blood in the body,
preventing anemia. The dietary fiber in apricots prevents indigestion and
constipation in pregnant women.
Acne
The anti-inflammatory properties of apricot oil may help to treat acne
and skin redness. The flesh of apricot is particularly beneficial for treating
acne-prone skin. Apply a paste of apricot to cure acne and pimples. Apricot
leaf juice is useful for treating scabies, sunburn and eczema. Apricot scrub
reduces blackheads, unclogs the pores and deep cleanses the skin, preventing
the occurrence of acne.
Fights ageing
Regular consumption of apricot helps to maintain the elasticity and
suppleness of the skin. Vitamin E in apricot helps to delay the signs of
ageing. It also tones and firms the skin. You can use apricot paste as a facial
mask to soften the skin.
Treat skin damage:
Apricot contains oleic acid and Vitamin A, which prevent skin damage.
The anti-inflammatory properties of apricot are helpful for soothing minor skin
conditions like eczema and dry skin.
Delicious Dried
apricots
The benefits of dried apricots stem from the fact that the drying
process strips the fruit of its water content, without altering the nutritional
value. As a result, the nutritive value of apricots is concentrated into a much
more potent form, enhancing its benefits. Dried apricots are long lasting and
are consumed widely as a nutritious snack.
Iron
Dry apricot contain a relatively high concentration of iron than fresh
apricot. The type of iron supplied by dried apricot is known as non-heme iron.
The non-heme iron takes a long time to get absorbed in the body. Consume dried
apricots with Vitamin C rich foods to increase the iron absorption rate. Half a
cup of dried apricots provides nearly 12% of the recommended dietary allowance
of iron.
Antioxidants
Dried apricots contain high levels of antioxidants and other potent
phytonutrients like lutein, zea xanthin and beta cryptoxanthin. These compounds
provide protection from free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that
can cause ageing, cancer and other harmful diseases. The total antioxidant or
ORAC value of raw apricot is 1115 umol TE per 100 grams.
Nutrients
Dried apricots have a high content of Vitamin A, E and beta-carotene.
Half cup serving of dried apricots provides 14% of the recommended amount of
Vitamin A. Dried apricot contains high amounts of carbohydrates. In fact, half
cup of dried apricots yields 3 times more calories than fresh apricots.
Laxative
Dried apricots act as a natural laxative to flush out unwanted waste
from the body. It also reacts with the body’s digestive juices, producing a
more alkaline environment to aid digestion.
Choose organic dried apricots instead of the artificially dried variety.
Organic dried apricot is brown in color and is not at all subjected to chemical
treatment. Thus, organic dried apricots will help you reap the most benefits,
without leading to any side effects. For best results, consume 4 to 6 servings
of dried apricots daily.
Apricot kernel oil
Apricot kernels contain an oil content of around 40 to 50%. The oil is
extracted by the cold press method and refining the dried seeds of this fruit.
It is composed of unsaturated fats, which include oleic acid and linoleic acid.
Apricot oil is generally used in the manufacturing of cosmetics. It is added to
soap, shower gels, moisturizers and conditioners. Several hair products also
contain apricot kernel oil. Dried and canned apricots are available throughout
the year, while fresh apricots are available from May to August.
Safety profile
·
Allergies are a possible side effect
of eating apricots in high amounts.
·
Dried apricots are found to contain
sulfites. Sulfites can have serious impact on the health, inducing asthmatic
attacks. Thus, sulfite-sensitive people should avoid consuming dried apricots.
Nutritional Value
|
Principle
|
Nutrient
Value
|
Percentage
of RDA
|
|
Energy
|
50 Kcal
|
2.5%
|
|
Carbohydrates
|
11 g
|
8.5%
|
|
Protein
|
1.4 g
|
2.5%
|
|
Total
Fat
|
0.4 g
|
1%
|
|
Cholesterol
|
0 mg
|
0%
|
|
Dietary
Fiber
|
2 g
|
5%
|
|
Vitamins
|
||
|
Folates
|
9 µg
|
2%
|
|
Niacin
|
0.600
mg
|
4%
|
|
Pantothenic
acid
|
0.240 mg
|
5%
|
|
Pyridoxine
|
0.054
mg
|
5%
|
|
Riboflavin
|
0.040 mg
|
3%
|
|
Thiamin
|
0.030
mg
|
2.5%
|
|
Vitamin
A
|
1926 IU
|
64%
|
|
Vitamin
C
|
10 mg
|
16%
|
|
Vitamin
E
|
0 mg
|
0%
|
|
Vitamin
K
|
3.3 µg
|
3%
|
|
Electrolytes
|
||
|
Sodium
|
1 mg
|
0%
|
|
Potassium
|
259 mg
|
5.5%
|
|
Minerals
|
||
|
Calcium
|
13 mg
|
1.3%
|
|
Copper
|
||
|
Iron
|
0.39 mg
|
5%
|
|
Magnesium
|
10 mg
|
2.5%
|
|
Manganese
|
0.077 mg
|
3%
|
|
Phosphorus
|
23 mg
|
3%
|
|
Zinc
|
0.2 mg
|
2%
|
|
Phyto-nutrients
|
||
|
Carotene-α
|
19 µg
|
—
|
|
Carotene–ß
|
1094 µg
|
—
|
|
Crypto-xanthin-ß
|
104 µg
|
—
|
|
Lutein-zeaxanthin
|
89 µg
|
—
|