Apricots Health Benefits

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	—