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This article will highlight 20 incredible apricot benefits.
Fruits and vegetables are known to be delicious and filled with nutritious supplements1. Fruits especially contain vitamins, proteins, calcium, and various other nutrients needed for a healthy lifestyle.
A study by the Harvard School of Public Health suggests that fruits also reduce the risk of many fatal diseases and provides immunity. They are also essential for your brain and body.
Hidden under the wide variety of fruits available to us is the apricot. Many people who come across apricots tend to get them confused with peaches. While the fruit may look like a mini version of peach, both are very different.
An apricot is smaller in size, has fuzzy skin, and appears to be yellow and orange in color.
Apricots are available in two forms: fresh and dried fruit. The most commonly cultivated apricot species is the Prunus armeniaca.
If we go back in history, apricots were originally from China but were also eaten in ancient America. Presently, apricots are widely consumed by people from different parts of the world. In India, Apricots are found in the region of Ladakh.
According to a study, there are several apricot benefits. This fruit also serves as a solution to several health problems faced by people.
Apricot Benefits: Top 20 Amazing Facts
1. Abundant In Vitamins
One of the most important benefits of apricot is that it has vitamins and minerals which benefit the body. It includes the following vitamins:
- Vitamin A is essential for the heart, immune system, and vision.
- Vitamin C is necessary for the growth, development, and maintenance of bones.
- Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant.
2. Rich In Potassium
According to researchers, Potassium is one of the most important minerals required for the body. Apricots have plentiful potassium that helps regulate fluid balance and control high blood pressure.
If your diet does not constitute potassium, you may feel fatigued, weak, and even have difficulty breathing.
The easiest way to avoid this is to include apricots in your diet, which will reduce the risk of such potassium deficiencies2.
3. Provides Iron
For blood production, Iron is an essential mineral3. Hemoglobin or red blood cells are responsible for transferring oxygen to the body. If enough hemoglobin is not present, it can lead to several health problems.
Apricots are rich in iron and can help combat iron deficiency4. Dried apricots make a good source for iron consumption as they can be stored for a longer period of time.
4. Source Of Antioxidants
Antioxidants can prevent damage of cells from free radicals and reduce the risk of several illnesses. According to this study, apricot benefits the body as it contains antioxidants.
Apricots are a good source of beta carotene5 and are rich in flavonoids that reduce heart diseases and lower obesity. Levels.
5. Contain Acids
Apricots are rich in fatty acids that are essential for brain growth and metabolism. It also contains citric acid that may help prevent cell damage.
Apricot benefits circulation as it also contains Omega 3, an important acid needed in our body.
6. Rich in Fiber
Fiber is essential for our body as it feeds the ‘good’ bacteria and prevents chronic diseases. Eating fresh apricots can result in an overall healthy diet rich in fiber.
The fruit contains soluble fiber, which dissolves in water and breaks down into gel-like – substances. This fiber helps in regulating bowel movements, lowers heart diseases, and controls cholesterol levels.
7. Apricot Benefits For Digestion
Apricots benefit the digestive system while keeping it healthy. It includes 3.3 grams of fiber in a fresh apricot and 4.8 grams of fiber in the dried apricots.
Rich in soluble fibers, it helps in lowering blood cholesterol and maintains glucose. Apricot is known to dissolve in the body easily because of the fibers present and breaks down fatty acids, making digestion much easier.
It also cleans out the digestive tract and flushes out unwanted substances. Apricots prevent constipation and promote better gastronomical health.
8. Apricot Benefits For Your Eye
Apricot benefits in enhancing the eyesight by protecting the retina. It reduces the risk of contracting night blindness. The fruit contains Vitamin A, also known as retinol, which is very important for the eyes.
Eating fresh apricots regularly can result in a lower risk of contracting Age-Related Macular Degeneration6.
9. Apricot Benefits For Skin
The increasing pollution and ultraviolet rays have a damaging effect on the skin. In several studies, skin cancer diseases can be formed due to unhealthy exposure to the sun.
Apricots are rich in antioxidants like beta carotene, Vitamin A, C, and E, which help protect the skin from UV rays.
The vitamins and minerals present in the fruit help build collagen, which provides strength to the skin.
10.Lower Inflammation
Apricot provides anti-inflammatory benefits that can help reduce pain. The plant-based chemical beta-cryptoxanthin7 present in the fruit aids in conditions such as arthritis.
Apricot benefits in reducing inflammation and instead strengthen the bones.
11. Good For Diabetic Patients
Containing only 17 calories and 3.2 grams of sugar in one apricot, this fruit helps in a diabetic patient’s diet. They satisfy hunger as well as keep the blood sugar levels in control due to the fiber present.
If one eats in moderation, fresh apricots are good snacking options for such patients. The fruit regulates the level of blood pressure while satisfying one’s sweet tooth at the same time!
12. Aids In Heart Disease
This fruit helps in reducing various heart diseases like heart attacks and strokes. In the fruit, Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant agent and fights the free radicals present in the body.
Apricots are a good source of potassium and help prevent diseases relating to the heart while maintaining healthy blood pressure.
13. Overcome Anemia
Anemia is a condition where one’s body lacks healthy red blood cells. Patients who are anemic suffer from tiredness, weakness and experience malaise.
By taking in food rich in iron, one can overcome anemia. Apricot benefits anemic patients due to the high amount of iron content found in it. Additionally, there are also minerals present in the fruit that helps provide extra nourishment.
100 grams of apricot contain 0.4 mg of iron. The dried apricots are thus, an excellent source of iron and fiber for the body. They also become an ideal snacking option and can be used in smoothies and juices.
14. Apricot Benefits For Weight Loss
Low in calories and high in metabolism, this fruit can be added to your everyday meals.
Munching on dried apricots satiates hunger while it also helps in weight loss. Apricots can be used in salads, meals, smoothies, or juices.
15. Hydration
Dehydration can lead to many health problems. Fruits, including apricots, have nearly 80 percent of the water that reduces the risk of dehydration.
Apricots benefits in hydration as it has water and potassium. They can also be consumed after workout routines, which can further raise energy levels.
16. Strengthen Bones
Apricot is high in calcium that helps provides the strength your bones require. It prevents bones from weakening due to the high potassium is found in them.
If this fruit is present in your everyday diet, there is a lower risk of osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become brittle and week.
17. Apricot Oil For Skin
Vitamins C and E are required for healthy and youthful skin. Since apricots are rich in these vitamins, they can be used in the form of oil. Apricot oil is extracted from the kernels or seeds of the fruit.
The oil works wonders for one’s skin, substituting the chemical-induced creams and gels. The oil can be used to soften the skin, provide glow and nourishment.
According to this research, apricot oil is vital in the anti-aging process as it reduces wrinkles, blemishes, and dark spots. Due to the natural antioxidants present, it replenishes and rejuvenates the skin. Apricot benefits in providing hydration, prevents dullness, and reduces blackheads.
18. Apricot Benefits For Hair
The problems of dandruff and hair fall are widespread among many.
Apricots benefits in promoting hair growth and prevents dandruff. Since the oil is light, you need not worry about greasy hair.
The oil contains oleic acid, which is considered to be good for the hair and scalp. It moistures the scalp and makes hair softer while also reducing dryness.
The vitamins and minerals present in the oil make the hair stronger.
19. Apricot Scrub
Along with the oil, Apricot scrub is also perfect for the skin and body.
The scrub can exfoliate the skin by getting rid of dead skin cells and helps reduce fine lines. Apricot benefits acne-prone skin due to the natural properties present in it.
It is recommended to use the scrub in moderation, 2 – 3 times a week for dry skin and once a week for sensitive skin.
20. Skin Disorders
Skin conditions such as eczema and rashes can be treated with apricot oil. Due to fatty acids and Vitamin C present in this fruit, apricot benefits the skin as it heals scars and acts as an anti-inflammatory substance.
Apricot benefits the overall development of the body. This fruit is rich in various nutrients that help in diets, health problems, and skin problems.
It can be easily added to cereals, consumed with yogurts, used in cakes, and of course, combined with other nutritious fruits in a fruit salad. With plentiful options available, why not include apricots in your diet starting today?
- Finner, Andreas M. “Nutrition and hair: deficiencies and supplements.” Dermatologic clinics 31.1 (2013): 167-172. ↩︎
- Moradinezhad, Farid, and Maryam Dorostkar. “Pre-harvest foliar application of calcium chloride and potassium nitrate influences growth and quality of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) fruit cv.‘Shahroudi’.” Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 21 (2021): 1642-1652. ↩︎
- White, Philip J., and Martin R. Broadley. “Biofortifying crops with essential mineral elements.” Trends in plant science 10.12 (2005): 586-593. ↩︎
- Pasricha, Sant-Rayn, et al. “Iron deficiency.” The Lancet 397.10270 (2021): 233-248. ↩︎
- Wang, Xiang-Dong, and Robert M. Russell. “Procarcinogenic and anticarcinogenic effects of β-carotene.” Nutrition reviews 57.9 (1999): 263-272. ↩︎
- Lim, Laurence S., et al. “Age-related macular degeneration.” The Lancet 379.9827 (2012): 1728-1738. ↩︎
- Minich, Deanna M. “A review of the science of colorful, plant-based food and practical strategies for “eating the rainbow”.” Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism 2019 (2019). ↩︎
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