10 HEALTH AND NUTRITION BENEFITS OF APRICOTS

The Apricot is a round juicy and sweet stone fruit. It has pale yellow-orange flesh, fuzzy skin and seed inside. It tastes like peach and plum. These fruits may be small but they are full of nutrients and minerals. This yellow-orange fruit has several health benefits. For example, they help prevent anemia also suitable for skin and other health relating problems.  Prunus armeniaca (apricot) first originated in China and they were so famous and highly consumed fruit. There are various types of apricots; some popular apricots are Blenheim, Tilton and Moorpark.

Types of Apricots

1. Blenheim Apricots: These apricots are extensively grown for canning and drying in California. These are small to medium in size and taste like apricot but their colour doesn’t match other apricots. People prefer eating them in early-mid summer. Due to less availability of land, the agriculture of Blenheim apricots has reduced drastically. The aroma of this apricot is often compared to honeysuckle. The common use of these apricots is to eat them raw. Simply, take a big bite of the fresh fruits; peel it if you want to or eat it as it is and enjoys it.

2. Tilton Apricots: These apricots are heart-shaped. They have a beautiful golden colour with just a hint of red. The common use of this apricot is the same as Blenheim apricots. These apricots are also known for their sweetness with a little touch of tartness.

3. Moorpark Apricots: These apricots are sweet- juicy and also good for fresh eating, canning and drying. Like as these beautiful apricots, the landscape tree of this fruit is considered so attractive with its spring bloom of whitish-pink flowers.

4. Some other apricots are Gold Bar Apricots and Tomcat

Nutrients Present in Apricots:

According to the US Department of Agriculture, one 35-gram apricot has the following:

• Energy - 17 calories

• Protein - 0.5 grams/ less than 1 gram

• Fat - 0.15 gram

• Carbohydrates - 3.9 grams

• Fibre - 0.7 gram

• Sugar - 3.23 grams

Nutritious Benefits of Apricots

These fruits may be small but they’re so nutritious with tasty flavour. Consider yourself lucky that you can eat this fruit and can get a high amount of Vitamins, Flavonoids and potassium.

1. Healthy Blood Pressure: Minerals like Flavonoids work to make your blood nerves strong and also keep them protected while reducing inflammation. You might know that Potassium is an important mineral for nerves and muscle function; also, it helps nutrients move around the body.

2. Skin Protection: Apricots have a suitable amount of Vitamin E and Vitamin C which are well known for their skin-boosting properties. This help to protect skin cells from Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and reduce wrinkle or early sign of wrinkles. Furthermore, antioxidant like Beta- Carbonate also helps to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Since apricots have water more content, they can also help to keep your skin hydrated.

3. Healthy Vision: If you have an issue relating to your eyes; let me tell you apricots have rich amounts of Vitamin A, Beta- Carbonate and other Carotenoids which are so helpful for the protection of your eyes. Carotenoids and Vitamin E supports overall vision and Lutein helps to support retina and lens health.

4. Better Digestive System: Apricots have plenty of good amounts of Dietary Fibre which helps digestive track and stool passing. Their total fibre content is half soluble and half insoluble fibre. Insoluble fibre is known for keeping gut bacteria levels healthy and good. Soluble fibre helps the digestive tract retain enough water and encourages good bacteria to thrive.

5. May Alleviate Fever: If you have a fever then drinking apricot juice may help alleviate fever as it provides the body with the essential Vitamins, Minerals, Calories and water. It also helps to detoxify various organs. It controls your body temperature when you are unwell. If you are suffering from arthritis or gout then this fruit can be so beneficial for reducing inflammation in other body parts.

6. May Eliminate Anemia: Apricots can aid in synthesizing hemoglobin as they contain iron and copper. As a result, it aids in the treatment of anemia. An iron shortage can cause weakness, weariness, digestive problems, light-headedness and overall metabolism malfunction. Apricots rich source of iron and copper, making them an excellent tool for boosting metabolism and keeping the keeping body healthy.

7. May Help Support Liver: According to some research, consuming apricots may help alleviate oxidative damage from the liver.

8. May Help Strengthen Bones: Consuming apricots can help maintain your bone’s proper growth and development. An apricot contains nearly almost all minerals that are essential for bone’s growth and strength such as Calcium, Phosphorus, Manganese, iron and copper. Additionally, it also prevents numerous age-related bone problems, such as Osteoporosis and Brittle bone Disease.

9. High In Potassium: Potassium is a mineral that functions as an electrolyte and apricots are abundant in potassium. It is in charge of delivering nerve messengers; maintaining fluid equilibrium regulating muscle contractions in your body. Two apricots 170 grams contain 181 milligrams of this mineral, 4% of the DV. Since this mineral works in tandem with salt to maintain fluid balance, it prevents bloating and keeps maintenance of healthy blood pressure.

10. Weight Management: As, you know that apricots are a good source of flavonoids, this antioxidant helps to protect against inflammation and inflammatory illness, and reduce your risk of obesity as the main flavonoids found in apricots are catechin, quercetin and chlorogenic acids.

Dried Apricots are a kind of dry fruit that is as nutritious and healthy as fresh apricots. They are well known for reducing inflammation. Dried Apricots play a big role in easing constipation. This form of apricot has antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein. They also contain vital nutrients like Potassium, Iron, Vitamin C, Fibre etc.

Conclusion

Apricots are small and full of nutritious fruit. Now you know everything about apricots and its benefits. There are so many ways to add them to your diet and make your eating habit healthy. Like other vegetables and fruits, apricots are full of essential vitamins and minerals that our system needs. Dried apricots have several health benefits like it helps your body to absorb more nutrients, improving bone mineral density and promoting gut health and the digestive system.