What are some of the notable health benefits of eating apricot? There are various types of trees in the genus Prunus that yield the fruit known as apricots. However, the fruits of the other species in the Prunus sect. Armeniaca are sometimes referred to as apricots. Apricots are typically from the species P. armeniaca. This article will discuss some amazing health benefits of eating an apricot. Keep reading.
In order to live a healthy lifestyle, individuals are becoming more conscious of their food and including healthful fruits and vegetables in it. One of these fruits that has several health advantages is the apricot. Pitches are the smaller variants of apricots (Armenian plums), which contain the acerbity of purple plums.
What is an apricot?
A ubiquitous fruit in all temperate climates, particularly in the Mediterranean, is the apricot. They may be consumed either raw or cooked. The apricot fruit is used to flavor liqueurs and creating preserves. Apricots are a great source of vitamin A and are abundant in natural sugar. The iron content of dried apricots is high.
When ripe, they have a peach-like sweetness and a little acidic taste (unripe ones will be sourer). Apricots are strong enough to be used in baking and cooking yet delicate enough for a quick snack. Apricots may be either luxuriant and sweet, like the fruit, or bitter, like the extract of the apricot kernel, in fragrance (think of an Amaretto-ish bitter almond scent).
Nutritional Value of Apricot
Let’s start by introducing you to the nutritional benefits of the apricot. Seventy grams of two fresh apricots contain:
Calories: 34
Carbs: 8 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 0.27 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Vitamin A: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 8% of the DV
Vitamin E: 4% of the DV
Potassium: 4% of the DV
Antioxidants including beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin are abundant in apricots. You may get a sense of the advantages of apricots from the apricot nutrition facts above.
22 Health benefits of eating apricot
Let’s find below 22 crucial health benefits of eating apricot:
1. Apricot benefits for heart
Additionally, apricots are an excellent source of flavonoids, an antioxidant that lowers your risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease as well as protecting against inflammation and inflammatory diseases.
Catechin, quercetin, and chlorogenic acids are the three primary flavonoids found in apricots. Similar to most fruits, apricots are naturally abundant in water, which can aid in controlling heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and joint health.
2. Highly hydrating
Because apricots are high in water, they regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and joint health. Fresh apricots that have been cut into a cup (165 grams) provide about 2/3 cup (142 ml) of water. After a strenuous workout, eating apricots helps restore electrolytes and water loss.
3. Apricot benefits for the brain
Tryptophan, an amino acid that the body uses to create serotonin, is abundant in apricots. This brain chemical improves self-esteem, raises your mood, and makes you feel more upbeat. It may even help you rein in impulsive behavior.
You also get better sleep as a result. Magnesium and phosphorus, which improve brain function, are found in apricots. A brain stroke may result from irregular blood pressure, and apricots score well here too!
4. Full of potassium
Potassium, which is present in apricots, regulates fluid balance, muscular contractions, and nerve signaling. The amount of potassium in two apricots (70 grams) is 181 mg or 4% of the DV.
Sufficient potassium consumption will keep blood pressure in a healthy range and stop bloating. 33 individuals in research who ate a potassium-rich diet took part. The study’s conclusion showed that potassium decreased blood pressure and led to a 24% lower risk of stroke.
5. Good for bones
Calcium is a mineral that strengthens and thickens your bones. Because they are high in calcium, apricots are good for your bones.
All the minerals required for strong bone development and production are present in a decent proportion in apricots. All of the minerals included in apricots—calcium, phosphorous, manganese, iron, and copper—play a part in bone metabolism.
6. Encourage Gut Health
3.3 grams of fiber are included in one cup (165 grams) of sliced apricots, representing 8.6% and 13.2% of the daily requirement for men and women, respectively.
Fiber, both soluble and insoluble, is abundant in apricots. The major benefit of apricots’ high soluble fiber content is that it helps to keep cholesterol and blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
Fibers help your GI system work better and are beneficial to the good bacteria in your stomach. Obesity risk is lower with healthy gut microbiota.
7. Safeguards Your Liver
According to certain scientific research, apricots may shield your liver from oxidative damage. According to certain research conducted on animals, apricots reduced liver enzyme and inflammatory marker levels.
Apricots’ strong antioxidant content makes them useful against liver damage. However, more thorough research is needed to back up the assertion.
8. Enhance Your Skin
Your skin will be shielded against numerous aggressors, such as the sun, pollution, and cigarette smoke if you consume apricots.
Apricots include vitamins C and E that may benefit your skin. Your skin’s suppleness and strength are increased by vitamin C’s production of collagen. By eliminating free radicals from your body, vitamin C also protects against UV rays and environmental pollution. Apricots contain beta-carotene, which protects your skin from sunburn.
9. Apricot benefits for female
The apricot is regarded in Chinese medicine as being beneficial for cleansing, quenching thirst, and replenishing bodily fluids. Apricots are a fantastic food for supporting eye health since they are high in vitamin A, beta-carotene, and other carotenoids. The health of the retina and lens is supported by lutein. The apricot is extremely calorie-efficient and nutrient-dense.
A rich source of vitamins and minerals, apricots are incredibly nourishing. It has a lot of antioxidants, may benefit skin, eyes, and intestinal health is highly hydrating, and may safeguard your liver. It also contains a lot of potassium.
10. Advantageous for Your Eyes
Vitamin A and E, two nutrients found in apricots, help to promote eye health.
Night blindness can be prevented with the use of vitamin A. On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamin E gets right into your eyes and protects them from oxidative damage. The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which shield your eyes from oxidative stress, are also found in apricots.
11. Apricot benefits for weight loss
The calories in dried apricots are high. However, they also contain fiber, so eating them sometimes may aid in weight loss. Apricots are a low-calorie meal to include in your weight-loss plan as they only have 48 calories per 100 grams. Without boosting your caloric intake or inducing desires, apricots can keep you satisfied for several hours.
Apricots are a great low-calorie addition to your diet since they are low in calories, with only 48 calories per 100 grams. The greatest snack for your weight-reduction plan is dried apricots since they are high in fiber and will keep you from feeling hungry for nearly 5 hours.
12. Antioxidants abundant
Beta carotene and vitamins A, C, and E are just a few of the numerous antioxidants found in apricots. Additionally, apricots are a great source of flavonoids, which are polyphenol antioxidants that protect you from diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Catechins, chlorogenic acids, and quercetin are the flavonoids found in apricots.
All of these elements eliminate the free radicals that cause oxidative stress. Numerous chronic illnesses are connected to oxidative stress.
13. Apricot benefits for hair
Apricot oil, which is high in oleic acid and omega-9 fatty acids, hydrates your hair and scalp, softens your hair and scalp, promotes hydration, and helps you get rid of dry, dull, lifeless, and harsh strands. Prevents hair loss: “It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which by reducing inflammation, protect and moisturize the scalp.
14. Apricot for anemia
Iron is abundant in apricots, and a sufficient quantity of iron is essential for the body’s production of hemoglobin. Apricots enhance circulation and ward against anemia. Copper, which also aids in iron absorption, deserves all the credit.
An excellent source of iron that helps to combat anemia is dried apricots. Additionally, copper is present, which absorbs iron. Our regular diet should contain dried apricots since they aid in the creation of hemoglobin, which is beneficial for women who suffer from the heavy menstrual flow.
15. Apricot benefits for blood
In conclusion, potassium supports fluid homeostasis, muscular contractions, and nerve communication. Consuming foods high in potassium, like apricots, may lower your risk of stroke and lower high blood pressure.
Because the fruit contains potassium, it helps reduce blood pressure and hence lowers the risk of heart attacks. Additionally, the fruit’s fiber decreases cholesterol. Apricots are a fantastic food for supporting eye health since they are high in vitamin A, beta-carotene, and other carotenoids. The health of the retina and lens is supported by lutein.
16. Apricot benefits for PCOS
Because they help regulate insulin levels, apricots are especially beneficial for persons who have PCOS. Since they are high in fiber, you won’t feel hungry for about 5 hours after eating them. Apricots are a low-calorie food that will make you feel satisfied.
You may reduce weight and sate your desires with dried apricots. There are seventy-four calories and fourteen in one cup of fresh apricot halves. 5 grams of naturally occurring sugar; 78 calories from 1/4 cup of dried apricot halves.
17. Apricot benefits for thyroid
A reviving vitamin that helps maintain a healthy thyroid to advance well health. Tyrosine and iodine, which are obtained from kelp, are ingredients in the composition. A high concentration of antioxidants found in apricots aids in the battle against the harmful effects of free radicals.
It has a ton of health advantages, including those that are good for thyroid health. This is because it has numerous minerals including folate and vitamin K. Although dried apricots do contain some selenium, the quantities are not very high, making them not the most effective source.
18. Apricot benefits for babies
Because apricots are rich in Vitamin A, they contribute to a baby’s improved vision. You can benefit from offering apricots to your infant because they also include vitamins C and E.
The body transforms part of the carotenoids included in apricots into vitamin A to maintain healthy skin, eyes, and immune systems. One of the benefits of apricots is that they can strengthen your child’s immune system. The high vitamin C and E content of apricots contribute to improving your baby’s health.
19. Rich in fiber and vitamins
The body transforms part of the carotenoids included in apricots into vitamin A to maintain healthy skin, eyes, and immune systems. Apricots are a wholesome, nutrient-rich snack.
They include a wealth of important nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Apricots are a good source of many of the vitamins and minerals that a baby’s body needs to operate, just like other fruits and vegetables are.
20. Apricot benefits for pregnancy
Fresh or dried apricots are both healthy and advantageous for pregnant women. These vitamin-rich fruits are also rich in fiber, calcium, potassium, and carbs. Additionally, they boost defenses, provide the expecting mother energy, and control her blood pressure.
Apricot consumption during pregnancy is advantageous for the unborn child. Folic acid, which is present in apricots, aids in preventing congenital defects. Apricots’ Health Benefits for Expectant Women One of the greatest sources of vitamin E, which is essential for cell development and division, is apricots.
21. Apricot benefits for fertility
Since ancient times, dried apricot has been utilized as a natural remedy for pregnancy. It also aids in the treatment of bleeding, spasms, and infertility. This dried fruit paste helps treat vaginal infections. However, those who are expecting or nursing should only drink this in moderation.
Apricots are loaded with minerals that are good for fertility, such as beta-carotene (their vibrant orange color makes this obvious!). potassium and vitamins C and E.
22. Apricot benefits for diabetes
Fresh apricots have a low glycemic index of 34, making them a fruit that diabetics may consume without experiencing any negative effects. The absence of blood sugar increases following apricot consumption will aid T1Ds and T2Ds in maintaining appropriate HbA1c levels.
The classic summertime fruit, apricots are a delicious complement to any diabetic diet plan. Apricots, which have a low Glycemic Index of 32, are extremely healthy for diabetics and safe to eat every day.
Side effects
Apricots must be consumed in smaller doses. Apricot intake in excess might result in nausea, sweating, dizziness, fainting, and loss of consciousness.
An excessive amount of apricot seed consumption is fatal since it can turn into cyanide, which is bad for the body.
Those who are allergic to this fruit should stay away from apricots.
Diabetes: Dried apricots should not be consumed by diabetics.
Low blood pressure: Apricots should not be consumed by those with low blood pressure.
Final thoughts
A naturally occurring poison may be found in the seeds of apples, pears, and apricot kernels (amygdalin). When consumed, this toxin can cause stomach enzymes to respond, releasing cyanide as a poison in the gut. This can be dangerous, especially to young children, and cause stomach aches and other illnesses.
Dried apricots reduce cholesterol levels and enhance digestion. Apricots must be eaten whole and unpeeled if you wish to get their health advantages. Numerous fibers and nutrients may be found in apricot skin. Since the stone is inedible, throw it away. Excellent providers of vitamins A and C are apricots. Due to their high fiber content and natural melatonin content, apricots make for the ideal nighttime snacks.
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