Eating fruits is certainly a good yet healthy bet!
Why?
Because when you are taking fruits, you will be bound to receive amazing health benefits.
Moreover, every fruit has a different set of benefits to offer.
Speaking of benefits of fruits, today, we are going to talk about one of the amazing fruits – apricots.
What Is Apricot?
It is a little yet quite effective fruit.
It has an orange-yellowish outer skin and its outer hairy texture gives it a very soft appearance.
Moreover, to eat this delicious fruit, you do not need to peel it; you can have it without peeling it.
Additionally, this is not just any fruit; it is actually a fruit with a variety of health benefits to offer.
Did you know?
Just around 100 grams of fresh apricots have the potential to offer you 259 mg potassium, 39% vitamin A and 17% vitamin C.
The most amazing thing is this all will come in less than 50 calories.
Which Antioxidants Are Present In Apricots?
These are some of the top antioxidants that you can get from apricots:
- Caffeic acid
- Coumaric acid
- Ferulic acid
- Proanthocyanidins
- Catechins
- Epicatechins
- Hydroxycinnamic
- Quercetin
- Gallic acid
- Lutein
- Beta-cryptoxanthin
- Zea-xanthin
Top 8 Apricot Health Benefits
- Weight loss with apricot
Nature has gifted this fruit with a high content of dietary fiber.
Hence, it can come handy for those folks who are willing to lose several pounds.
How is it possible?
Simple, the high content of fiber promotes better digestion and improvement in the excretory system.
Moreover, it happens to improve good metabolic rate.
Eating apricot can be a great alternative for mindless munching habit.
Additionally, this fruity treat is able to restore electrolyte balance and without causing you much on the calorie index.
- Apricot and skin
The presence of antioxidants in this fruit, such as Vitamin C; Vitamin A; and phytonutrients, make sure that your body can maintain a healthy looking skin.
Furthermore, the right antioxidants are quite essential to accelerate the formation of new cells that can replace dead or worn out cells.
Hence, it becomes useful in delaying the process of aging and eliminating the fine lines.
Additionally, vitamin A makes it sure that skin does not face any common skin related problems, such as the appearance of acne.
Therefore, the consumption of apricot is equal to a youthful and healthy skin.
- The presence of potassium
This fruit has a high content of potassium.
It is a noteworthy thing that good ratio of potassium is actually beneficiary for us.
Basically, when potassium comes in contact with salt or sodium, it can maintain the levels of water within and between the human cells.
Furthermore, this watery fluid is electrolyte and it works as the carrier for neurotransmitters.
Thus, for a proper neurotransmission potassium becomes vital.
Moreover, Potassium happens to stabilize the blood pressure.
The deficiency of Potassium can bring the risk of hypertension and eventually the risk of heart attacks.
Therefore, this fruit can actually be a great remedy to keep the potassium intake in line.
- Healthy eyes
Two to three servings of apricot per day can actually prevent Macular Degeneration (an eye disorder).
Moreover, the consumption of this fruit on the daily basis can actually provide strength to the optic nerves in a healthy human being.
Thus, it is simply an amazing thing to keep your eyes healthy and at bay from certain diseases.
- Good for heart
Its good content of fiber is also good for heart life.
How does it happen?
The high amount of fiber tends to reduce bad cholesterol ratio (LDL) in the human body.
Hence, it becomes a support in lowering down the risk of cardiovascular issues.
Additionally, this fruit has all the elements, such as fiber, potassium, antioxidants that can keep the cardiovascular system in a proper check.
- The presence of Antioxidants makes Apricot a superfood
It is naturally a complete meal due to having antioxidants.
Why are we saying this?
Antioxidants are the requirement of the human body for performing a variety of different roles.
Moreover, antioxidants help the human body to get rid of free radicals and toxic substances that the body tends to accumulate.
Additionally, Vitamin A acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Therefore, its work, really, helps the proper growth of cells in the human body and boosting the immune system the right way!
- Strong Bones
Apricots are full of potassium and calcium.
Calcium is a prerequisite for the development of bones.
Thus, the deficiency of calcium simply means issues of bones.
However, absorption and distribution cannot be done on its own that is why it needs the support of Potassium.
Therefore, for keeping the bones healthy and in the right state, the foods, which are rich in calcium and potassium, are mandatory.
Bottom line: apricot can come in the list of such food items.
- Prevention of Anemia
Non-heme iron is a very common thing. It is present in almost all the plants that possess iron. Moreover, most of the dry fruits have it.
Does it make any difference?
Yes, it does. As per the report of the World Health Organization (WHO), anemia (a blood-related disorder) is the most common health problem among all.
Usually, females are more affected than males by this disorder.
Non-heme iron is actually helpful for keeping anemia at bay.
Therefore, Apricots are also good for protecting the body from this nutrient disorder.
What Is The Serving Size?
For natural food items, there is a variety of things; we need to keep in mind.
- Age
- Gender
- Status of health etc
It is always a good idea to keep the quantity to the minimum range, but you can consult to a doctor if unsure.
However, to start with, you can have four and a half fresh apricots.
They are equal to one cup of sliced fruit.
This is enough to offer almost 4 grams of dietary fiber and provide around 100 calories.
Possible Side Effects
When the excess consumption of apricot seeds is in place, it is likely to generate
- Symptoms of poisoning (cyanide)
- Weakness
- The feeling of lethargy
- Insomnia
- Pain in joint or muscle regions
- Nervousness
- A sudden drop in blood pressure
- Elevated thirst
- Fever
- Nausea
- A headache
Note:
Even in some severe cases, it may cause coma or death.
However, we still need some more research work about the side effects of this fruit.