Have you gone to a retail store to buy plums or peaches? Then you would have definitely seen apricots that resemble these two fruits. The health benefits of apricots are well-known as they have the ability to treat fever, constipation, skin diseases, anemia, etc. In addition, it is used in cosmetics for skincare treatment. In this article, you will be given information on the health benefits of apricots.
Apricots are believed to have originated from Armenia. In consumption, it comes closer to grapes and other fruits. They can be dried and eaten raw or you can also consume directly. You can find them as an ingredient in numerous jams, juices, jellies, and squash. You can also obtain oil from the kernel of apricots, and yes! They also have medicinal properties.
Table of Contents
Essential Components
Many of the health benefits of apricots are because of the presence of vitamins they contain such as A, C, K, E as well as niacin. They also possess abundant minerals, that include copper, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorous. Similar to many fruits, they also contain abundant fiber.
1. Constipation
They have a rich amount of fiber and enhance the smooth movement of food inside the intestines. In short, fibers can bulk up the stool thus adding weight for excretion. The fibers can also stimulate the gastric, digestive juices that can assist in breaking down the food. The body can easily absorb the nutrients.
2. Bones
The minerals essential for bone growth, that is, copper, phosphorous, calcium, iron, and manganese are all present in apricots. So, eating this fruit can promote the healthy development of your bones. And in the case of women, in their old age, they can prevent osteoporosis.
3. Heart Health
For a healthy heart, you need to have a considerable amount of Vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber to prevent diseases such as heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and paralytic stroke.
Vitamin C offers protection against free radicals, potassium can reduce blood pressure by relaxing tension among blood arteries and vessels. Dietary fibers promote free movement of bowels and prevent constipation, thus enhancing a healthy heart.
4. Metabolism
You need to maintain a certain level of water in the body, for a healthy body. To maintain the balance of fluid levels, you need two minerals, namely sodium and potassium. Potassium, present in high levels in apricots, maintains fluid balance in the body. The mineral also ensures the energy is distributed to the right muscles and organs. In case of adverse situations, the heart will need more amount of fluid to pump blood to all parts of the body.
5. Cure Inflammation and Fever
Apricots have anti-inflammatory substances that can soothe hyper-reaction in affected parts of the body if you have diseases such as gout and arthritis. It also provides vital minerals, vitamins, calories, water to the body in the process, detoxifying the organs.
6. Skin Disorders
The oil obtained from apricots has vital curing properties for the skin. In fact, the skin quickly absorbs the oil. It also protects the skin from various disorders such as scabies, itching, and eczema. The anti-oxidants also provide protection against free radicals, which lead to deterioration of skin as well as prevent signs of premature age such as wrinkles.
7. Anemia
You need to have considerable levels of hemoglobin in the body. Or else, you can suffer from weakness, indigestion, and many-body problems. The condition is anemia or in simple terms, deficiency or iron. Apricots have copper/iron which provides assistance during the formation of hemoglobin during consumption.
Devoid of hemoglobin, the body cannot rejuvenate itself and very soon, there will be malfunctioning of organs. Iron and copper are key components information of red blood cells. And they have additional benefits such as boosting the metabolism and keeping the body parts in proper health.
Conclusion & Precaution
Similar to all fruits and vegetables, there are some disadvantages to apricots. It has been found that apricot in its dried form contains sulfites which can cause health problems in asthmatic patients. It is better to consume fresh apricots.
The seeds of apricots also exhibit medicinal properties such as – Vitamin E found in apricot seeds enhances the general appearance as well tone of the skin. It also promotes elasticity in old age.
Pangamic acid, rarely found in many fruit components, can reduce strain in the cardiovascular system. Consuming a small amount of these seeds can assist in lowering blood pressure and reduces the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis.
The seeds also contain dietary fiber, that can reduce symptoms of constipation, diarrhea and enhance the nutrient absorption in the gut.
It is recommended that apricot seeds should be consumed only in small quantities or you can experience severe side effects, especially cyanide poisoning. The other side effects are muscle weakness, rashes, insomnia, thirst, and reduction in blood pressure.
Are you a writer who works as a free-lancer for home maintenance companies as well as health-based websites? Have you not written about apricots? Then after reading this article, you have got valuable points. Now, it is your turn to write interesting content. Good Luck!