Apricots are the yellowish-orange fruits that belong to the family of Rosacea. Other fruits that belong to the same family are peach, pear and apple. In appearance and size, Apricots are small in size.
They are covered with a velvet-like skin which is smooth in its texture. Apricot is available and consumed in both fresh as well as dried forms. Both are equally nutritious in their content. In their unripe forms, they are still green in color and they turn to a golden yellow or orange once they start ripening, according to juicing-for-health.com.
They are usually available in the summer seasons. If they are available in other seasons, it means that it has been dried and canned. They are juicy and sweet and have a musky, faint tartness in their taste, according to juicing-for-health.com.
The impressive health benefits of apricots are due to the content of vitamins, including vitamins A, C, K, E, and niacin in significant amounts, as well as a number of other essential vitamins in trace amounts, as well as their mineral content, which includes potassium, copper manganese, magnesium, and phosphorous. Apricots are also a very good source of dietary fiber, like most fruits.
Apricot Health Benefits
Constipation
The cellulose and pectin content in apricot is a gentle laxative and are effective in the treatment of constipation. The insoluble cellulose acts as a roughage which helps the bowel movement. The pectin absorbs and retains water, thereby increasing bulk to stools, aiding in smooth bowel movement.
Fevers
Apricot juice is often given to patients suffering from fever because it provides necessary vitamins, minerals, calories and water to the body, while also detoxifying various systems and organs. Some people also use steamed apricot to relieve fevers. In this way, apricot is a soothing, anti-inflammatory substance that can also impact the body's overall temperature level when you aren't sick. Furthermore, it can reduce inflammation in other parts of the body, like for people who suffer from arthritis or gout.
Skin Disorders
Apricot oil is good for skin care. It is quickly absorbed by the skin and does not keep the skin oily after it is applied. Apricots are not just useful for maintaining the smooth and shiny appearance of the skin; it also aids in treating a number of skin diseases including eczema, itching, scabies, and a number of other irritating conditions. This is specifically due to the antioxidant compounds found within apricots. The antioxidants in apricots protect the skin from the effects of free radicals, which can lead to skin deterioration and signs of premature aging.
Vision
The high amount of vitamin A is essential to maintain or improve eyesight. Insufficiency of this vitamin can cause night blindness and impair sight.
Cancer
The rich levels of antioxidants in apricots is helpful in lowering your risk of developing cancer. Free radicals in the body are harmful. They are produced in the body due to environmental pollution, ultra violet rays of the sun and the smoke. Free radicals inhabit the natural course of cell growth. Thus, antioxidants are beneficial in the helping to increase the process of cell growth. It thus saves the body from many different types of cancers, including cancers of the lungs, oesophagus and the larynx.
Asthma
It is also believed that apricot oil is anti-asthmatic in nature and helps in treating the disease and its related symptoms. It has certain expectorant and stimulant qualities due to its essential oils. One of these can help to relieve pressure and stress on the lungs and respiratory system, thereby preventing asthma attacks before they begin.
Anemia
The high content of iron in apricot makes it an excellent food for anemia sufferers. The small but essential amount of copper in the fruit makes the iron available to the body. Liberal consumption of apricot can increase the production of hemoglobin in the body. This is ideal for women after their menstrual cycle, especially those with heavy flow.
Bone Health
Apricots have either significant or moderate amounts of all the minerals necessary for healthy bone growth. Calcium, phosphorous, manganese, iron, and copper all play a certain role in the creation of bone matter. Therefore, eating apricots can ensure the healthy growth and development of your bones, as well as preventing various age-related conditions, including osteoporosis.
