Embark on a journey to unveil the health benefits of apricots– nature’s secret to glowing skin, sharp vision, and overall well-being! Often confused with peaches, apricots pack a punch of essential nutrients that can transform your health considerably.
From combating aging to promoting heart health, apricots are your go-to remedy. In this article, we explore the magic of apricots with skin-loving Vitamins C, A, and E, acting as a natural exfoliator for a flawless complexion. Dive into how apricots safeguard your eyes with a powerful mix of vitamins and carotenoids, reducing the risk of cataracts and so much more.
What are Apricots
Apricots, also known as the Armenian plum, are delicious round stone fruits that offer a range of health benefits. This fruit generally bears a yellowish-orange color and is a combination of sweet and tart flavors. Apricots are very similar to peaches so people often confuse the two.
However, although they are similar in appearance, peaches are usually sweeter than apricots due to a higher sugar content.
Before exploring the health benefits of apricots, let us first learn about the nutrients present in them.
Nutrients Present in Apricots
As per the Nutritional Library of Medicine, One fresh or 35-gram of apricot contains the following amount of nutrients:
- Calories: 17
- Sodium: 0.35 g
- Potassium: 90.6 mg
- Vitamin A: 33.6 g
- Vitamin C: 3.5 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Fat: 0.14 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 3.9 g
Health Benefits of Apricots
Slow Down Aging Signs
Are you one of those people who have always looked for natural remedies for skincare? If so, apricots are a must-have at home because they are packed with Vitamins C, A, and E. These vitamins rejuvenate and make your skin firm and glowing.
Apricots act as a natural exfoliator that peels away old dead skin cells. This in turn helps to lessen many signs of aging such as fine lines, pigmentation, and wrinkles.
Exfoliation is always followed by dry skin but there is no need to worry. Apricots also act as a moisturizer! Embrace the fruity goodness and let apricots be your go-to for a fun, and effective skincare routine!
Protect Your Eyes
Another health benefit of apricots is eye protection. The vitamins A, C, and E already mentioned above and carotenoids present in apricots absorb blue light and harmful UV rays.
Cataracts, a common disease in older people, have a lesser chance of occurring if your daily diet consists of apricots and consequently Vitamin A. If you did not know already, Vitamin A helps to maintain your eyes in low-light conditions.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Did you know that apricots contain thrice the amount of potassium present in bananas? They contain the optimum amount of salt which helps to reduce high blood pressure and protect the heart against diseases.
Potassium helps to decrease tension in your blood vessel walls and consequently improves blood circulation. Besides this, apricots also contain adequate amounts of iron which is essential for the formation of haemoglobin.
Prevents Anaemia
Our blood consists of a protein called hemoglobin. This is responsible for transporting oxygen around our body. However, if the amount of iron in your body is low, it hinders the function of hemoglobin. Dried apricots are an easy solution.
Dried apricots are high in iron concentration. Specifically speaking, 100 grams of dried apricots contain 2.7 mg of iron.
However, you need to be careful as too much consumption of dried apricots might lead to weight gain due to their high sugar content. So, while enjoying the health benefits of apricots, moderation remains key for a well-rounded and nutritious diet.
Stay Hydrated
While water is certainly essential for staying hydrated, there are countless other fruits and vegetables that you can consume for the same. Apricots, for instance, contain 85% water! However, please note that this is the case only for fresh apricots and not the dried ones.
Proper hydration is necessary to regulate body temperature, remove waste through sweat, urine, and bowel movements, lubricate joints, and so on.
Happy & Healthy Gut
Apricots are rich in fibre. Half a cup or 100 grams of dried apricots contain around 2 grams of dietary fiber. This is essential for proper digestion and a healthy gut.
Innumerable bacteria reside inside your body, most of which are present in your intestines. These bacteria are important for the health and normal functioning of your body. The kind of food you consume determines the types of bacteria that stay in your gut. Thus, it is very important to eat the right food.
Did you know that apricots contain sorbitol which functions like a laxative and helps relieve constipation? Thus, you can bid goodbye to constipation and improper bowel movements with apricots.
No Dry Hair Problems
Apricots contain Vitamin A, E, and C and potassium, all of which are essential components to treat dry and damaged hair.
Vitamin A boosts sebum production. Sebum is a natural oil that hydrates and nourishes your scalp and hair. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your hair against damage and dryness. You must already know that Vitamin C is an essential element that boosts collagen. Thus, if you wish for long and strong hair, Vitamin C is a must.
Lastly, the potassium present in apricots is a good source of hydration for healthy hair.
Side Effects of Apricots
As already stated above, the list of health benefits of apricots is long but it does not indicate that there are no side effects on overconsumption.
Cyanide Poisoning
Apricots might lead to cyanide poisoning in some cases. This is because apricot kernels contain a compound called amygdalin that converts to cyanide on consumption. As a result, you might experience headaches, low blood pressure, fever, and nausea.
Allergy
Some people are allergic to apricots so make sure to get it checked before consuming apricots.
Low Blood Pressure
Overconsumption of raw apricots might result in low blood pressure so eating it in limited amounts is always recommended.
FAQs
What are the Health Benefits of Apricots
There are many health benefits of apricots. This includes skin improvement, eye protection, blood pressure regulation, anemia prevention, hydration, and a healthy gut.
How do apricots taste? Is it the same as peaches?
Apricots taste sweet with a distinct tarty flavor, whereas peaches are mostly sweet.
How do apricots improve skin?
Apricots are rich in vitamins A, C and E. These help to remove dead cells, lessen signs of aging, and make your skin glow.
What nutrients do apricots contain?
Apricots contain many important nutrients essential for the growth and development of our body. This includes sodium, potassium, fiber, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and Vitamins A, C and E.
Do apricots have any harmful effects?
Yes, overconsumption of apricots has harmful side effects such as cyanide poisoning and low blood pressure. People who are allergic to apricots also experience negative side effects.
Conclusion
Apricots : A Wellness Boost in Every Bite
In conclusion, the health benefits of apricots unfold as a true marvel in promoting holistic well-being. From enhancing skin radiance to fortifying vision, these golden fruits are a powerhouse of essential nutrients.
Bid farewell to aging signs and protect your eyes with the magic trio of Vitamins C, A, and E. But the benefits don’t stop there – apricots also prove to be a heart-healthy remedy. As you savor the succulence of apricots, remember that each bite is a step towards a healthier, more vibrant you, backed by the science of nutrients and the magic of nature’s bounty!