Apricot Health Benefits

Apricots are fruits with a golden skin and a velvety texture. They are roughly round and are smaller, as compared to peaches. They are sweet, with a hint of tartness. Apricots have stony pits, from which apricot kernel oil is extracted. Apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca) can grow to a maximum height of 13 meters. The fruits develop during early spring and are mostly harvested during early summer. They are highly nutritious and have various health benefits.

Apples, bananas and oranges are the most common and popular fruits. Most of us tend to buy the same fruits, every time we visit the supermarket. There is a wide range of other fruits that are nutritious as well as delicious. One such fruit is apricot, which has a high nutritional value. This fruit contains most of the essential nutrients; especially, vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, calcium, and potassium.

An apricot weighing 40 grams amounts to 17 calories. It contains 4 grams of carbohydrates, 0.5 grams of protein, 3 grams of sugar, one gram of dietary fiber, and one gram of fat. The vitamin A content is 914.20 IU and the amount of beta carotene is 544.95 mcg.

It has 3 mcg folate and 1.2 mcg vitamin K. It has a high potassium level of 104 mg and contains 3 mg magnesium and 7 mg phosphorous. Apart from these nutrients, apricots are rich in lycopene too. Apricot seeds contain vitamin B17, which is said to be beneficial for treating cancer.

Apricots are available in both fresh and dried forms. While dried apricots are available throughout the year, fresh ones are seasonal. Both are nutritious and offer various health benefits. Dried apricots are said to be more nutritious, as compared to the fresh form of the fruit.

Unlike the fresh ones, the nutrients in dried apricots are concentrated. However, the dried ones are high in calories and may sometimes cause some side effects, due to the preservatives used in them. Mentioned below are some of the health benefits of apricots.

• Being rich in dietary fiber, apricots are often recommended for smooth bowel movements in people suffering from constipation. Apart from that, this fruit aids in digestion and for destroying intestinal worms.

• The high levels of beta carotene in apricots is beneficial for the health of eyes, especially, for preventing macular degeneration. Beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from health problems, like Alzheimer's disease.

• They are also used for treating anemia, as they are rich in minerals, like iron and copper, that help in the production of hemoglobin.
• Apricots are rich in other antioxidants, like vitamin C and lycopene. These antioxidants reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and heart diseases.

• Apricot health benefits include its use in relieving the symptoms of diseases, like asthma, tuberculosis and bronchitis.
• Apricot oil is found to be useful for skin care. Apart from making the skin shiny and smooth, this oil is also used for treating scabies and eczema. It is also said to be good for ear pain.

In short, you can enjoy the goodness of this fruit, and reap its health benefits. However, never indulge in overconsumption of apricots, as it may sometimes cause stomach upset.