An Apricot is a wonderful fruit that comes up with several health benefits and nutrients. Its scientific name is Prunus Armeniaca. The fruit belongs to ROSE FAMILY and is botanically related to peaches and nectarine. Before we move on towards the stunning nutrition facts, health benefits, and the nutrients of Apricot, let’s have a look at its structure.
Structurally, Apricot is a drupe, consisting of a centrally located single pit surrounded by crunchy and aromatic edible flesh. It’s a medium-sized fruit that grows best in well-drained mountain slope soils. Delicious in taste, appealing in nature, and definitely mouthwatering to eat, the fruit blooms in early summer.
APRICOT NUTRITION FACTS:
Coming on to the nutrition facts, One Hundred Grams of Apricot carries 48 kcal energy with 0.4g total fat, 2g fiber, and 1.4g protein. In terms of vitamins, it contains 2.8mg Choline, 9.0UG Folate, 0.6mg Niacin, 0.24mg Pantothenic Acid, 0.04mg Riboflavin, 0.03mg Thiamin, 1926IU Vitamin A, 0.054mg Vitamin B6, 10.0mg Vitamin C, 0.89mg Vitamin E, and 3.3UG Vitamin K. Moreover, in terms of Minerals, it contains 13.0mg Calcium, 0.078mg Copper, 0.39mg Iron, 10mg Magnesium, 0.077mg Manganese, 23.0mg Phosphorus, 259mg Potassium, 0.1UG Selenium, 1.0mg Sodium, and 0.2mg Zinc.
APRICOT HEALTH BENEFITS:
With all these beneficial nutrients, Apricots bear several health benefits. Some benefits of this marvelous fruit include:
1- Anti-cancer:
Apricots are rich in antioxidants and carotenoids, which protect us from hazardous free radicals that can cause damage to our cells. Moreover, its seed contains a compound B17 that fights cancer and curb its mutative ability. So, here we are, all armed up against cancer with just an apricot a day.
2- Remedy for Constipation:
As apricots are rich in fibers, they are helpful in smooth and proper bowel movements. Fiber stimulates the gastric and digestive juices, and these juices absorb nutrients and break down food for easy processing. It also contains Pectin and Cellulose, which act as laxatives and treat constipation.
3- Heart Health:
A huge amount of vitamin C, as well as potassium and dietary fiber in Apricots, contribute to a good cardiovascular system. Furthermore, antioxidants like vitamin C and Lycopene prevent cardiovascular disorders like Atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Potassium controls blood pressure and bad cholesterol.
4- Treatment of Anemia:
Apricots have an abundance of Iron and Copper, which help in the production of Hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a precursor to treat Anemia and also plays a significant role in boosting metabolism.
5- Beneficial for Eyes:
Apricots are packed with Retinol (Vitamin A), which strengthens the optic nerves of our eyes and also prevents muscular degeneration. It also lowers the risk of ARMD (Age Related Muscular Degeneration in which a person loses his/her vision with age).
6- Bone Health:
Apricots have a significant quantity of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, and copper, which are crucial to bone growth. Lack of calcium causes osteoporosis with low bone density and growth. Therefore, you should include apricots in your daily diet if you want your bone related problems to fade away.
7- Maintains Electrolyte Balance:
Electrolyte balance helps in the transportation of ions to every cell of the body. It also maintains the fluid level, which is necessary for the contraction of muscles. Furthermore, Apricots contain nutrients like sodium and potassium, which maintain the electrolyte balance in our body.
8- Great for Skin:
Here we go, ladies! You do not need to apply expensive cosmetics anymore as Vitamins A, B, C, and Lycopene in apricots are good for the skin. Not only the apricots maintain the shiny glow of skin, but they also treat skin-related disorders, including eczema, itching, scabies, and many more.
9- Cure Fever:
No more need to worry about the impending fever with all its wrath and fury as the apricot juice is prescribed to the patients suffering from fever. Steamed apricots relieve fever. Its soothing, anti-inflammatory substances impact the body’s overall temperature level in sickness.
CAUTIONS:
Aside from the delicious taste, nutrition value, and health benefits of Apricots, there are a few cautions you should consider:
- Some people are simply allergic to specific fruits and vegetables. If you are allergic to any fruit in the ROSE FAMILY, you would most probably be allergic to apricots as well.
- Those with SULFUR-SENSITIVITY need to be cautious in consuming apricots in dried form as in its dried form, Apricot contain sulfites which can cause asthmatic attacks.
- Furthermore, eating unripe apricots can lead to an UPSET STOMACH.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, Apricot, with its wholesome nutrients, is a truly wondrous gift of nature. The nutrition facts of Apricot, with their perfect balance, have several health benefits and aid in treating certain disorders naturally. You should include this delicious fruit in your daily diet while considering the cations that we mentioned earlier to get the most of its benefits.
