Even though apricots are small, they have loads of flavour and nutrients. Depending on the variety, the flavour of these yellow-orange fruits, which are high in vitamins and minerals, can range from sweet to sweet-tart.
They are very nutrient-dense and offer a variety of health advantages, including better digestion and better eye health. It is also among the healthiest fruits in the world and has many advantages.
This article examines the nutritional value of apricots and lists the fruits’ health advantages.
What is The Nutritional Profile Of Apricots?
| Apricots (Prunus armeniaca), fresh. | ||
| Nutritive Value per 100 g. Total-ORAC umol TE/100 g-1115. | ||
| (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base) | ||
| PRINCIPLE | NUTRIENT VALUE | PERCENTAGE OF RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 50 Kcal | 2.5% |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g | 8.5% |
| Protein | 1.4 g | 2.5% |
| Total Fat | 0.4 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g | 5% |
| VITAMINS | ||
| Folates | 9 µg | 2% |
| Niacin | 0.600 mg | 4% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.240 mg | 5% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.054 mg | 5% |
| Riboflavin | 0.040 mg | 3% |
| Thiamin | 0.030 mg | 2.5% |
| Vitamin A | 1926 IU | 64% |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg | 16% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin K | 3.3 µg | 3% |
| ELECTROLYTES | ||
| Sodium | 1 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 259 mg | 5.5% |
| MINERALS | ||
| Calcium | 13 mg | 1.3% |
| Copper | ||
| Iron | 0.39 mg | 5% |
| Magnesium | 10 mg | 2.5% |
| Manganese | 0.077 mg | 3% |
| Phosphorus | 23 mg | 3% |
| Zinc | 0.2 mg | 2% |
| PHYTO-NUTRIENTS | ||
| Carotene-a | 19 µg | — |
| Carotene–ß | 1094 µg | — |
| Crypto-xanthin-ß | 104 µg | — |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 89 µg | — |
1. Good Source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is abundant in apricots. It helps in the upgrade of vision.
Vitamin A likewise assumes a significant part in the resistant framework by making a mitigating difference.
Additionally, apricots are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps shield the body’s cells from damaging free radicals. Additionally, the body needs it to produce collagen for wound healing.
Vitamin C aids the body’s natural defences against viruses and bacteria by playing an essential role in the immune system.
2. Apricots are full of with Potassium and Fibre
One of the best sources of potassium are apricots.
By maintaining a regular heartbeat, potassium contributes to heart health. An adequate intake may help prevent bloating and maintain healthy blood pressure because it works closely with sodium to maintain fluid balance.
Apricots are a decent wellspring of dietary fibre. It helps with digestion, which helps prevent constipation and keeps the intestines in good shape. Because it assists the body in controlling blood sugar levels, fibre is essential.
3. Good for your Heart
Because the fruit has a lot of fibre, it helps lower bad cholesterol levels in the body, which means it protects your heart. In addition, it raises good cholesterol at the same time. Additionally, the fruit’s potassium content maintains proper heart muscle function by balancing our system’s electrolyte levels. Just consume a handful of dried or fresh apricots each day.
The potassium in the organic product can bring down circulatory strain levels and can subsequently forestall cardiovascular failures. Additionally, the fruit’s fibre helps to prevent heart-related conditions like atherosclerosis and lower cholesterol levels.
4. Treasure Chest of Antioxidants
Apricots are an excellent source of many antioxidants, including beta carotene and vitamins A, C, and E.
A group of polyphenol antioxidants known as flavonoids protect against diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, are abundant in apricots.
By fighting off free radicals in the body, these antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce inflammation.
5. Apricots are Good for the Skin and Hair
Did you know that the apricot’s antioxidants also slow down ageing?
By exfoliating the damaged skin cells, apricot scrubs can help even out your skin tone. Apricot oil and sugar makes a wonderful body and face scrub. Ground almond powder and ripe apricots also makes a good scrub.
Dermatitis and eczema both are effectively treated with the anti-inflammatory properties of apricot oil. Sunburn, eczema, and scabies all benefit from the relief provided by apricot flesh.
Apricot oil’s vitamin E prevents hair loss and promotes healthy hair growth. This oil brings moisture back to dry, flaky scalp and dull, dry hair.
6. Boosts Digestive Health
Apricots are good for your gut.
The fruit’s dietary fiber helps you burn more calories by strengthening your digestive system. The fatty acids are quickly broken down by the fiber, which improves digestion. Fruit’s fibre alleviates other digestive issues, such as bloating and constipation.
Saturated fiber, which is essential for controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, is abundant in apricots.
7. Improve Eye Health
Vitamins A and E, among others, are found in apricots and are vital for eye health.
Because the eyes lack light-absorbing pigment, vitamin A helps prevent night blindness. On the other hand, vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, guards the eyes against oxidative damage.
A lower risk of vision loss has been associated with regular fruit consumption.
According to studies, apricot kernel extract applied topically can lessen dry eyes by increasing tear production.
8. Apricots Prevent Liver Damage
According to studies, apricots can reduce the symptoms of fatty liver disease and guard against liver damage.
More intriguingly, it was discovered that organic apricots were successful in promoting liver regeneration.
Due to their naturally high antioxidant content, apricots may help prevent liver damage, according to research. These antioxidants can lessen any liver inflammation that is already present.
9. Aids Weight Loss And Metabolism
The fibre makes it clear that it can help us maintain healthy weight management because it can keep us satisfied for extended periods of time. Another scientific explanation for this is that the nutrients in apricots stimulate specific brain cells, known as tanycytes, that cause us to feel full and regulate our appetite.
The fruits may also increase metabolism, which would lead to weight loss.
10. Very hydrating
Even though apricots are small, they are packed with flavour and nutrients. Depending on the variety, the flavour of these yellow-orange fruits, which are high in vitamins and minerals, can range from sweet to sweet-tart.
They are very nutrient-dense and offer a variety of health advantages, including better digestion and better eye health. It is also among the healthiest fruits in the world and has many advantages.
This article examines the nutritional value of apricots and lists the fruits’ health advantages.
Summary of the health benefits of apricots
A delicious fruit rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants is the apricot. All of these nutrients are crucial for human health and have a number of positive health effects. Studies have demonstrated the advantages of apricots for the skin, eyes, and digestive system.
Due to their high fibre content, apricots can also help lower the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and stroke.
Apricots are a good addition to a nutritious, well-balanced diet because of their advantages.
Read more: The Great Indian Diet: Let’s Bust Some Myths
Citations
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328274247_Nutritional_and_health_benefits_of_apricots
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8230439/
https://www.unanijournal.com/articles/25/2-1-6-217.pdf
