Apricot Health Benefits: Why You Should Eat Much More

The apricot, often known as the stone fruit, is a common food consumed worldwide and is a member of the ‘Prunus genus’. The apricot tree is cultivated in temperate climates and needs cold winter and somewhat warm spring and early summer temperatures. Climates with a subtropical climate are incompatible with the apricot tree’s growth. Apricots, like mangoes, plums, cherries, and peaches, are drupes (fruit with a single seed). They have a seed inside a hard stone covered by their outer, fleshy section. The fruit ranges in color from orange to orange-red, and some kinds are cream-white or greenish-white. A great source of minerals, fiber, and vitamins, Kashmiri dried apricots are also rich in carbohydrates.

Types of Apricots:

   1.Tilton Apricot

Tilton apricots have a “suture” line that rounds them in a heart shape. The Tilton Apricot Tree is also exceptional since it can resist freezing temperatures. This tree thrives in a variety of soil types as a result, making it a suitable choice for areas that commonly endure late spring frosts.

You may eat fresh Local apricots in fruit salads or preserve them in a number of ways. They also help to make delicious jams and jellies for confections.

   2.Moorpark Apricot

Huge Moorpark apricots have bright, golden orange skin. These apricots resemble peaches in appearance, taste like plums, and are sweet and juicy. Calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus, and vitamins A, C, and B-complex are all abundant in Moorpark apricots.

   3.Gold bar Apricot

Its skin has a reddish tinge and is an intense shade of yellow-orange. It is enormous, with a compact shape on the bottom and top and spherical to oval shapes on the sides. The fruit’s flesh is incredibly juicy.

   4.Blenheim Apricot

The Blenheim apricot has a green shoulder and is a petite, internally ripening fruit. It never changes to a vivid apricot shade. Nonetheless, it has a distinct apricot flavour. The benchmark is set by the sweet, fragrant flavour of this age-old delicacy. The meat is somewhat juicy and orange. In California, it is renowned for its ability to preserve food and is also suitable for drying. For it to bloom, it needs warm, dry conditions.

Health Benefits of Apricots:

The numerous vitamins, flavonoids, and potassium that apricots contain also contribute to the dried apricot’s health benefits.

Flavonoids protect and strengthen your blood vessels while also reducing inflammation’s symptoms. The body’s ability to transfer nutrients and maintain healthy neuron and muscle function both depend on the mineral potassium. Moreover, it encourages healthy blood pressure and hearts.

Here are a few benefits of eating dried apricots for health:

• Protects Eyesight

Because they are so high in vitamin A, beta-carotene, and other carotenoids, apricots are ideal for eye health. Lutein promotes the health of the retina and lens, while carotenoids and vitamin E aid to improve general vision. These nutrients are also beneficial in lowering the risk of cataract and macular degeneration development.

Researchers found that women who ingested the most vitamin A had a 40% decreased risk of acquiring cataracts in a trial including more than 50,000 registered nurses. One apricot weighs around 35 grams and has 33.6 milligrams of vitamin A or about 5% of your recommended daily allowance.

• Prevents Cancer

Cancer therapy is another apricot health benefit. There is a clear link between eating apricots and a lower chance of developing cancer, according to several studies.

Considering that apricots contain carotenoids and other antioxidant chemicals, it is not surprising that they pose a threat to free radicals. Unfavorable by-products of cellular metabolism called free radicals have the ability to alter the DNA of healthy cells, causing them to develop into cancerous cells. Antioxidants act as a buffer against these toxic substances, protecting the body from cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and skin ageing.

• Protects Skin

Two antioxidants with a reputation for enhancing skin are vitamin E and vitamin C. They can protect skin cells from UV exposure while reducing the visibility of early wrinkles and enhancing skin suppleness. Beta-carotene is an additional antioxidant that protects your skin from UV damage and subsequent sunburns. Due to their high water content, apricots are a fantastic way to hydrate your skin. One cup of apricots contains around 2/3 of a cup of water.

• Good For Heart

One of the biggest causes of death on the globe is heart disease. Atherosclerosis (the build-up of lipids, cholesterol, and other compounds in the arterial walls), excessive cholesterol levels, and other disorders are risk factors for heart problems. Phenolic chemicals present in apricots, such as lycopene, chlorogenic acid, and β-carotene, might help oxidize low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and might help enhance the antioxidative status of the human body. A rich source of fiber is the apricot. It is well established that soluble dietary fiber helps lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). More research is needed to demonstrate the potential benefit of apricots in the treatment of heart problems. A specialist must also diagnose and treat significant illnesses, such as those that affect the heart. Consult the doctor for the medical advice.

Key Takeaway

Apricots, like most fruits and vegetables, are a good source of several vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function. They include a fair amount of potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamins A and C.

Apricots can be eaten either raw or dried. Fruit that has been frozen or canned retains its nutritional value. But it would be best to look for canned fruit in water rather than syrup to keep the fruit as a nutritious supplement to your diet. Because of their advantages, apricots are a great addition to a nutritious, balanced diet.