Apricots are popular all over the world because of their sour-sweet taste. Its beautiful shape and distinct taste can make any food lover go crazy. Being nutritious, this juicy fruit is also used in many types of dishes. To stay healthy, you can also include apricots in your diet along with other fruits. We are telling about all its benefits in detail here. In this article, the Benefits of apricot, its safe quantity, and many other important information have been given.
Varieties of Apricot
Apricot is a type of fruit, which is eaten as a nutritious snack. People also take the chatter of apricot chutney with spicy dishes. There is not one but many varieties of apricots. We are telling below about some of its common varieties:
Best varieties for dried apricots: Moorpark, Trevette, Story, Hunter and Riverbright.
Best varieties for fresh apricots: Moorpark, Blenheim, Earlicott, Supergold and Katy are good varieties for fresh consumption.
Common variety of apricots found in India : Although many types of apricot varieties from abroad reach India by export, but here Halman and Rakchaikarpo are produced more.
Benefits of Apricot
The nutrients and medicinal properties found in apricots make it beneficial for health in many ways. Here we are telling about the benefits of apricots for health. Note that this is not a cure for a serious illness. Just to stay healthy and avoid the problems mentioned below, it can be included in the diet.
1. For Good Digestion
Most physical ailments start in the stomach. Apricots can help prevent this condition. Apricots are rich in fiber and fiber can be helpful in running the digestive system smoothly. It can help to remove stool from the body of people suffering from digestive problems like constipation.
2. Aids in Vision Correction
With age, due to some physical problems, eyesight starts decreasing. Especially, eyesight becomes weak after . One reason for this is also the lack of proper nutrition. Actually, due to the element called beta carotene, the eyes become weak and vulnerable to disease. Apricots can help in preventing this problem, as a good amount of β-carotene is found in it.
3. To Lose Weight
Apricots can also be used for weight loss. According to a research, to lose weight, instead of its juice, whole fruits should be consumed. Actually, the fiber present in it releases the satiety hormone, which gives a feeling of satiety to the stomach. When this happens, there is no desire to eat again and again and the possibility of weight gain decreases .
4. Heart Disease
Heart can be kept healthy by consuming apricots. Research has found that apricots contain phytochemicals called phenolics. These phenolics can be beneficial in removing heart related problems . Another research suggests that the phenolic compound acts as an antioxidant, showing a cardio-protective effect by reducing oxidative stress. This effect can help protect against cardiovascular disease all cardiovascular diseases.
5. For Anemia
Due to anemia, there are fewer red blood cells in the body and oxygen does not reach the organs. This occurs due to anemia and deficiency of nutrients like folate . Being rich in iron, it is recommended to include apricots in the diet of anemia . In addition, apricots are also rich in folate . For this reason, apricots are considered beneficial to overcome anemia.
6. To cure diabetes
Diabetes can occur when there is an excess of glucose in the blood. To avoid this problem, apricots can be consumed in limited quantity. Research done on rats found that apricots contain chlorogenic acid, which can regulate the absorption of glucose in the blood .In addition, apricots are counted among fruits with a low-glycemic index, which does not cause an excess of sugar in the blood. For this reason, it is said that diabetes can be controlled to some extent by controlling the glucose level with the help of apricots.
7. Fluid balance
There can be problems of hydration, overhydration and dehydration when the fluid in the body is unbalanced . To deal with this problem, it is necessary to have a balanced amount of water, sodium and potassium. They help maintain fluid balance by acting as an electrolyte in the body.
Talking about apricots,grams of it contains . Grams of water,gram of sodium and milli grams of potassium. With the help of these nutrients, the fluid balance in the body can be maintained. In some countries of Asia, apricots are also used to retain fluid in the body.
8. For Earache
Along with good health, apricots can also be used for the problem of ear pain. It is said that apricots have many types of properties, one of which is also analgesic ie pain relieving properties. This effect can also help relieve pain other than earache.
9. For Swelling
Apricots can be consumed to reduce inflammation . Actually, apricots have anti-inflammatory properties. This property is known to reduce inflammation. In addition to apricots, the edible part kernel inside its seeds can reduce colon inflammation.
10. During blood pressure problem
Apricots can also be consumed to overcome the problem of blood pressure . Apricots contain nutrients like potassium, magnesium and fiber. All of these play an important role in blood pressure control . This problem can be reduced by including either apricots or dried apricots in the diet.
11. In case of liver damage
Not only the heart, apricots also play an important role in keeping the liver healthy . According to one study, the antioxidant properties present in apricots can protect the liver by reducing oxidative stress.
A research on the NCBI site states that even sun-dried organic apricots can make the liver work again. In addition, apricots have hepatoprotective properties, which can protect the liver from damage.
12. In pregnancy
The benefits of apricots have also been seen during pregnancy. Women suffering from asthma problem during pregnancy can consume apricots. The name of apricots is also included in the antioxidant-rich foods considered essential for asthma. Apart from this,apricots can also be consumed daily for vitamin-C and vitamin-E. By the way, the benefits of apricots in pregnancy also depend on the condition of the woman. For this reason, before including it in the diet, definitely consult a doctor.
13. In asthma
Apricots can also be consumed for respiratory problems such as asthma . It is written in a research paper that due to poor diet, asthma can also occur. Especially, if the diet lacks antioxidants, the risk of asthma can increase. Research suggests that apricots contain a carotenoid compound called lycopene, which exhibits powerful antioxidant effects. This effect can be helpful in controlling the problem of asthma to some extent.
14. Helpful in building muscle
Apricots can be used to cure diseases as well as build muscles. Actually, a good amount of protein is found in dried apricots. This protein is essential for the maintenance and development of muscles.
15. For fever
Whether there is a problem of cold or fever, the benefits of apricots have also been seen in this. Research suggests that apricots may have antipyretic properties. This effect found in apricots can help reduce fever. Note that it is important to contact the doctor if the fever is high.
16. Make Bones Strong
Along with better health, apricots can also be consumed for bone strength. Research has found that potassium and magnesium play an important role in keeping bones healthy. Apricots contain good amounts of both potassium and magnesium nutrients.
In addition, apricots and dried apricots are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bones. For this reason, both apricots and dried apricots can be consumed to keep the bone healthy.
17. Apricots Beneficial in Ulcers
The use of apricots can be beneficial in preventing the problem of ulcers . Actually apricots are full of antioxidants. It can reduce the effect of free radicals. Free radicals i.e. free molecules can form ulcers in the body. For this reason, it is believed that the antioxidant effect of apricots can protect against ulcers.
In addition, another study has shown that the edible part of apricot seeds, the kernel extract, contains pectin fiber. It has been found to be effective in preventing the problem of ulcers. Not only this, research has also confirmed that kernel extract has anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce ulcers and the inflammation caused by them.
18. Benefits of Apricots for Skin
Apricots can also have benefits for the skin. Research has found that apricots have anti-aging properties. This property can be helpful in preventing premature aging of the skin. This property can be helpful in reducing the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles . In addition, the antioxidants present in it can reduce skin inflammationTrusted.
19. For Hair
Hair growth requires a variety of nutrients, one of which is iron. Iron deficiency can cause hair loss. Later on, due to this, baldness may also have to be faced. At the same time, apricots are a food rich in iron, which can be beneficial in hair growth by eliminating iron deficiency.
20. Cancer Prevention
Consumption of apricot fruit cannot directly prevent cancer, but the edible part of fresh apricot seeds, ie kernels, can protect against cancer. According to a study, the kernel of apricot contains amygdalin element, which can prevent colon cancer from growing. It is considered a natural anti-cancer agent. By the way, if there is a serious disease like cancer, instead of relying on apricots, medical treatment should be done.
Apricot Nutritional Value
Due to the nutritious elements found in apricots, it proves to be beneficial for health. For this reason, further, we are telling about the nutrients found in apricots.
| NUTRIENTS | QUANTITY PER 100 GRAMS |
| Water | 86.35 grams |
| Calories | 48 kcal |
| Energy | 201 kilojoules |
| Protein | 1.4 grams |
| Fat | 0.39 grams |
| Carbohydrate | 11.12 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sugar | 9.24 grams |
| Calcium | 13 mg |
| Iron | 0.39 mg |
| Magnesium | 10 mg |
| Phosphorus | 23 mg |
| Potassium | 259 mg |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Zinc | 0.2 mg |
| Copper | 0.078 mg |
| Manganese | 0.077 mg |
| Selenium | 0.1 µg |
| vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Thiamine | 0.03 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.04 mg |
| Niacin | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.24 mg |
| Folate | 9 micrograms |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 96 micrograms |
| beta carotene | 1094 micrograms |
| Vitamin A IU | 1926 IU |
| Vitamin- E | 0.89 mg |
| Vitamin K | 3.3 micrograms |
| Fatty Acid Total, Saturated | 0.027 grams |
| Fatty Acid Total, Monounsaturated | 0.17 grams |
| Fatty Acid Total, Polyunsaturated | 0.077 grams |
How to Use Apricot
- Apricots can be used in many ways. Here we are telling you about some special uses of apricots.
- You can eat apricots mixed with curd or with oatmeal in your morning breakfast.
- You can drink apricots by mixing them in milk shakes.
- It can be washed and eaten like a fruit.
- Apricots can be added to enhance the taste and nutrients of fruit salad.
- Dried apricots can also be consumed. Dried apricots are beneficial for health .
- Inside the apricot seed is an almond-shaped edible part. It is also eaten.
Right Time To Eat Apricot
Often, the question comes in the mind of people that when and how much to consume it. If these questions are in your mind too, then read their answers below.
Timing: Apricot is a fruit, so it can be consumed in moderation at any time in the morning or afternoon.
Quantity: The exact amount of apricots is not clear. Yes, it is recommended to eat 4 apricots daily during pregnancy. It is believed that in general, 6 to 8 apricots can be consumed daily.
Side Effects of Apricot
It can be beneficial if apricots are consumed in limited quantity and in the form of medicine. At the same time, consuming it in excess can also cause harm to apricots, which are as follows.
- Apricots can also have toxic effects. It is said that consumption of apricots can cause poisoning to children.
- Eat dried apricots only after chewing them properly, otherwise it can cause gastrointestinal problems.
- According to a study, consuming the kernel inside the apricot seed can cause heart problems.
- If someone is allergic to apricots or dried apricots, avoid consuming it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In which season can apricot be eaten, is there any fixed season?
Apricots can be consumed in any season, but it is especially eaten during the summer season.
Can consuming apricots cause weight gain?
No, we have already mentioned above that weight can be reduced by consuming apricots in limited quantity.
In which part of India is it found?
It can be found anywhere in India, but it is generally cultivated in cold regions.
Along with health, are its beauty products also good?
Yes, apricots are used in many beauty products, but how beneficial they will be depends on that product.
How many dried apricots should be eaten in a day?
Although its exact amount is not clear, but in general, it can be consumed in a quarter cup i.e. about 50 grams.
Are dried apricots high in sugar?
No, dried apricots are classified as having a medium glycemic index (a unit of measurement of blood sugar).
Can apricots be consumed at night?
Consuming apricots is more beneficial during the day, but it can also be consumed at night.
What if too much apricots are consumed?
It can be harmful if consumed in excess. We have already told about its disadvantages above.
Read more
- Advantages and disadvantages of eating mango during pregnancy
- Is Shatavari Good for Pregnancy
- Sweet Potato Diet for Weight Loss
- Benefits, Uses, and Disadvantages of Mango