The apricot is a national fruit of Armenia. These are stone fruits. Apricot prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. This fruit comes with a flavor ranging from sweet to sweet-tart, depending on the variety. Apricot flesh is soft and somewhat juicy when ripe. They have velvety skin with soft fuzz.
Apricots come in light yellowish-orangish color with a hint of red on either side. Apricots contain various phytochemicals like provitamin A beta-carotene and polyphenols, including catechins and chlorogenic acid. While dried apricots are a type of traditional dried fruit. When apricots are dried their concentration of nutrients is increased with vitamin E, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.
Nutritional Profile of Apricots
100 g of raw apricots contain the following nutritional profile:
- Calories: 47 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Sugars: 8 g
- Dietary fiber: 2 g
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Vitamin C: 10 mg
- Vitamin: E: 0.88 mg
- Vitamin K: 3.2 mg
- Calcium: 12 mg
- Iron: 0.4 mg
- Magnesium: 10 mg
- Manganese: 0.076 mg
- Phosphorus: 22 mg
- Potassium: 258 mg
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Zinc: 0.2 mg
The Benefits Of Apricots
1. Protect The Heart
Apricots have potassium that can lower blood pressure levels. It can prevent heart attacks. While the fiber present in apricots lowers cholesterol levels. It can even prevent heart-related diseases such as atherosclerosis.
2. Treat Respiratory Ailments
Respiratory ailments like asthma, cold, and flu. As per studies, there is an inverse relationship between flavonoids and asthmatic symptoms. Vitamin E present in apricots plays a major role. As it acts like an antioxidant and fights free radicals. While this process boosts immunity and prevents issues such as colds and flu. Apricots are loaded with beta-carotene, which helps treat fever.
3. Better digestion
Apricots provide a good source of fiber which promotes healthy bowel movement because it adds bulk to the stools. Even the fiber breaks down the fatty acids faster which improves digestion. The fiber content in the apricots can treat other digestive problems such as constipation and bloating.
4. Fight Inflammation
According to studies apricot seeds are found to be effective in relieving inflammation. The studies also mention that apricot seed oil extract can protect against issues such as ulcerative colitis, which is an inflammatory bowel disease. Apricots are loaded with beta-cryptoxanthin, it is a chemical that can prevent osteoarthritis and other inflammatory forms of arthritis. While the magnesium present in the fruit can ease inflammatory pain.
5. Boost Bone Health
Apricots are loaded with minerals called calcium, which is very important for bone development and health. This fruit even contains potassium. It is a mineral that is important for the proper absorption and uniform distribution of calcium.
6. Make The Skin Glow
As per research, apricot scrub can help improve skin tone by exfoliating damaged skin cells. It prevents pigmentation from revealing the newer and lighter skin cells beneath. The apricot scrub can remove dead skin cells and give an individual smooth and soft skin. It even removes blackheads and unclogs pores.
7. Treats Scalp Issues
As per research apricot oil has vitamins such as A and E, that repair and support skin health. It can treat dry scalp, psoriasis, dandruff, and eczema. The apricot oil restores moisture to dry or flaky scalp.
8. Improve Vision
Apricots are a good source of carotenoids and xanthophylls. As per studies, this can prevent age-related vision ailments. This fruit also contains vitamin A, an important nutrient for the eyes. It prevents age-related macular degeneration.