The apricot is a fruit that contains large amounts of vitamin A, an important vitamin for the eyes and for the skin that it tones and moisturizes. Due to its cellular regenerating properties, apricot is particularly indicated for children, adolescents, pregnant or nursing women and the elderly.
Moreover, fresh, it is anti-asthenic (it fights against fatigue) and anti-diarrheal. Finally apricot would reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Apricots are as healthy as other fruits like apples, pears, oranges or bananas. In addition, they can be an excellent diet as they are extremely low in calories and rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber. Both fresh and dried apricots are equally beneficial because of their dense nutrient content. Here are apricot health benefits.
The fruit of athletes
A natural source of minerals, apricot is highly recommended for athletes. Their high muscular activity requires good supplies of potassium, iron, copper and magnesium present in good quantities in it. Consumed before a competition, it contributes to the mineral refill and brings a concentrated carbohydrate to the body, especially when it is dry. During recovery, its high potassium content allows a better elimination of toxins.
The pregnancy ally
Apricot is one of the richest fruits in vitamin A, which makes it the ideal ally for pregnant women. It greatly promotes cell growth in the body and helps to strengthen the immune system. This super-vitaminous fruit thus encourages the good development of the foetus.
Good for the skin
Ingested or used in cosmetics, apricot has tonic properties for the skin. In particular, it helps to combat external aggressions and to act on skin or mucous membrane infections. In addition, summer fruit par excellence, it facilitates tanning and protects from ultraviolet rays.
Preserves the view
According to various studies, to consume regularly, apricot would have a particularly beneficial effect on the eyes. Two to three servings per day of this fruit would help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the elderly. It would also help strengthen the optic nerves of the eyes.
Control of anaemia
The presence of iron and copper in apricot helps to form hemoglobin in the blood. Red blood cells allow the body to re-oxygenate properly. The apricot therefore effectively stimulates the body and fights against anaemia which can lead to feelings of weakness, fatigue and dizziness.
Good digestibility
Rich in fibers particularly well tolerated by the body, apricot has a very beneficial action on intestinal functioning. The abundant pectins in this fruit regulate the transit and fight against intestinal laziness while being supported by the fragile intestines. Thus, apricot is one of the first fruits that babies can eat.
Antitussive
According to Chinese medicine, apricot kernel is a natural remedy against bronchitis and cough. In infusion, the leaves of the apricot tree are excellent to fight angina and reduce sore throat. They also relieve nasal and ear pain.
1. Anti-cancer:
Apricots are rich in antioxidants that protect our body from free radicals and cell damage. Free radicals are produced in the body due to pollution, UV rays and smoke. They prevent the normal process of cell growth, causing changes in the DNA of cells. This leads to the formation of cancer cells. Apricots are rich in vitamins A and C, which are powerful antioxidants that fight cancer diseases and boost the immune system. In addition apricot seeds contain a compound called B17 that can fight cancer.
2. remedy against constipation:
Apricots contain a high amount of pectin and cellulose which act as a mild laxative, thus helping in the treatment of constipation. Apricots are high in fiber which is vital for colon health and prevents constipation which can cause colon cancer. Fibers are also interesting for digestion and help balance the body's metabolism.
3. Heart health:
Apricots reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease because they are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene. These antioxidants reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), minimizing the risk of heart attack and improving heart health.
4. Treatment of anemia:
Apricot is a rich source of iron that plays an important role in blood formation. This improves blood circulation and energy flow. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia. In addition, apricot also contains small amounts of copper which allows the body to absorb iron. Thus, the prolonged consumption of apricots helps in the production of hemoglobin which is very useful, especially for women with a heavy flow.
5. Help with weight loss:
Apricots are high in dietary fiber and low in calories. This makes them a more suitable for the weight loss program done.
6. Beneficial for the eyes:
Apricot is rich in vitamins A, C and E as well as carotenoids which reduce the risk of vision problems in the eye. Thus, they improve eye health and prevent macular degeneration.
7. Asthma Relief:
Apricots are shown to be beneficial in relieving symptoms of asthma, tuberculosis and bronchitis.
8. Bone health:
Apricots are rich in calcium which is vital for bone formation and development. Eating apricots helps maintain bone health and prevents related bone problems.
9. Fever Relief:
Apricots are beneficial during fever. You can prepare an apricot liquid and water, and dilute it with a little honey. This will relieve thirst, fever and cleanse the system apart from adding vitamins and minerals to the body.
10. beneficial during pregnancy:
Apricots are particularly beneficial for pregnant women because they contain vitamins A, C and E as well as minerals such as phosphorus, silicon, calcium, iron and potassium. Pregnant women are often advised to consume dried apricots as they have a high iron content which is important for pregnant women to prevent anemia.
Apricots can be a healthy supplement to a pregnant woman's diet. However, it is very important that you wash them properly to get rid of parasites and harmful bacteria that translates into foodborne diseases like listeriosis and toxoplasmosis according to the American Pregnancy Association and the FDA.
Health benefits of eating during pregnancy: Apricots
⦁ Apricots are known to be rich in minerals, silicon, phosphorus, potassium, iron and calcium.
⦁ High in iron, copper and cobalt help prevent anaemia which can lead to fatal consequences of pregnancy.
⦁ Pregnant women need 300 extra calories to meet the needs of the developing fetus indoors. Calorie consumption must be equally distributed to meet daily dietary needs.
⦁ Apricots as well as vegetables and fruits are rich in retinol.
⦁ They're rich in iron. Pregnant women are advised to consume 30 mg of iron daily to prevent anemia.
Apricots, which are bitter tasting, contain high levels of amygdalin, a kind of toxin released from glycoside amygdalin in the course of digestion. Acids can cause symptoms such as respiratory distress, vomiting and muscle cramps. High doses can also cause respiratory paralysis in extreme cases.
