Table of Contents
Along with the many apricot health benefits, this fantastic fruit is amongst the most traveled known. Its origin is in north China, where it still grows wild. The apricot was taken to Greece by Alexander the Great on his return from his conquests in India. It went to Rome from Greece, where its cultivation spread throughout the Mediterranean. It was taken to North America in the eighteenth century, where it acclimated to California and states along the Mississippi River.
American astronauts took the apricot to the moon on one of their space journeys. The fruit’s attractive orange color, pleasant aroma, and delicious sweetness made it one of the favorite fruits of the summer season. Dried apricots and marmalade also allow this pleasure to last through the winter.
Apricot Scientific Facts
- Scientific name: Prunus armeniaca L.
- Other names: Apricock.
- French: Abricot.
- Spanish: Albaricoque, damasco.
- German: Aprikose.
- Description: The fruit of the apricot tree, which belongs to the botanical family Rosaceae, may reach a height of ten meters.
- Environment: Originally from central Asia. The apricot has acclimated to temperate climates in Europe and America.
Apricot Health Benefits
The fact that the apricot has a low-calorie content makes it an excellent part of weight-loss diets. It has an alkalizing effect because of its richness in alkaline mineral salts. It is particularly noted for its low sodium content and its high levels of potassium. It contains various trace elements of great physiological importance, such as manganese, fluorine, cobalt, and boron. It is rich in sugars (fructose and glucose).
Dried apricots are an essential source of protein. They are also a critical iron source, one of their principal minerals. However, the most crucial component of fresh or dried apricots is beta-carotene or provitamin A. This component provides most of the apricot health benefits, which are the following:
- Diseases of the eye: Consumption of apricots maintains vision in good condition and gives sparkle and beauty to the eyes typical of good health. This is not due entirely to the action of provitamin A but also the combined effort of other vitamins and minerals accompanying it. Apricots are suggested for chronic irritation, conjunctival dryness, loss of visual acuity due to retinal atrophy, itching of the conjunctiva, and night blindness.
- Anemia (due to lack of iron): The iron content of fresh apricots is insignificant, unlike in dried fruit. For reasons not well understood, the results achieved through their use in treating anemia are far superior to those expected, given their low proportion of iron. This may be because of other substances in apricots that facilitate iron absorption.
- Skin and mucosa disorders, thanks to their content in provitamin A. Apricots increase infection resistance. They are recommended for chronic pharyngitis, sinusitis, and eczema.
- Nervous disorders: Dr. Valnet points out the apricot’s properties of maintaining equilibrium within the nervous system and recommends it in cases of asthenia, depression, nervousness, and lack of appetite. These effects are attributed to the apricot’s richness in trace elements.
- Digestive disorders: Fresh, ripe apricots are slightly astringent, while dried apricots are laxatives. The best results are obtained by following an apricot treatment regime.
Jean Valnet, an outstanding French physician who dedicated his life to the study of phytotherapy and diet therapy, quotes previous experiences of Leclerc, stating that it has been experimentally proven that apricot treatment provides results similar to those of beef liver in cases of anemia due to blood loss.
The amounts of provitamin A and iron found in apricots are small compared to the large doses that pharmaceutical preparations may contain. Despite this, the results obtained from regular consumption of this fruit are superior to those expected from their iron and provitamin A content.
This is one of the most noteworthy facts in nutrition science, but it has only been scientifically explained in the last few years. Natural foods’ happy combination of vitamins, minerals, and other chemical substances enhances their action. The results obtained using whole-natural foods are superior to those obtained by their isolated and purified components in pharmaceutical preparations.
Warning
Apricots must be eaten ripe since they are indigestible when green. The industrial drying process used for apricots frequently includes sulfites as preservatives, which can provoke asthma attacks in allergic individuals.
How to use Apricots
- Fresh and ripe.
- Dried
- Preserves: Components and marmalade.
- Apricot treatment: This is carried out over 15 days by eating ½ kilo (one pound) of ripe apricots daily, preferably as the only dish at supper. They may be consumed with toasted bread.
Frequently Asked Question
Are apricots nutritious?
Apricots are highly nutritious fruits with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are remarkably rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber, making them valuable to a balanced diet. Incorporating apricots into your diet can influence overall health and well-being, thanks to their numerous apricot health benefits.
How do apricot health benefits contribute to the heart?
Apricots contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and support cardiovascular health. Additionally, their high fiber content can help lower cholesterol levels, reducing heart disease risk. Regular consumption of apricot health benefits as part of a heart-healthy diet can impact maintaining a healthy heart.
Can apricot health benefits help improve digestion?
Apricot health benefits include an excellent dietary fiber source, promoting healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Fiber helps prevent constipation and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improving gut health. Including apricots in your diet can help support digestive health and prevent digestive issues.
Do apricots have any benefits for skin health?
Apricots are rich in vitamin A and antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, which are beneficial for skin health. These apricot health benefits help defend the skin from damage caused by free radicals and further skin cell regeneration, leading to a healthier complexion. Consuming apricots regularly can contribute to radiant and youthful-looking skin.
How do apricots support eye health?
Apricots are a rich vitamin A source for preserving good vision and eye health. Vitamin A helps guard the eyes from age-related decline and reduces the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Including apricots in your diet can help support and preserve eye health over time.
Are apricots beneficial for bone health?
Yes, apricots contain significant amounts of calcium and vitamin K, essential nutrients for preserving solid and healthy bones. Calcium is key for bone density and strength, while vitamin K functions in bone metabolism and mineralization. Consuming apricot health benefits regularly can contribute to better bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Can apricots help boost the immune system?
Apricots are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports the immune system by developing the construction of white blood cells and antibodies. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, assisting to protect cells from injury and reduce the risk of infections. Including the many apricot health benefits in your diet can help strengthen your immune system and keep you healthy.
Do apricots have any anti-inflammatory properties?
Yes, apricots contain phytochemicals and antioxidants, such as quercetin and catechins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help decrease inflammation in the body, which can influence the prevention of chronic diseases such as arthritis and heart disease. Incorporating apricots into your diet can help lower inflammation and promote overall health.
Are dried apricots as nutritious as fresh ones?
While fresh apricots contain more water, dried apricots are more concentrated in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, dried apricots may also have higher sugar content due to water removal during the drying process. Both fresh and dried apricots can be nutritious options. Still, consuming dried apricots in moderation is essential due to their higher calorie and sugar content.
How can I incorporate apricots into my diet?
Apricots can be enjoyed in various ways, including fresh, dried, or cooked. You can eat fresh apricots as a snack, add them to salads, yogurt, or oatmeal, or use them in smoothies and desserts. Dried apricots make a convenient and portable snack and can be added to trail mixes or baked goods. Including apricots in your diet regularly can help you reap their numerous apricot health benefits and add variety to your meals.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power. Trans. Annette Melgosa. Vol. 2. Chai Wan: Editorial Safeliz, 2005. 26, 27. Print.
- USDA FoodData Central: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
- American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/
- National Eye Institute: https://www.nei.nih.gov/
- Osteoporosis Foundation: https://www.bones.nih.gov/
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: https://www.eatright.org/
- PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
- WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/
- Harvard School of Public Health: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/
Last update on 2024-07-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API