10 Amazing Health Benefits of Apricots

 

 Introduction:

Apricots are one of the most nutritious and tasty fruits around, making them great for snacking or adding to salads, but did you know that there are several health benefits of apricot fruit? Apricots pack quite the punch when it comes to vitamin C and beta-carotene, two antioxidants that help protect against cancer and heart disease. Apricots also contain calcium, which keeps your bones strong, as well as potassium, which helps lower blood pressure levels and improves muscle function. And apricots can even help you sleep better! Here are 10 ways you can benefit from eating apricots.

 

1) Vitamins A, B, C and E

Apricots are rich in vitamins A, B, C and E. These nutrients can not only improve our skin but also help us maintain good vision. Vitamin B is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for maintaining your health. In addition to apricot fruits, sources of vitamin B include milk, eggs and meat. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin which plays a key role in promoting collagen production that can help keep our skin healthy and hydrated by holding in moisture. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits as well as potatoes. Vitamin E helps to protect cells from oxidative damage while also promoting a healthy heart, eyes and hair. The health benefits of apricot go on!

 

2) Antioxidants

Fresh apricots are a rich source of antioxidants, compounds that protect your body against diseases like cancer and heart disease. They’re also full of dietary fiber, helping to keep your digestive system running smoothly and keeping hunger at bay. A variety of nutrients in apricot flesh makes them helpful for repairing cell damage and encouraging healthier skin. Another nutrient found in apricot, beta-carotene, is converted into vitamin A in your body.

 

3) Anti-inflammatory

Apricot fruit helps with inflammation. Inflammation is a key component in many health issues, from heart disease to cancer and even autoimmune diseases. By adding anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables to your diet, you can help keep your health problems at bay.

 

4) Brain booster

The more sugar you eat, including fruit sugar (fructose), and especially if you eat a lot of sugar with meals, then your brain loses its ability to release BDNF. When your brain is deprived of BDNF, it's harder to learn new things and much easier to forget old things. So try to eat whole fruits rather than drinking their juice for best results. The fiber in whole fruits slows down absorption so that a steady supply keeps getting released into your bloodstream instead of a big slug right away. And that means less insulin spike and less chance for your brain cells to be damaged by reactive oxygen species.

 

5) Beautiful skin

You know that apricot oil is great for your skin—it’s one of nature’s best moisturizers. But did you know that apricot seeds also exfoliate and soften skin, making it brighter and even smoother? Because they contain a natural chemical called amygdalin, which helps produce hydroquinone (and therefore melanin) in our bodies, eating small amounts of apricot seeds can actually lighten our skin over time. Whether you eat them whole or extract their oils, these small and tasty treats are good for more than just health—they’re good for beauty as well!

 

6) Lung Protector

As an astringent and diuretic, apricot fruit can help flush toxins from your lungs. This means that you’ll experience fewer respiratory infections—and in turn, develop stronger lung capacity over time. If you already have respiratory issues, it might be a good idea to consider adding more apricot fruit to your diet on a regular basis.

 

7) Supports bone health

Antioxidants found in apricot, like beta-carotene and vitamin C, have been shown to support bone health. One study even found that eating three or more servings of apricots per week was associated with better bone mineral density among premenopausal women.

 

8) Healthy Heart

In one study, when participants consumed 10 or more dried apricot halves a day for two weeks, there was an increase in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids in their bloodstreams. Omega-3s may decrease triglycerides and keep cholesterol levels low. Keep your heart healthy by reaching for fresh fruit—and not just apricots! A variety of fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, which has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels as well as protect against oxidative stress that can damage arteries. To reap these benefits, choose produce with different colors like red beets and kale or orange carrots and spinach; each color indicates a different phytonutrient is present to help you stay healthy.

 

9) Cardiovascular Support

Apricots are high in fiber and water, both important for cardiovascular health. Fiber-rich foods can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and stabilize blood sugar, which is key for preventing diabetes and other heart-related conditions. As an added bonus, apricot seeds are loaded with soluble fiber that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels even more than oat bran. This type of fiber also helps prevent heart disease by lowering blood pressure and reducing stress on blood vessels.

 

10) Immune System Boost

Many health-conscious people already know about vitamin C and its important role in strengthening your immune system. That’s why many choose to take an antioxidant like vitamin C on a daily basis. But did you know that there are other great sources for vitamin C? Apricots, for example, provide over 30 percent of your daily recommended intake in just one serving!