7 Amazing Health Benefits Of Apricots

One of the best-kept secrets in the fruit world is apricot nutrition. Vitamins, antioxidants and fiber combine to make apricots one great fruit, from a nutritional standpoint. Eating apricots as part of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is a great way to prevent cancer, lower cholesterol and heart disease risk, promote vision, improve digestion, aid in weight loss and improve skin health.

Like other fruits, the dietary fiber in apricots (one cup of apricots has 3 grams of fiber), increases metabolism, which improves digestion, prevents constipation and can help the body feel fuller, longer to aid in weight loss.

# Protection From Cancer(s)

Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids in apricot protects our cells from free radical damage, and minimize the risk of many cancers like colon cancer, lung cancer, intestinal cancer, abdominal cancer, and pancreatic cancer, etc.

Free radicals are unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from neighboring molecules and doing so, cause oxidative damage to them.

# Improve Digestion

Apricots improve digestion as mild laxatives like pectin, cellulose, and dietary fibers in them improve bowel movement, promote smooth elimination of stool, and thus relieve constipation and other digestive problems like abdominal pain, indigestion, gas, bloating and flatulence, etc.

Antioxidants like Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids in apricots protect the digestive system from free radical damage and reduce the risk of colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.

Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, and folate, etc also improves our digestive health.

# Regulates High Blood Pressure

The vasodilating properties of potassium in apricot relax blood vessels, improve blood circulation and provide relief from hypertension, a common health problem that affects millions worldwide.

It is a common cause of various cardiovascular and other problems like severe headaches, nose bleed, chest pain, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, vision problem and blood in urine, etc.

Zinc and magnesium also help to regulate hypertension.

Eat apricots in moderation as high potassium may drop blood pressure to an abnormally low level giving rise to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, dehydration, lack of concentration, blurred vision, and pale skin, etc.

If you are on blood pressure medication, have a word with your doctor before adding apricot to your routine to eliminate the risk of food-drug intolerance.

# Helps with Cholesterol Management

Dietary fibers in apricot reduce LDL cholesterol in the body and minimize the risk of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a condition that hardens and narrows arteries as plaque and fat deposits accumulate in the arterial walls. It is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.

# Promotes Cardiovascular System

Apricot improves our cardiovascular health as it contains several antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols to protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.

Dietary fibers in apricot manage cholesterol and minimize the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.

Potassium in it relaxes our blood vessels and controls hypertension or high blood pressure, a prime cause of poor cardiovascular health.

Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper, etc in apricot also contribute to our cardiovascular health.

# Helps To Treat Anemia

Apricot helps in treating Iron-induced anemia, a blood disorder that causes fatigue, weakness, pale skin, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and cold hands or feet, etc. It is caused by Iron deficiency in the body.

Iron in apricot enhance red blood cells that carry oxygenated blood to cells and nourish them.

Vitamin C in the apricot enhances iron absorption in the body and is beneficial against anemia.

# Apricots Help In Losing Weight

Apricot promotes weight loss because of its low caloric value of 48 calories per 100 grams.

Dietary fibers like pectin in apricot provide stomach satiety, controls the urge to eat again and again, and thus controls overeating, a prime cause of obesity.

Apricot contains about 86 percent water. It contributes to weight management as it reduces calorie overload, controls overeating, improves digestion, and increases the absorption of nutrients.