Finance
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are always recommended by experts. This is due to the fact that “seasonal fruits are possibly one of the best additions you can make to your diet.”
The apricot is one such summer fruit that is a must-have during the hot months.
Health and nutrition benefits of apricots-
1. High in nutrients and low in calories
Apricots are high in nutrients and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Just two fresh apricots (70 grams) supply
Calories: 34
Carbs: 8 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Fat: 0.27 grams
Fiber: 1.5 grams
Vitamin A: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 8% of the DV
Vitamin E: 4% of the DV
Potassium: 4% of the DV
Furthermore, this fruit contains beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, all of which are potent antioxidants that help your body fight free radicals.
Apricots are best eaten whole and unpeeled, as the skin contains a lot of fiber and nutrients. Because the stone is inedible, it must be discarded.
2. Antioxidant-rich
Apricots are high in antioxidants such as beta carotene and vitamins A, C, and E.
Furthermore, they are high in flavonoids, a type of polyphenol antioxidant that has been shown to protect against diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Apricots’ main flavonoids are chlorogenic acids, catechins, and quercetin (5).
These compounds work to neutralize free radicals, which are harmful compounds that cause oxidative stress and damage to your cells. Obesity and many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, are linked to oxidative stress.
Researchers developed a scoring system to measure changes in levels of inflammatory markers in one study involving 2,375 people.
3. May benefit eye health
Apricots contain a variety of compounds that are beneficial to eye health, including vitamins A and E.
Vitamin A is essential in preventing night blindness, which is caused by a lack of light pigments in your eyes, whereas vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that enters your eyes directly and protects them from free radical damage.
Meanwhile, beta carotene, which gives apricots their yellow-orange color, is a vitamin A precursor, which means your body can convert it into this vitamin.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two other important apricot carotenoids. They protect the lenses and retinas of your eyes from oxidative stress.
4. May improve skin health
Apricots may be beneficial to your skin.
Environmental factors such as the sun, pollution, and cigarette smoke are the primary causes of wrinkles and skin damage.
Notably, you can combat some of this skin damage by eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, such as apricots.
This fruit contains vitamins C and E, both of which may benefit your skin. By neutralizing free radicals, vitamin C, in particular, protects against UV damage and environmental pollutants.
Furthermore, this vitamin promotes the formation of collagen, which gives your skin strength and elasticity. A vitamin C-rich diet can help your skin heal from UV damage and prevent wrinkles.
Another apricot nutrient, beta carotene, may protect against sunburn. In a 10-week study, beta carotene supplementation reduced sunburn risk by 20%.
4. Extremely hydrating
Apricots, like most fruits, are naturally high in water, which can aid in the regulation of blood pressure, body temperature, joint health, and heart rate.
One cup (165 g) of sliced fresh apricots contains nearly 2/3 cup (142 ml) of water.
Dehydration reduces blood volume, requiring your heart to work harder to pump blood. Additionally, staying hydrated allows your blood to circulate waste and nutrients throughout your body.
Furthermore, eating apricots can be a simple way to replenish both water and electrolyte loss after exercise, as this fruit contains high levels of both water and potassium.
Apricots are a tasty fruit that is high in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They have numerous advantages, including better eye, skin, and gut health.
Apricots, whether fresh or dried, are simple to incorporate into yogurt, salads, and main dishes.
