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Apricots are rich orange in color and were also called “golden apples” by the Greeks. This fruit has a very delicate flavor, along with nutritional benefits as well. Apricots are a rich source of nutrients including vitamins A and C, amino acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, insoluble and soluble fibers, sugar, carotenoids, and sodium. Both fresh and dried apricots are a great snack to have, though the dry fruit contains more nutritional benefits in comparison to the fresh fruit. Not only do dried apricots have thrice the amount of fibre and beta-carotene content but they also have a higher calorific value with more carbohydrates.

Health Benefits of Apricots

• Anemia: Due to the rich presence of copper and iron in this fruit, it helps hemoglobin to form easily. This, in turn, prevents you from suffering from anemia as it regulates normal blood levels in your body.
• Asthma: Apricot oil is said to be anti-asthmatic by nature and helps asthmatic patients.
• Boost Immune System: The presence of lycopene in apricots helps strengthen your immune system.
• Cancer: Apricot seeds have the ability to treat pain caused by cancer, especially cancerous cells that affect the larynx, lungs, esophagus, and pharynx. The presence of the strong antioxidant lycopene also helps prevent cancer and builds up your immune system.
• Constipation: The high dietary fibre in them aids in proper digestion of food and regular bowel movement. It also works as a laxative and helps you relieve yourself when you are constipated. Eating 6 to 8 apricots a day should help a patient who is constipated; the other alternative is to drink apricot juice early in the morning.
• Earache: Apricot oil is known to aid in easing ear pain.
• Eyesight: Apricots contain vitamin A which improve and maintain your vision; this also reduces the chances of you getting age related muscular degeneration.
• Fever: Apricots help clear up fevers by cleansing your body, lowering the temperature, and easing your thirst. A good option is to eat steamed apricots or apricot juice as it helps you get rid of toxins in your system.
• Healthy Heart: Apricots are a rich source of vitamins A and C and potassium that help prevent cardiovascular disease. The presence of beta-carotene also helps keep LDL cholesterol levels in check and maintain a strong heart.
• Healthy Skin: Your skin absorbs apricot oil and gives it a glowing, smooth look. Apricot oil also helps with people suffering from eczema, scabies or itching problems.
• Indigestion: Eating an apricot before eating your meal helps the body digest food better. This is due to the alkaline effect that the fruit has on the digestive system.
• Pregnancy: Use apricot oil during pregnancy on stretch marks that tend to occur as you gain weight or lose it rapidly. This is one of the home remedies that you can try where you rub apricot kernel oil or apricot scrub over the stretch marks that should fade with constant use over a period of time.
• Weight Loss: Apricots have a very low calorific value; one apricot contains only 17 calories. They are also high in dietary fiber, and that makes this fruit an excellent option if you want to lose weight.

Drinking apricot juice is considered as a good tonic for the eyes, heart, liver, nerves, and stomach. Apricot juice contains all the essential vitamins and minerals that aid in better functioning of these organs. However, watch your apricot usage, as overdosing does have side effects that include headaches, giddiness, vomiting and dizziness. Hence include apricots in your diet, but only in moderation.

References:

1. http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/food-composition/food-fyi/apricots
2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002400.htm
3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21896302

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.