Apricots can be enjoyed in a wide variety of ways, and every culture treats apricots differently! One of the reasons they have been so popular throughout history is that they can be directly linked to a number of health benefits, due to their unique organic compounds, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, which are listed below:
- Apricots Boost Digestive Health
The soluble fiber in the fruit promotes healthy bowel movement as it adds bulk to the stools. The fiber also breaks down the fatty acids fast – and this enhances digestion. The fiber in the fruit also treats other digestive issues like constipation and bloating.
- Can Aid Diabetes Treatment
Apricots are quite low in calories and carbs (one fruit contains just 17 calories and 4 grams of carbs) – and this is good news for diabetics. They can very well be a part of a diabetes diet. And the fiber they contain can regulate blood sugar levels.
Apricots also have a low glycemic index – which means they have a sustained effect on your blood sugar levels and don’t spike the levels too fast. The fruit is also rich in vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant that improves blood sugar levels.
- Help Fight Inflammation
Not just the fruit, but the seeds have also been found to be effective in relieving inflammation.
According to a report by the Arthritis Foundation, apricots are rich in beta-cryptoxanthin, a chemical that can prevent osteoarthritis and other inflammatory forms of arthritis. The magnesium in the fruit can also ease inflammatory pain.
- Improve Vision
Regular fruit intake has been linked to a reduced risk of vision loss. But more importantly, apricots are rich in carotenoids and xanthophylls – nutrients that researchers believe can prevent age-related vision ailments. And they also contain vitamin A, another important nutrient for the eyes. Also called retinol, it prevents age-related macular degeneration.
- Apricots Prevent Liver Damage
As per studies, apricots can protect against liver damage and ease the symptoms of fatty liver disease.
The potassium in the fruit can lower blood pressure levels and can hence prevent heart attacks. And the fiber in the fruit lowers cholesterol levels and prevents heart-related diseases like atherosclerosis.
- Apricots Aid Weight Loss and Metabolism
The fiber makes it obvious – it can keep us full for long periods, and this definitely contributes to healthy weight loss. There is another bit of science attached to this – the nutrients in apricots stimulate certain brain cells that make us feel full and control our appetite.
- Might Be Beneficial During Pregnancy
Apricots are highly nutritious, and this is reason enough to consume them during pregnancy. They are also rich in iron and copper, two particularly important nutrients during pregnancy. They help prevent fatal consequences during pregnancy.
However, there is very little research done in this regard.