- Apricots are orange colored fruits with skin described as velvety and smooth. Mix a peach and a plum, and you get the taste of an apricot. Besides their great taste, they also provide a variety of health benefits.
- Let’s tale a look at the health benefits of apricots:
- Potassium:
- Potassium is a key mineral in virtually every part of the body. Apricots are filled with potassium, an electrolyte, which means it controls the electricity in the body. Potassium is also essential for the functioning of the heart and muscle contraction. Potassium is often used after exercise because of its ability to reduce muscle cramps. It helps neutralize bone-depleting acids, keeping bones strong, and lessens the effects of sodium, which helps control blood pressure according to the American Heart Association.
- Eyesight:
- Eating three or more servings of fruit a day may lower the risk of developing macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of vision loss in adults. Apricot is high in vitamin A, which helps the surface of the eye keep out harmful bacteria, preventing eye infections.
- Beta-carotene:
- Apricots contain a high level of beta-carotene, which is a powerful disease fighting antioxidant. Beta-carotene is essential to maintaining a healthy heart. It reduces LDL cholesterol, which according the the American Heart Association is one of the major factors for heart disease and stroke.
- Vitamin A:
- Apricots provide a good amount of vitamin A, which is considered an antioxidant. Vitamin A scavenges free radicals, stopping them from damaging cells and tissues. This vitamin helps with the production of antibodies, which help neutralize bad bacteria, contributing to a healthy immune system. Vitamin A also supports respiratory tract linings, and lowers the risk of lung infections.
- Vitamin C:
- Vitamin C is provided by apricots, and is one of the most well known vitamins. Vitamin C helps boosts the immune system by protecting the body against the effects of oxidative stress. This is important because oxidative stress is linked to many chronic diseases including heart disease and certain types of cancers.
- Iron:
- Apricots are a good source of iron, which is very important to the body. Iron helps with cell growth, oxygen transport in the blood and strengthens the immune system. Eating apricots can prevent iron deficiency, which causes fatigue, weakness, and body temperature changes.
- Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
- For a DIY Geranium and Apricot oil hand salve.
- REFERENCES:
- 1. Scholten, Amy, MPH. “NYU Department of Ophthalmology.” NYU Department of Ophthalmology. NYU Langone Medical Center, Oct. 2004. Web. 08 July 2013.
- 2. “Vitamin A and Beta Carotene: Eye Benefits.” All About Vision. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 July 2013.
- 3. Brown, Susan E., PhD. “Potassium, the Hidden Bone Guardian.” Better Bones. Better Bones, n.d. Web. 08 July 2013.
- 4. “Potassium and High Blood Pressure.” American Heart Association. American Heart Association, n.d. Web. 08 July 2013.
