An apricot is a small sweet fruit with a golden orange color. A ripe apricot can be recognized by its fairly firm skin, and it will be plump and juicy when it is at its best. The apricot has a delicate aroma and is an excellent source of Vitamins A (beta-carotene) and C. Apricots are also a good source of iron, potassium, phosphorus and calcium.
Health Benefits:
1. Cancer Prevention
The powerful antioxidants found in apricots help protect the body from free radical activity and damage to cells and DNA.
The powerful antioxidants found in apricots help protect the body from free radical activity and damage to cells and DNA.
Though controversial, recent studies say that apricot seeds fight cancer due to their laetrile content. Laetrile, also known as B17, is a controversial substance found in the seeds (also known as "pits" or "kernels") of apricots.
B17 has been noted for both its cancer-fighting potential as well as its supposed toxic effect on humans. The FDA banned laetrile in 1971 because it contains cyanide, a well known poison. However, recent studies have questioned its level of toxicity and many researchers claim that laetrile kills cancer cells without serious side effects. More research is still needed and individuals should consult a doctor before consuming apricot seeds.
2. High In Antioxidants
Apricots are a good source of vitamin C and a great source of vitamin A, providing 20% of one's DV per serving.
Apricots are a good source of vitamin C and a great source of vitamin A, providing 20% of one's DV per serving.
3. Heart Health
The beta carotene found in apricots is now considered by many studies to play a positive role in cardiovascular health and heart disease prevention. They help prevent oxidation to LDL cholesterol and detoxify the blood.
The beta carotene found in apricots is now considered by many studies to play a positive role in cardiovascular health and heart disease prevention. They help prevent oxidation to LDL cholesterol and detoxify the blood.
4. High In Fiber
The high fiber content in apricots offers a variety of health benefits. It may be essential in colon health, is great for digestion and helps balance the metabolism and maintain a healthy body weight.
The high fiber content in apricots offers a variety of health benefits. It may be essential in colon health, is great for digestion and helps balance the metabolism and maintain a healthy body weight.
5. Eye Health
Fruit like apricots, high in vitamin A and carotenoids, are now considered by many to help strengthen the eyes. One report stated that eating 3 or more servings of these fruits per day may help to prevent age related eye disease like macular degeneration.
Fruit like apricots, high in vitamin A and carotenoids, are now considered by many to help strengthen the eyes. One report stated that eating 3 or more servings of these fruits per day may help to prevent age related eye disease like macular degeneration.
6. Anemia
Apricots contain a good amount of iron and copper, both of which may help in the formation of hemoglobin.
Apricots contain a good amount of iron and copper, both of which may help in the formation of hemoglobin.
7. Skin Health
Rubbing apricot oil on the skin may help relieve the symptoms of conditions like eczema and scabies.
Rubbing apricot oil on the skin may help relieve the symptoms of conditions like eczema and scabies.
8. Weight Loss
Apricots are a low calorie, nutrient rich food source that may be a great addition to any weight loss program. In addition, the fiber in apricots may help to maintain a healthy weight level.
Apricots are a low calorie, nutrient rich food source that may be a great addition to any weight loss program. In addition, the fiber in apricots may help to maintain a healthy weight level.
9.Digestive Problems
If you are suffering from digestive problems like constipation, make sure that you eat plenty of apricots, they contain pectin, which is in apples. This is a fibre, which will help your digestive process in order to get the most benefit, make sure that you eat six to eight a day.
10. Supports Brain Heath
Studies have shown that consumption of apricots may have a role in preventing or slowing the onset of Alzheimer's disease. They contain beta-carotene which is the phytonutrient that gives the apricot its color. This nutrient is shown to slow the aging process on the brain which is of enormous benefit as we age. To support healthy brain function you can't go wrong this fruit. One aspect of your diet you should familiarize yourself with is trying to intake more foods that specialize in this benefit.
Studies have shown that consumption of apricots may have a role in preventing or slowing the onset of Alzheimer's disease. They contain beta-carotene which is the phytonutrient that gives the apricot its color. This nutrient is shown to slow the aging process on the brain which is of enormous benefit as we age. To support healthy brain function you can't go wrong this fruit. One aspect of your diet you should familiarize yourself with is trying to intake more foods that specialize in this benefit.
References:
8 Health Benefits of Apricots. Health Diaries
Five Health Benefits of Eating Apricots. Lose That Tyre
Health Benefits of Apricots. Health Benefits
There is a very broad range of apricot kernels available that encompass the entire spectrum of amygdalin content - from very little, to quite a lot. The bitterness of an apricot kernel is indicative of its amygdalin content. Both sweet and bitter varieties contain quantities of amygdalin. However, people don’t realize the significant range of amygdalin content of the apricot kernels being sold as “bitter” varieties.
ReplyDelete45 apricot kernels of one variety are all that is required for a daily dose of 1,500 mg of amygdalin. This is a dose that falls within a therapeutic range. In another variety of “bitter” apricot kernels, 200 kernels would have to be consumed in order to achieve similar quantities. However, the people using this variety are still adhering to common dosage guidelines, which means, at best, they’re likely only receiving 80-100 mg of amygdalin, and that’s at 45 apricot kernels per day.
The variety of bitter apricot kernel is critical to their efficacy. The wrong variety will simply not work.
I talk about this in more detail on my own blog at http://apricot-kernels.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/apricot-kernels-some-work-some-dont.html
My mission is to promote apricot kernels correctly. There is so much misinformation online regarding apricot kernels, a large percentage of users aren't giving themselves the best chance they have. I want to clear up some of these myths and misconceptions and attempt to level out the terrain. Apricot kernels absolutely deserve respect in the realm of alternative therapies, but the propagation of misinformation will continue to mar their reputation and their efficacy.