20 Amazing Benefits of Apricot (Khubani)

Apricot, the golden orange colored delicious fruits known for the velvety texture of their skin and flesh. Besides apricot pulp, apricot seed is also edible. Apricot's seed which is a nut and just like other nuts it is rich in protein and fat. Although the apricot nut is edible but avoid too much consumption and don't eat if it is bitter in taste.
Apricots are found in summer season with lots of health benefits. They are consumed both fresh and in dried form as well. Ripe apricots have sweet flavor similar to plums while sun dried apricots have concentrated nutrient levels than fresh ones although they are lesser in vitamin-C content.Vitamin C improve immune system and helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen free radicals. Apricots are rich source of Vitamin A and carotenes. Both of these nutrients are known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision and healthy skin.

Along with other benefits, it is very helpful for people on diet. It is extremely low in calories and almost fat free.




Health and Beauty Benefits of Apricot





1. Prevent Cataract (safaid motia)

Apricots are rich in Vitamin A which prevents cataract and macular degeneration. Apricots are high in vitamins A and C, and are also rich in beta carotene, fiber and potassium. All these nutrients are essential to prevent cataracts. According to recent research, You can lower Your Risk of Cataracts by 40% with Apricots.

2. Improve Eye Vision

Apricot is rich in vitamins A, C and E as well as carotenoids that reduce the risk of eye vision problems and improve eye vision. Anti oxidants in apricot fight against free radicals. Free radical damage can injure the eyes' lenses. In addition, eating 3-4 servings of apricot fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).

3. Cure Constipation

Apricots contain high amount of pectin and cellulose which act as a mild laxative, thus helping in getting rid of constipation. Apricots are high in fiber which is vital for colon health and prevents constipation that might cause colon cancer. Apricot is generally recommended to patients who regularly suffer from constipation problem.

4. Dissolve Gallstones

Gallstones are made up of calcium salts, cholesterol and bile pigments. They can develop in the bile ducts or gallbladder and make it difficult to digest fatty foods.
Recent scientific research indicates that apricot help in dissolving and removal of gall stones. Instead of fresh, dried apricots are preferred in getting rid of gall stones.

5. Improve Digestion

 Apricots are good source of dietary fiber.  These  fibers increase metabolism which improves digestion. Apricots are very helpful in getting rid of many kinds of digestion problems and is very beneficial for detoxifying the body. It also helps in elimination of waste products from the body.

6. Anemia Cure

Apricot is a rich source of iron that plays an important role in the formation of blood. , thus improving blood flow and energy flow. Deficiency of iron can cause anaemia. Besides, apricot also contains small amounts of copper that enables the body to absorb iron.

7. Beneficial in Pregnancy

Apricots are very beneficial for pregnant women as they contain vitamins A, C and E as well as minerals like phosphorus, silicon, calcium, iron and potassium. Pregnant women are often advised to consume dried apricots as they have a high iron content which is important for pregnant women to prevent anemia.

8. Boost Immune System

Apricots are very high in vitamin C which helps to boost your immune system and thus protect you from cold and many infection caused by various infectious agents.

9. Treatment of Scalp Problems


Apricot oil contains vitamins A and E which support skin health and repair. Thus, it is a great home remedy for problems like dry scalp, eczema and psoriasis, dandruff . This oil restores moisture to dry or flaky scalp.

10. Great Hair Conditioner

Apricot oil is packed with oleic and linoleic acids which help a lot to cure many hair problems. Its high content of vitamins A and E makes it great for hydration and conditioning. For extra softness and shine you can add some apricot oil in your shampoo or conditioner.



11. Prevent Osteoporosis

Apricots contain a good amount of calcium which is vital for the formation and development of bones. Thus, eating apricots helps in maintaining bone health and prevents bone related problems like osteoporosis.

12. Prevent Cancer

The powerful antioxidants found in apricots help protect the body from free radical activity and damage to cells and DNA. Thus prevents from various forms of cancers.

13. Prevent Heart Diseases

Apricots reduce the risk of cardio vascular disease as they are rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C and lycopene. These antioxidants reduce LDL(bad) cholesterol, thus minimizing the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular diseases.

14. Prevent Cramping


 Muscle cramps occur when you are mineral deficient. Apricots contain a good amount of potassium which can help to prevent muscle cramping.

15. Control Weight

Both fresh and dried apricots are low in calorie that is 50 calories per hundred grams of fruit. To lose weight it is also more effective. These are also free from fat with large amount of nutrition contents. So it offers healthy food with more nutritional benefits for your body. Apricot is low in calorie so the chance of gaining weight is very low, plus it has fiber that makes you feel less hungry and that also results less eating. So eat apricot without worrying about gaining weight.

16. Delay Aging

Apricots contain a good amount of Anti oxidants that fight against skin damaging free radicals and slow down aging process. Daily consumption of apricot is highly beneficial in delaying aging process.

17. Cure Skin Diseases


Apricot oil is very beneficial for body massage and keeps skin glowing and healthy. Skin diseases like scabies, eczema and itching can be cured with the help of this oil.

18. Anti Wrinkle

With immense skin benefits apricots help a lot to cure wrinkles. Apricot pulp is used in various skin masks to cure skin wrinkles at home.

19. Glowing Skin

Apricot scrubs help a lot to remove dead skin cells and give you healthy glowing and blemish free skin even at home.

20. Cure Lung Diseases

Dried apricots help a lot in curing many lung diseases like asthma , bronchitis and tuberculosis. Powerful anti oxidants in apricot also help to fight against free radical damage and prevent from lung cancer.

Apricot Nutritional Value Per 100g  Fruit

Apricots (Prunus armeniaca), fresh,
Nutritive Value per 100 g,
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
Nutrients
Quantity
Percentage
Energy 50 Kcal 2.5%
Carbohydrates 11 g 8.5%
Protein 1.4 g 2.5%
Total Fat 0.4 g 1%
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Dietary Fiber 2 g 5%
Vitamins
Folates 9 µg 2%
Niacin 0.600 mg 4%
Pantothenic acid 0.240 mg 5%
Pyridoxine 0.054 mg 5%
Riboflavin 0.040 mg 3%
Thiamin 0.030 mg 2.5%
Vitamin A 1926 IU 64%
Vitamin C 10 mg 16%
Vitamin E 0 mg 0%
Vitamin K 3.3 µg 3%
Electrolytes
Sodium 1 mg 0%
Potassium 259 mg 5.5%
Minerals
Calcium 13 mg 1.3%
Copper
Iron 0.39 mg 5%
Magnesium 10 mg 2.5%
Manganese 0.077 mg 3%
Phosphorus 23 mg 3%
Zinc 0.2 mg 2%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-α 19 µg
Carotene–ß 1094 µg
Crypto-xanthin-ß 104 µg
Lutein-zeaxanthin 89 µg