Benefits, Uses and Side Effects of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Introduction:
Fruits are very nutritious for our body. Fresh and dry fruits are beneficial for our good health. Many of these fruits are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Apricot is one of such nutritious and delicious fruits.
Apricot is a nutritious fruit holding medicinal properties. It is a fruit-bearing plant belonging to the ‘Rosaceae’ family. The scientific name of Apricot is ‘Prunus armeniaca’. Apricot is cultivated in temperate regions, especially in the Mediterranean part. Apricot is a good source of vitamin A and is high in natural sugar content. Dry Apricot is a great source of iron.
In 2019, global production of Apricot was 4.1 million tonnes, led by Turkey at 21% of the total world production. Other major producers were Uzbekistan, Iran, Italy and Algeria.
Benefits and Uses of Apricot
Apricot plants are small and extended, 8-12 meters (26-39) feet high. The leaves are ovary shaped, bright green in color, 5-9 cm long and 4-8 cm wide, and have a circular base. A pointed head and finely serrated margin. Apricot has white self-defeating flowers. The flowers are 2.-4.5 centimeters in diameter. The fruit has the appearance similar to peach, such as smooth, round to rectangular and has a yellow – orange color. Apricot has a small hair-like yam on its skin. Apricot Fruits can taste sweet to sour. This fruit contains a solid seed. Apricot contains numerous nutrients, thus it is considered to be one of the healthiest fruits in the world.
This article describes the health benefits of Apricot.
Various Regional Names of Apricot
- Assamese : Ahom bogori
- Hindi : Jardaloo,Khubani, Khumani
- Tamil : Sara Paruppu
- Malayalam : Mutta Pazham, Sheema Pazham
- Telugu : Khubani, Jardaloo
- Kannada : Jardalu
- Gujarati : Jardaloo
- Marathi : Jardaloo
Nutritional value of Apricot (in per 100g)
- Energy : 1,009KJ (241Kcal)
- Carbohydrate : 63 g
- Sugar : 53g
- Dietary fiber : 7g
- Fat : 0.5g
- Protein :3.4g
- Vitamins
- Vitamin A : 180mcg
- Beta carotene :2163 mcg
- Thiamine (B1) :0.015mg
- Riboflavin (B2) : 0.074miligram
- Niacin (B3) : 2.589milligram
- Pantothenic acid (B5) : 0.516milligram
- Vitamin (B6) : 0.143milligram
- Folate (B9) : 10 micrograms
- Vitamin (C) : 1mg
- Vitamin (E) : 4.33mg
- Vitamin (K) : 3.1 mcg
- Minerals
- Calcium : 55 milligram
- Iron : 2.66 milligram
- Magnesium : 32 milligram
- Manganese : 0.235 milligram
- Phosphorus : 71 milligram
- Potassium : 1162 milligram
- Sodium : 10 milligram
- Zinc : 0.29milligram
Scientific Classification of Apricot
- Kingdom : Plantae
- Division : Magnoliophyta
- Class : Magnoliopsida
- Order : Rosales
- Family : Rosaceae
- Genus : Prunus
- Subgenus : Prunus
- Section : Armeniaca
- Species : P. Armeniaca
- Scientific name : Prunus armeniaca
Benefits of Apricot
1. Improved vision:
Apricot is a rich source of fat-soluble vitamin A (retinol), which improves vision quality. The evidence clearly shows that Apricot’s retinol and beta carotene have a vital role to play in treating eye-related disorders. It can be essential for age-related eye problems such as loss of vision over time.
2. Good source of dietary fiber:
Both fresh and dry Apricots are a rich source of fiber. Apricot can be considered as an ingredient in a regular diet that can help treat diabetes, CHD, weight gain, and a variety of cancers. There are some clinical studies available that show that the fiber present in home bovine diet can dissolve fatty acids in the body, which helps in improving digestion.
3. Apricot and heart health:
There are known benefits of apricot for the heart. Apricot contains high levels of potassium. And potassium plays an important role in the proper functioning of the heart. It is recommended to include Apricot in the regular diet of patients suffering from heart related problems. Regular intake of apricot and potassium help maintain the balance of electrolytes in the body, which is directly related to blood pressure control. This can help keep the heart healthy and prevent heart attacks.
4. Apricot and skin problems:
Apricot has water soluble fiber and fat, vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C. Eating fruit rich in such phytonutrients can benefit in maintaining healthy skin. Vitamins are essential for maintaining skin health. Naturally, apricot contains high amounts of water, and hence it keeps the body cells hydrated and thereby soothes the skin.
5. Apricot and gut health:
Apricot is high in soluble fiber which helps in improving intestinal health. Home bovine soluble fiber can cause stool to become trapped, which helps to keep the intestinal bacteria free due to better functioning of the digestive system.
6. Apricot and bone health:
The human body derives from the essential calcium intake. And calcium intake and absorption is directly related to bone health and its subsequent development. Apricots are rich in minerals such as calcium and potassium, which play an important role in bone development.
7. Apricot and hair growth:
Apricot also has benefits for our hair health. Apricot is made up of essential fatty acids, i.e. linoleic acid. Linoleic acid helps in healthy and shiny hair growth. Fatty acids in Apricot can help provide proper nutrition, and it can soothe the scalp that can further enhance hair growth.
8. May Boost Metabolism:
Fluid levels throughout the body are mainly dependent on two minerals, potassium and sodium. High levels of potassium in Apricot can be associated with maintaining fluid balance in the body and ensuring proper distribution of energy to organs and muscles. By maintaining a healthy balance of electrolytes, you may have more energy, decrease cramps, and keep pumping blood and usable energy through your body as you need.
9. May Relieve Earaches:
Apricot oil may be good for earache, although the correct mechanism is still being studied. A few drops of Apricot oil in the affected ear tube is said to be a quick home remedy. However, a doctor should be consulted to ensure a safe treatment done at home.
10. May Reduce Fever:
Patients suffering from fever can often be given Apricot juice as it can provide the body with the necessary vitamins, minerals, calories and water, as well as detoxify ingestion of various organs. Some people can use steaming Apricot to get relief from fever.
11. May Aid In Anemia Treatment:
Dry Apricots can be a good source of iron and copper. If you are suffering from anemia, you can include them in your diet to increase your iron levels. Iron deficiency Anemia can lead to weakness, fatigue, lightening of head, digestive problems, and general metabolic disorders. Without red blood cells, the body cannot properly re-oxygenite itself, and organ systems may fail. Iron is a major part of red blood cell formation, like copper.
Uses of Apricot
- Apricots can be eaten in both raw and dried form. Apricots are also used to make different juices, jams, squash and jelly. It can be added to salads and used by adding in different types of baked food items.
- Apricot oil can also be used. Cosmetics made from Apricot can be used for skin improvement and hair growth.
- Apricot can be used in different ways in curing diseases.
Side Effects of Apricot
Apricot is basically safe when consumed carefully in small quantities; Large amounts of Apricot intake can lead to vomiting, sweating, fainting, loss of consciousness.
Excessive intake of Apricot seeds is dangerous; Its consumption is converted into Cyanide, which can be harmful to the body.
Precaution
There is not enough reliable information to know if Apricot is safe to use as a medicine for pregnant women or lactating mothers. Stay on the safe side and avoid its medicinal usages if your doctor does not suggest it.
Conclusion
Till now you must have got a brief knowledge about the benefits of Apricot in different health conditions. We hope this data will benefit you in various ways. Thank You!
FAQ
1/ What are the benefits of Apricot?
Ans: Apricot is a good source of flavonoids, an antioxidant that helps protect against inflammation and inflammatory diseases, as well as reduces your risk for obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
2/ Who should not eat apricots?
Ans: People with low blood pressure should not take Apricot. Eating apricots is unhealthy for them. Remember that Apricot seeds contain synods which are extremely harmful when consumed too much.
3/ Does Apricot help you lose weight?
Ans: Dry Apricots, even fresh fruits are known to be low in calories as compared to other dried fruits. With just 48 calories per 100 grams, Apricot becomes a healthy snack for weight loss. You can have Apricots between your meals to suppress hunger and keep your stomach healthy.
4/ What are the side effects of Apricot?
Ans: Apricot has side effects such as, consuming large amounts of Apricot can lead to vomiting, sweating, fainting, loss of consciousness etc.
5/ What is the scientific name of Apricot?
Ans: Apricot’s scientific name is – ‘Prunus armeniaca’.