Apricot is a nutrient packed fruit. It serves various health benefits like prevents cancer, anemia, . Besides this, it also helps in reducing weight which is attributed to its high dietary fiber and antioxidants. These are high in energy, iron, calcium and have fair amounts of protein as well.

TYPES OF APRICOT

• 1 moorpark apricot – these are of big size with a golden orange skin. These apricots resemble with peaches in respect of colour and also tastes very similar to them.
• 2 blenheim apricot – this apricot adores green colour and never assumes full peach colour but tastes very similar to them. This variety is best in taste as compared to other varieties.
• 3 tilton apricot – these are heart shaped and have a suture line that runs till its half length. The tree of tilton apricots is frost resistant.
• 4 Gold Bar Apricot – it has a red tinge on its yellow-orange skin. It has an oval shape and is quite big in size.
• 5 Tomcot Apricot – its size is medium to large and has a light orange coloured flesh. It is sweet in taste.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF APRICOT PER 100 G APRICOT fresh

APRICOT dry

HEALTH BENEFITS OF APRICOTS

1. Eyesight protection – Apricots are packed with vitamin A, beta carotene, and other carotenoids. The vitamin E content in apricots is also of good values. Both the carotenoids and vitamin E are good for the overall eyesight of a person. The lutein found in apricots promotes retinal health. One apricot (35 g) contains about 33.6 mg of vitamin A which serves 8% of a person’s Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA).
2. Healthy skin – The antioxidants namely vitamin E, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta carotene found in apricots help to fight with the free radicals that are formed in the body. Thus, by this role, It protects the skin from the harmful effects of the UV radiations. Fresh apricots are good source of water that is also beneficial for a glowing skin.
3. Prevents anaemia – Apricots have fair amounts of iron and copper. Both are essential in the production of RBCs which in turn help in preventing anaemia.
4. Pro gut health – Apricots have fair amounts of both soluble and insoluble fibres which promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria. This makes them easy to digest.
5. Potassium benefits – Holding fair amounts of potassium, makes this fruit good for hypertensive patients. Both potassium and sodium maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body

How to consume apricots from weight loss view point

If you are consuming apricots with the intention of losing weight, then soak dried apricots overnight in water and then consume next day in the morning. You need to consume only 2 pieces of apricots in a day.

Also consuming fresh apricots for weight loss is a good option, as it has fair amounts of antioxidants and vitamin C. all these fight with free radicals which promotes a healthy weight loss.

HOW TO CONSUME APRICOTS FOR PREVENTING ANAEMIA

Apricots are a good source of iron, especially dried ones so one needs to consume them in the morning after soaking them overnight in water. One thing needs to be taken care of that is don’t consume them in the form of milk shake as calcium in milk will hinder the absorption of iron in the body.

APRICOT OIL

Apricot oil has numerous health benefits. This oil provides healthy skin, hair and good health. Let us view its various benefits –

1. Moisturiser – It can be used as a good natural skin moisturiser without any potential side effects.
2. Anti – ageing – Consuming apricot oil in small quantity daily assures removal of fine lines and wrinkles on face and
   underneath eyes.
3. Hair – health – It has high amount of vitamin E and vitamin C which promotes healthy hair growth and smooth
   unbroken hair. It can be applied directly over the scalp or consumed daily 5-6 drops.
   

Conclusion – Apricots offer lot of health benefits along with being a delicious delicacy in any plate. In order to harness its potential health benefits, one needs to consume them in routine and for a long time. Anything consumed in excess is detrimental to health so one’s diet must be a mix of foods covering every food group and not only relying on a single food.