Health benefits of apricot

Zee Media Bureau/Irengbam Jenny

New Delhi: Apricot is the yellowish-orange fruit that belongs to the family of peaches, nectarines, plums and cherries. The fruit is easily available and can be consumed in both fresh as well as dried form. Fresh apricots contain a plenty supply of vitamin C.

Here are some of the health benefits of apricot:

Good for eyes: Apricot is good for eyes. It reduces the risk of developing eye disorder because of the carotenoids and the various vitamins especially Vitamin A and Beta Carotene present in it. It also helps in strengthening the optic nerves in eyes and lowers the risk of another major eye related illness called Neovascular ARMD.

Rich source of antioxidants: Apricot is a rich source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are required by the body to aid natural functioning. High amount of antioxidants in the body leads to high rate of elimination of toxins from it. The fruit have the capacity to increase the production of antioxidants.

High Fiber Content: Apricot in both forms dried or fresh is considered as one of the best sources of dietary fiber. The fruit contain a special kind of fiber which is beneficial for the body. They contain the rich soluble fiber that dissolves easily in the body.

The high amount of dietary fiber also helps in keeping you safe from gastrointestinal disorders.

Good for heart: The high amount of soluble fibers in the fruit is beneficial to the heart. The high fiber content helps in reducing the LDL or bad cholesterol content in the body, thus lowering your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Consuming half a cup of apricots every day is useful and beneficial to the health of your heart.

Strengthens bones: Apricots are good for bones and helps in strengthening it, as the fruit is rich in calcium and potassium content. Body requires calcium in bone formation and bone development. Thus lack of calcium leads to a disorder of the bones called Osteoporosis.

Good for skin: Apricot contains high level of antioxidants like vitamin A, Vitamin C and phytonutrients which is good for skin. The antioxidants in the fruit slow down the process of ageing Vitamin A also ensures that the skin is free from acne and any other skin problems.