Apricots and Its Nutritional Values

The apricot is a stone fruit and has nut within it. It is round or oblong in shape, flattened to some extent. It is similar in shape as peach, but is considerably smaller. It is yellowish in color. The fruit, which ripens on the tree alone, develops its true flavor, which is very much like that of the peach.

The apricot (which means "early matured fruit" in Latin), was discovered in China. where it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. It has also been grown in India and Tibet from time immemorial. The apricot trees grow up to 15 feet tall, and they'll actually produce fruit for an average of 25 years.

The main nutrients and vitamins in apricots are vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and fiber. Fiber  is widely known to help the colon healthy and well functional.

Apricots have a high level of beta-carotene, one of the constituents in the anti-oxidant family. Anti-oxidants are best known for its role in disease fighting and prevention. Just one apricot contains roughly 30% of the recommended US daily intake amount of beta-carotene.

When ingested, beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A by our body, which is a key vitamin that keeps your gums, hair, and skin healthy. Vitamin A helps in fighting disease due to it's immune system boosting power, and much research has been done on apricots to harness the vast amounts of beta-carotene (vitamin A), so that it can be used for healing.

Apart from fibres, apricots contain other powerful substances such as Vitamin C, and also Lycopene. Lycopene and Vitamin C can protect ourselves from heart disease, stroke, and  many forms of cancer.

Benefits of Apricots:

Apricot has:

1 . A high mineral content such as phosphorus, calcium, iron and potassium. Beneficial in anaemic person.

2. A high value in vitamin A, and that is why many apricot-based consituents are used make skin care products.

3. Lycopene, this substance can help prevent cancer and help to protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which may help prevent heart disease.

4.The ability to help destroy intestinal worms.

5.The ability to help remove gallstones.

6.A potential in preventing cancer in organs lined by epithelial tissue, due to its high vitamin A content.


" The Hunzas, who live in the Himalayan Mountains’ of northern Pakistan and are known for their vitality and longevity, have cultivated and valued this fruit for its health‑building virtues for over 1,500 years. Greek physicians regarded it as a food medicine, while the Romans dedicated it to Venus, the goddess of love."

References:

http://www.healthvitaminsguide.com/natural-nutrients/apricot.htm

http://hubpages.com/hub/Health_Benefits_oF_Apricot

http://ezinearticles.com/?Health-Benefits-Of-Eating-Apricots&id=1124757