29 July 2017

10 Health Benefits of Apricots!

Apricots can be enjoyed in a wide variety of ways, and every culture has a unique way of enjoying this delicious fruit. One of the reasons that they are so popular is because they have been directly linked to a number of health benefits, which are due to the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds that they contain. Below you can find 10 amazing health benefits of the humble apricot.

1. They Are Good for Constipation
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Apricots are extremely rich in fiber, making them helpful for smooth bowel movements. They are often recommended to patients who regularly suffer from constipation due to their laxative properties. Fiber adds bulks to the stool, making it easier for it to be transported through the bowels. Furthermore, fiber activates the peristaltic motion of the digestive tracts, and those smooth muscles are what keep your bowel movements regulated.

2. They Improve Bone Health
Apricots have a number of minerals that are necessary for healthy bone growth. Calcium, manganese, iron, copper, and phosphorous all play a certain role in the creation of bone matter. Therefore, consuming apricots on a regular basis can ensure the healthy growth and development of your bones, as well as preventing various age-related conditions such as osteoporosis.

3. They Improve Heart Health
Apricots are a great way of protecting your heart from a wide variety of health issues, such as heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis. The high percentage of vitamin C, as well as potassium and dietary fiber, all contribute to good cardiovascular health. Vitamin C helps protect the heart from free radicals, potassium lowers blood pressure, while dietary fiber scrapes the excess cholesterol from the lining of the vessels and arteries, thereby cleaning them and reducing the strain on the heart.

4. They Can Reduce Fevers
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Apricot juice is often given to patients who have a fever as it provides the necessary minerals, vitamins, calories, and water for the body to fight off high temperatures. Some people also used steamed apricots to relieve fevers.

5. They Balance Fluid Levels
Fluid levels throughout the body are dependent on two minerals, sodium and potassium. The high percentage of potassium in apricots has been linked to maintaining fluid balance in the body, and ensuring that energy is being properly distributed to the right organs and muscles. By maintaining a healthy balance of electrolytes, you will have more energy and less cramping.

6. They Can Cure Earaches
Apricot oil is great for earaches. Dripping a few drops of this oil into the affected ear canal should prove to a be a quick remedy. Scientists believe that it has something to do with the antioxidants that are present in apricot oil.

7. They Help Prevent and Treat Anemia
Due to the presence of copper and iron, apricots help in the formation of hemoglobin, treating and preventing anemia in the process. Anemia occurs due to a lack of iron, and it can lead to fatigue, weakness, light headedness, digestive issues, and general metabolic function. Without red blood cells, the body cannot reoxyggenate itself properly, and organs begin to malfunction. Iron is an important component of red blood cell formation, as is copper. Both of these minerals are found in apricots, making it a great tool to keep the body functioning properly.

8. They Can Treat Skin Disorders
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Apricot oil is great for skin care. It’s quickly absorbed by the skin and does not leave the skin looking oily after it has been applied. Apricots are just handy for maintaining the smooth and shiny appearance of the skin, they can also treat a number of skin conditions such as eczema, scabies, and itching. This is due to the antioxidant compounds that are found in abundance within apricots. These antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals, which can lead to skin deterioration and signs of premature aging.

9. They Prevent Cancer
Apricot seeds are believed to aid in the treatment of cancer. Between the carotenoids and the other antioxidant compounds that apricots have, it’s no surprise that they are a threat to free radicals. Free radicals are the byproducts of cellular metabolism that can cause healthy cells to mutate their DNA into cancerous cells. Antioxidants neutralize these harmful compounds and ensure that cancer does not start to grow.

10. They Help to Treat Asthma
Apricot oil is anti-asthmatic in nature and helps to treat the disease and its related symptoms. IT has certain expectorant and stimulant qualities due to its essential oils. One of these can help relieve pressure and stress on the lungs and respiratory system, thereby preventing asthma attacks.