The Apricot is a species of Prunus, classified with the plum.
When people talk about antioxidant fruits, they generally tend to discuss fruits like the apple, the blackberry, and the acai fruit. However, the apricot, which is often overlooked by most people, is an unbelievably great source of antioxidants. Let’s take a look at this wonder fruit now.
Apricots are very rich in minerals. Consuming apricots regularly can reduce the risks of anemia, tuberculosis, bronchitis, asthma, and toxemia.
They can be consumed regularly even if you are dieting, as they are very low in calories and have no fat at all. By eating just three of them, you consume just 50 calories.
They are very rich in vitamin A. Eating two or three of them can supply up to 50% of daily value for your body. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant and can help you improve your vision and stay away from eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. It also fights the free radicals in the skin and keeps it young and free from skin problems.
They are very rich in dietary fiber. They can improve your digestion and help you stay away from constipation. In fact, the dried fruit is an excellent natural remedy to constipation.
Regular consumption of the fruit can help you get rid of intestinal worms and gallstones.
They are a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and iron. Adding them to your diet every day can help boost your immune system. A regular intake of the fruit also reduces the risk of heart disease considerably.
They are one of the richest sources of lycopene, a highly effective carotenoid. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and can help you stay away from prostate cancer. Studies show that people who consume the fruit regularly are 80% less likely to get affected by prostate cancer. In short, a glass of fresh the juice could be the most effective antioxidant fruit drink you can ever drink.
Based on their nutritional value, they are considered an excellent health food according to the Worlds Healthiest Food Rating.
While the fresh fruit are available only during their season, the dried version are available throughout the year. A pack of the dried fruit is the healthiest snack food you can eat. So, eat one regularly and stay healthy.
The velvety-orange skin fruit is known for its antioxidant properties and contain high amounts of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. These nutrients contribute overall to the health and protection of the heart and eyes.
Some nutritional benefits are:
- Beta-carotene
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Fiber
In 2005, a study done by researchers in Spain was published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, identifying the antioxidant compounds in the fruit, including cyanidin-3-glucoside.
