Members of the prunes family and closely related to peaches, apricots were first cultivated in China and found their way slowly to Europe and then to the rest of the world. Smaller in size than peaches, apricots are green when raw and ripen to become a beautiful golden colour, hence the name ‘golden apricots’. These fruits have multiple uses right from being an ingredient in the preparation of food products like jams, marmalades and preserves to being used by alcohol manufacturers to make brandy and liqueur.

To know more about how you can include these delicious healthy fruits in your daily intake of fruits, click here.

Relished for their soft texture and sweet yet slightly tart taste, apricots are a powerhouse of energy and a great source of nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, zinc and manganese, folate, fiber, beta carotene and Vitamins A, B, C, E and K. Also, the best part is that these fruits are extremely low in calories – as low as 48 calories per 100 gms.

Following are some of the benefits of including apricots in your daily diet:

1. Reduces Risk of Cancer

The high content of antioxidants and fiber in apricots make them excellent cancer fighters as they help eliminate free radicals in the body, preventing cancerous growths and reduce the severity of the impact of carcinogenic substances on your system, keeping you safe from various types of cancer.

2. Prevents Anemia

Apricots are a great source of iron, especially of the rare kind that is absorbed slowly into the body, making it an effective solution for those suffering from anemia. Higher iron levels boost haemoglobin levels in the body, protecting you from the many harmful symptoms of anemia. Women especially are more prone to be affected by this disease and hence should consume apricots regularly.

3. Aids Weight Loss

Apricot’s high fiber content is exactly the boost your weight loss program needs. It improves the functioning of digestion and excretion functions, and acts as a natural appetite suppressant making you feel full faster and keeping you satiated for longer periods of time, thereby reducing your calorie intake and eventually helping you lose weight.  So the next time you feel like munching on something, grab a bag of dried apricots. Not only will this satisfy your hunger pangs, but it will also benefit your body as well.

4. Detoxifies Your System

Apricots are a fantastic source of antioxidants that help your body flush out harmful chemicals, toxins and waste materials, thereby keeping your body and its various parts functioning optimally. It also purifies your blood and ensures you stay fit and healthy by improving the functioning of your immune system.

5. Maintains Heart Health

Apricots are excellent food for your health. Firstly, their high fiber content helps reduce the level of bad cholesterol and improve the level of good cholesterol in your body. Also, the antixodants in these fruits ensure that your blood is kept pure and cleansed regularly and kept flowing at a constant rate through your body, and works to reduce the impact of signs of aging. Also, the fruit’s potassium content ensures the proper functioning of your heart’s muscles. In this way, apricots work to keep your heart healthy and protect you from severe disorders like stroke and cardiovascular diseases.

6. Keeps Your Bones, Teeth and Eyes Healthy

Apricots are also great for your bones and teeth because of their calcium and potassium, both of which are together essential for the development and maintenance of your limbs, joints, and oral health and hygiene.

These fruits also keep your eyes in good condition preventing them from degenerating or contracting other ophthalmic disorders, keeping your vision perfect because they contain Vitamin A and beta carotene.

Grown and enjoyed in many countries around the world, apricots are seasonal fruits that are available only during the summer months. However, their dried forms can be enjoyed around the year, and have equal amounts of nutrition as their fresh counterparts.

To know more about how you can use apricots to improve your health and wellness levels, click here.