How Apricots are Good for Your Health

Nutrient Content

Vitamins

Excellent Source of: 

  • Vitamin A – 60%
  • Vitamin C – 26%

Also a Source of:

  • Vitamin E – 7%
  • Vitamin K – 6%
  • Niacin – 5%
  • Riboflavin – 4%
  • Vitamin B6 – 4%

Minerals

Good Source of: 

  • Potassium – 11%

Also a Source of:

  • Copper – 6%
  • Manganese – 6%
  • Magnesium – 4%
  • Phosphorus – 4%

Other

Good Source of: 

  • Fiber – 12%

Also a Source of:

  • Antioxidants – Beta Carotene, Flavonoids, Lutein, Lycopene, Zeaxanthin
  • Protein – 4%

*All nutritional info found at (1)

How Apricots Prevent Chronic Disease

Apricots, like many other fruits, have been found to help in the prevention of a number of chronic diseases impacting Americans.

How Apricots Prevent Cancer

Like many other fruits, apricots are a good source of antioxidants. Specifically, the Beta Carotene, flavonoids, and Vitamins A, C, and E in apricots all function as antioxidants in our body. Apricots are also a good source of fiber, which is another vital dietary component for cancer prevention 
  • Beta Carotene: Beta carotene, which gives apricots their bright orange color, is effective in cancer prevention. Beta carotene may help prevent cancers of the breast, lung, and pancreas. (2,3,4)
  • Flavonoids: Flavonoids are another class of antioxidants unique to plants that have cancer-preventive characteristics. They suppress cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and irregular cell growth while promoting apoptosis (cancer cell death). (5)
  • Fiber: In many studies, it has been argued that fiber protects against cancer development when obtained through diet. Its effects have been most extensively studied on gastrointestinal cancers. (6)

How Apricots Prevent Diabetes

Consumption of whole fruit is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, but fruit juices may increase risk (7).
  • Soluble Fiber: Soluble fiber has been shown to keep glucose levels low while increasing insulin sensitivity through its gelling properties. (8)

How Apricots Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases

 Fruit classically helps to prevent several cardiovascular conditions. They most notably protect against these conditions by lowering LDL cholesterol levels. (9)
  • Blood Pressure: Potassium has a major role in combating high blood pressure, as it helps combat the adverse effects of salt intake on blood pressure. (10) Blood pressure is a risk factor associated with a number of other diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke. (11, 12, 13)
  • Heart Disease: Daily fruit consumption has been shown to reduce heart disease risk by as much as 40%. (15) According to the American Heart Association, try to consume 4 servings a day! (16)
  • Stroke: Regular fruit consumption can prevent stroke. The potassium in apricots helps lower blood pressure, which in turn reduces risk of stroke as well. (17) The fiber consumed in an apricot also helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels, which can clog up our arteries and cause a stroke by cutting off blood flow to the brain–what is known as a brain embolism. (18, 19)
 

Apricots Promote a Number of Health Benefits

Apricots can play an important role in preventative health, but they also promote additional health benefits.

How Apricots Promote Digestion

Apricots are a source of both soluble and insoluble fibers, which aid in digestion. (20)

How Apricots Promote Immune Health

Our immune system helps fight off infection and maintain a full bill of health.

  • Vitamin C – Multiple components of our immune system need Vitamin C to function properly. (21)
  • Vitamin E – Your body needs Vitamin E to boost its immune system. (22)

How Apricots Promote Vision

Several components of apricots work to promote good eye health

  • Vitamin A – Vitamin A, and its precursor, beta carotene, work to prevent night blindness, as our bodies convert them into rhodopsin, the pigment responsible for night vision. Vitamin A also protects against macular degeneration or vision loss. (23)
  • Lutein & Zeaxanthin – These two antioxidants work to neutralize dangerous wavelengths of light and help maintain healthy eye cells. (24)

How Apricots Promote Weight Loss

Apricots are low in calories and high in fiber, so they help to fill you up for a more extended period and may prevent overeating as a result.

Concerns With Apricots

Try to avoid consuming a lot of apricot kernels, or seeds, as over consumption may lead to cyanide poisoning. (25)

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