“Khubani ka Meetha”! The name itself is enough to make you salivate. Ever wondered what does into the making of this famous dessert? You are right! Khubani or Apricots! Apricots belong to the Prunus species of fruits and resemble peaches in appearance and flavour profile. It is believed that Apricots were originally cultivated in Armenia, which is why they get Armeniaca as a scientific name. They are also “Jallaru Pandu” (Telugu), “Jardalu” (Kannada), “Jardaloo” (Marathi) and “Carkkarai pātāmi” (Tamil) in local Indian languages. Apricots are sweet-tasting fruits and are extremely delicious. They also offer numerous advantages to our health, making them irresistible. Let’s discuss the incredible apricot benefits (Khubani Benefits) in detail!
What is Apricot?
Apricot is a seeded fruit which has a golden skin with sweet and tangy pulp inside. Although fresh apricots are quite delicious to eat, they are not easily available in India. Dry Apricots are the widely known varieties of Apricots, used in making sweets and desserts. The seeds, also called “stones” are removed and the fruit with skin intact is dried to make it soft and pulpy.
Is Apricot Good For Health?
Apricots are not only great tasting fruits but are also packed with nutrition. They contain high amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, Carotenoids that offer cart-load of benefits to your health. Rich in anti-oxidants, Apricots can reverse your ageing symptoms. These fruits also impart good digestion and strengthen your immune system.
Nutritional Value Of Apricots:
Check out the nutritional breakup of 1 Serving Apricots (about 35 gm):
- Total Calories: 17
- Total Fat: 0%
- Cholesterol: 0%
- Potassium: 90.65 mg
- Carbohydrates: 3.8 gm
- Dietary Fiber: 0.7 gm
- Sugars: 3.2 gm
- Protein: 0.5 gm
- Vitamin A: 14%
- Vitamin C: 6%
- Iron: 1%
Apricot Benefits (Khubani) For Health, Hair & Skin:
Learn about the Apricot benefits for health, hair and skin and their side effects.
Apricot Health Benefits:
Here we enlisted top 13 apricot health benefits. Let’s have a look into them.
1. Balanced Cholesterol Levels:
Apricots assure you of a happy heart, say, health experts. This is because the fruit has abundant vitamin C in it, which keeps the heart safe from attacks, diseases and strokes. It is a good way and a natural way to keep the cardiovascular system in check too. LDL or bad cholesterol is reduced and HDL is promoted, the latter being good cholesterol, say holistic experts. This is one of the best advantages of Apricot fruit.
2. Good Blood Circulation:
The fruit is blessed with plenty of iron in it, which helps in the transportation of oxygen in the blood and improves the circulation of blood as well. One also feels energized having an apricot, especially it’s juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach since it helps the blood flow increase. When the body has enough iron in it, there would be no ways that anaemia could attack.
3. Better Digestion:
Apricots are good for those who have problems with digestion. This is because the fruit is rich with dietary fibre and this helps the metabolism of the body increase. When the metabolism is high, constipation and digestion would be normal.
4. Improve Vision:
For healthy vision and the care of your eyes, it is important to have an apricot every day. This is because the fruit is rich in vitamins, A, C and E, which brings down the risks of eye issues at a later stage in life. Moreover, the fruit has carotenoids which help prevent macular degeneration too.
5. Prevents Cancer:
You can find numerous health benefits of apricots as it is a fabulous wellspring of cancer prevention agents. With apricots in your daily diet, the body now has a chance to stay far away from cancer. Free radicals are generally brought about because of contamination, sun rays and other ecological conditions. This is because the fruit is rich in antioxidants, which keep the cells of the body safe from the harmful effects of free radicals, say experts. They frustrate the procedure of cell development, prompting changes in the DNA of the cells. This prompts the development of malignancy cells in the body. Consequently, eat apricots all the time to shield yourself from the tumour. It contains large amounts of Vitamin A and C, which help the safe framework, battling disease bringing about cells.
See More: Apricot Seeds Benefits
6. Prevent Constipation:
Apricots contain a high measure of pectin, a dissolvable fibre, which provides relief from episodes of constipation thus adding another remarkable apricot fruit benefits. It is frequently prescribed to patients experiencing crabby gut disorder and obstruction. Fibre builds up the stool, making it simpler to transport through the insides. It enacts the peristaltic movement of the digestive tract, directing the defecation. The elevated amounts of fibre in apricot are likewise indispensable for colon well being.
7. Bone Health:
Apricots contain all the important supplements required for sound bone development. Accordingly, eating apricots frequently will provide the health benefits of apricots and guarantee the development and improvement of the bones. It will likewise avert age-related conditions, including osteoporosis. The mitigating properties of apricot lessen aggravation in the body, alleviating joint inflammation torment and gout.
8. Cure Fever:
Apricot juice is accepted to cure fever. Its mitigating and calming properties influence the body’s general temperature, curing fever. Set up a mixture utilizing apricot squeeze and water. Add 1 tablespoon of nectar to this mixture. Drink this creation twice per day to ease episodes of cold along with fever.
9. Healthy Heart:
Apricot health benefits are also extended towards maintaining a healthy heart. Apricot is an astounding organic product for keeping up heart well-being. Research has found that individuals who eat nourishment rich in Vitamin C are less helpless to heart ailments. The large amounts of dietary fibre expel the abundance of cholesterol from the veins, lessening the strain on the heart. It shields the low-thickness lipoprotein from oxidation, avoiding heart illnesses and stroke. Potassium in apricot manages the equalization of intracellular and extracellular water levels, along these lines controlling pulse. A large portion of a measure of apricot furnishes the body with 10% of the suggested measure of potassium.
10. Control Diabetes:
The low Glycaemic Index of apricots makes it ideal for Diabetic patients. These sweet fruits can be enjoyed guilt-free without worrying about increased blood sugar levels. While fresh apricots for diabetes patients are recommended, dry apricots when taken in moderate can also do wonders. Avoid canned apricots as they are filled with sugar and preservatives.
11. Apricot For Weight Loss:
Apricots are low calorie, nutrition-dense fruits making them perfect snacking options for those who are on a diet. Also, fresh apricots are quite filling and the sweetness of the fruit suppressed hunger levels. One serving of 2-3 small apricots can satiate you for a few hours without the need for binging on unhealthy junk! This is why apricot for weight loss is highly recommended by experts!
12. Relieves Asthma:
Although Apricots cannot cure you of your Asthma, they can certainly bring some much-needed relief form this problem. Studies have shown that Apricots have expectorant properties that can clear the mucus and reduce pressure on the lungs. This can bring down the symptoms of breathlessness and heavy breathing.
13. Prevents Liver Damage:
From a few experiments conducted on animals, it is inferred that Apricots could reduce certain liver disorders like Fatty Liver and improve its functionality. It can effectively reduce the inflammation of the Liver cell with its anti-oxidant properties and is also known to encourage liver regeneration.
See More: Apricots During Pregnancy
Apricot Benefits For Skin:
Here we enlisted apricot benefits for the skin. Let’s have a look into them.
14. Treats Skin Disorders:
Apricot benefits for skin are numerous. They are rich in Vitamins A, B and C, which can good plenty of good for our skin. The anti-oxidants present in the fruit can reverse the signs of ageing and make your skin look younger and fresher. Also applying Apricot paste on your face directly can reduce acne, dark spots and sagging skin. Apricot oil for Skin is also quite effective in reducing infections, skin disorders and inflammation.
Apricot Benefits For Hair:
Here we enlisted apricot benefits for hair. Let’s have a look into them.
15. Treats Scalp Issues:
Apricots are rich in Vitamin C and E, which can effectively bring down your scalp infections, including dandruff. Apricot oil for hair can help reducing yeast infection, Psoriasis, Eczema and dry flakes. It imparts shine to your hair and makes it moisturized. This is one of the impressive Apricot benefits for hair.
How To Eat Apricots:
Being one of the best summer fruits around, the apricot has stood the test of time and now is one of the sweethearts for many who want to live a healthy life. Dried or fresh, the fruit can be consumed in any form and all its benefits would come across to you, in more ways than one.
- The season for the fruit lasts from late April to early September, and it would be wise to pluck them then or buy them fresh from the local markets.
- To know if they are right to buy, you should check for the colour of the fruit, which should be nothing but golden orangish and the aroma should be rich.
- If you notice the fruit to be palish yellow in colour, they may have been picked before time. Apricots that are ripe are always delicate and should be carefully handled.
- The best way to store them would be by placing them on an egg tray and in the fridge, the humidity levels for the same should be conducive and relative.
- You should wash the apricots gently and under running cold water, and pat dry with a clean cloth, before consuming them.
- The ripe apricots can be eaten with the skin since that is where most of the nutrients and the minerals hide, say sources.
- Apricots can be added to salads, ice creams, popsicles, smoothies, drinks, cocktails, shakes, marmalades, jams, jelly, sweets, desserts, cakes and more. You could also have them in organic dishes too.
Side Effects Of Apricots:
Although Apricots are generally safe to be consumed, you may experience certain side effects when consumed in large quantities. Some of them are as follows:
- Raw, Unripe apricots can cause indigestion, stomach disorders, nausea and vomiting.
- “Amygdalin” present in Apricots can lead to depression, anxiety and nervousness when taken in large quantities.
- People with Sulphur allergies may experience anaphylactic shock with excess Apricot intake.
- The tip of Apricot stone has a chemical called “Laetrile” which can hamper the body functions.
- Other common symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, blurry vision etc.
Surprised knowing about the medicinal properties of this amazing fruit? Apricots are one of the best super-foods which come with good taste and great health benefits. They are true culinary delights making any dish delectable. If you haven’t tasted an apricot yet, it’s time you do! Fresh fruits are not being made available in many online fruit stores and the dried ones can be bought almost in any fruit or dry fruit shop. Time to sink your teeth into its delicious goodness!
