Benefits of Apricots, uses and side effects

The apricot season is coming, and in addition to being delicious, apricots have many health benefits. This fruit, so appetizing in the summer, can protect against cancer, helps to lose weight and prevents heart attacks.

In addition apricot is organic, the better it will retain all its beneficial properties, since pesticides and herbicides eliminate, in many cases, its nutrients.

Properties of apricot

Beneficial apricots are composed of different vitamins and minerals such as:

• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Iodine
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Fiber
• Vitamin A.
• Vitamin B.
• Vitamin C.
• Folic acid.
• Glucose
• Fructose

Apricot contains a lot of vitamins and minerals that contribute to the protection and proper functioning of organs. Speaking a bit about its most remarkable properties, we highlight the following:

calories

Apricots are low calorie fruits. Each 100 grams of this fruit contains only about 50 calories, making it a fruit that can help you lose weight.
Fibers: Apricots are rich in soluble fiber, dissolved like a gel, helping to bind fatty acids to facilitate the excretion of waste.

Potassium

Fresh apricots are a rich source of potassium, however, when they are dry, they contain much more of this mineral. Sodium-bound potassium helps level intracellular and extracellular water, resulting in healthy blood pressure.

Iron

Apricots have the amount of iron needed to help the body absorb various minerals and to avoid anemic problems. In order for iron to be absorbed effectively in the body, it is necessary to have a source of vitamin C. Apricots are rich in vitamin C, which is why they are appreciated for having these properties.

Antioxidants

Apricots are a rich source of vitamins, which become powerful antioxidants. They have a high content of beta-carotene that turns into vitamin A which protects the body against the effects of free radicals.

Benefits of apricot

Visual acuity

Apricots are rich in beta - carotene, a compound that is converted to vitamin A in the body and this is essential for good retinal health.

Protection against toxins

Apricots help eliminate toxins from the colon, kidneys, stomach and liver through their high fiber content. They are also posatio-rich, which reduces the chances of getting ulcers.

Helps lose weight

In addition to having a satiating effect, apricots contain natural sugars in fruits that will increase blood sugar levels.

Anticancer

Apricots are rich in antioxidants, especially chlorogenic acid, known to protect the body against cancer and other chronic diseases.

Strengthens the heart

Apricots are rich in iron and vitamin E, essential substances to maintain a healthy heart.

Cleans the kidneys

Potassium from apricots is a component that reduces kidney disease. Eating this fruit prevents nephritis and helps eliminate kidney stones.

Beautifies the skin

The vitamin C levels of apricots are very high and this vitamin is an essential ingredient to maintain young and healthy skin.

Antioxidants

Apricots contain lycopene with vitamin C through chlorogenic acid. All of these antioxidants make the body fit and protect against free radicals that cause diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases and aging.

Viagra effect

To put an end to the problems of a bad erection, it is necessary to follow a stable apricot diet and thus to replace the famous pill. It also treats the problem of the bad erection which does not leave to have a calm and pleasant relation.

Can apricot consumption reduce diseases?

Yes, apricot can help alleviate many health problems, such as:

Anemia

Being a fruit rich in iron, apricot can promote the fight against anemia. In addition, it contains copper iron and vitamin C, which facilitate the absorption of iron in the body. In other words, regular consumption of apricot helps the body to recover easily from anemia.

Constipation

Apricots contain cellulose and pectin that act as a laxative that helps fight constipation. Cellulose is a type of soluble fiber that promotes bowel movements.

Digestive problems

Regular consumption of apricots all helps to prepare the stomach so that food does not fall heavy, and also cause poor digestion. Apricots also neutralize acids with their alkaline reaction.

Fever

Those who suffer from problems with temperature, may consume an apricot to lower the temperature. A natural and very effective remedy to reduce fever is to liquefy this fruit, with water and some honey. In case of fever problems, usually the body starts to show a little dehydration. The apricot hydrates and nourishes the body with minerals and vitamins that serve as a defense against this infection.

Skin care

Apricot oil helps the skin maintain a clear, healthy tone, which prevents sunlight affecting them. To enjoy it, use apricot oil directly on the skin with a gentle massage. At the same time, it serves to cure skin diseases such as scabies, eczema or itching.

Prevents osteoporosis problems

Apricot contains calcium that strengthens bones and joints. The properties of this fruit strengthen the entire bone system, thus preventing decalcification problems, such as osteoporosis.

Avoids cardiovascular brain problems

The consumption of apricots regulates the blood pressure, which prevents the obstruction of the arteries. For this reason, it is a fruit that contributes to the prevention of diseases such as senile dementia, cerebral or cardiac irrigation and the dreaded Alzheimer's disease.

Apricot juice

Apricots suitable for making juices should have a deep yellow, almost orange color. It is important that they are hard and fresh. You have to remove the bone and it does not matter if the skin stays, in fact, without being organic, it's better. The flavor is improved if we combine it with berries.

Apricot shakes

For smoothies, it is better to use dried apricots because they are sweeter.

Apricot kernels

The apricot kernels contain amygdalin, which is used to make the cancer drug. This drug is not approved for use in the United States, but apricot kernels containing amygdalin are often sold as supplements. While laboratory studies have suggested that the amygdala has anti-cancer properties, clinical trials at the National Cancer Institute have not found it effective. Meanwhile, consumption of the amygdala, a cyanogenic glucoside, can cause side effects of cyanide poisoning, reports Sloan-Kettering's Memorial Cancer Center in New York.

Components to enhance the apricot effect

• Vision disorders: Apricot combines very well with spinach, cabbage, mandarin, apricot, squash, cranberry, blackberry, carrot and mango.
• Nervousness situations: Apricot combines very well with oats, wheat germ, nuts, lettuce, avocado, cashew, peas, passion fruit, pollen, malt, honey, pea chickpeas, Brazil nuts, royal jelly, banana and whole grains.
• Skin problems: The apricot combines very well with soy milk, vegetables, artichokes, endive, carrots, escarole, garlic, evening primrose oil and molasses.
• Fight Against Obesity: Apricot is very helpful in taking it as the only dinner for 15 consecutive days.

Apricot: side effects

Side effects

It is possible to experience symptoms of mild cyanide toxicity by eating apricot kernels. These symptoms include headache, vomiting, nausea and dizziness.

Serious side effects

The most troubling symptoms associated with cyanide poisoning include loss monitoring, cyanosis (decreased oxygen in the blood, which can cause bluish tinge of the skin), ptosis (droopy eyelid causes), and the arterial hypotension. It can also lead to neuropathies or nerve damage. Cyanide poisoning can also lead to liver damage.

Pregnancy and breast feeding

Experts advise pregnant or lactating women to avoid apricot kernels because of the potential for cyanide toxicity.

Contraindications of Apricot

Avoid taking apricot in the case of gastroenteritis or diarrhea, because apricot has great laxative power.

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov : Phenolic compounds and vitamins in wild and cultivated apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) fruits grown in irrigated and dry farming conditions
[2] https://food.ndtv.com : 8 Amazing Apricot Benefits: The Nutritional Heavyweight Among Fruits
[3] https://www.healthbeckon.com : 27 Amazing Benefits And Uses Of Apricots