Apricot is native to China and was later spread to Europe and the world over. It is also called a stone fruit because of the seed in the middle that looks like a stone. Here are the major solutions and enrichment that apricots provide to our body.
Beta-carotene
Three small apricots contains more than 50% of the recommended daily intake of beta-carotene, which is a type of anti-oxidant that protects the skin against oxygen free radicals. It helps:
- prevent build up of plaque deposits in the arteries
- protect the eyes from sun damage
- deactivate free radicals to decelerate the aging process
- reduce the risk of cancer
Vitamin A
This happens when our body naturally converts beta-carotene to Vitamin A. It retains
- good vision
- lubrication in the eyes (good stuff for contact lens wearers)
Iron
The apricot also contains significant levels of iron which helps hemoglobin (oxygen carrying pigment in red blood cells) growth. It reduces risk of health problems like
- anemia
- pale skin
- undernourished hair
Laetrile
is an extract of apricot seeds that has been unofficially used to treat cancer and ulcers since year 502.
Cellulose and Pectin
cellulose is a type of insoluble fiber and pectin is a natural gelling agent which helps bowel movements and retaining water. Greatly beneficial for constipation.
Well, I don’t usually eat raw apricots. The only times I apricots that I eat are dried apricots and bread with a layer of apricot jam.