Apricot: Nature's Nutrient-Rich Superfood Revealed

One great thing about apricots is that they contain a high amount of vitamin A. This is great news for your eyes. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in many foods. Your body needs proper amounts of this vitamin for proper vision, a healthy immune system, maintaining reproductive health and is essential for healthy skin, teeth, bone and soft tissue.

There are two types of Vitamin A. Preformed Vitamin A is found in meats, poultry, fish and dairy products. The type found in apricots and other fruits is called provitamin A. This type is also found in vegetables and other plant-based foods. Beta-carotene is the most common type of provitamin A found in fruits and vegetables.

If you're someone who experiences bouts of constipation and irregularity with bowel movements, then you should think about making apricots a regular part of your diet. Apricots are high in fiber which means your digestive system will get the help it needs to work properly.

The fiber in the apricots work to bulk up the stool and helps it move through the bowel. Apricot consumption will also stimulate the gastric and digestive juices that assist with nutrient absorption and break down food for easier processing. The fiber also stimulates the muscles of the digestive tract that keep your digestive system moving along.

As you age, your bone health declines. That is why older people will get shorter over time. Bones become brittle and break easily as you get older. In order to prevent this, you need to eat foods that are high in certain nutrients and minerals. Apricots can assist in maintaining bone health. Apricots have all the nutrients necessary to keep your bones healthy and strong. When you consume apricots, you are absorbing minerals such as calcium, manganese, iron, phosphorus, and copper. All of these minerals are necessary for bone health and also for reducing your risk of developing bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis.

The combination of potassium, vitamin C and dietary fiber contained in apricots can protect your heart health and reduce your chances of experiencing a heart attack, stroke or developing diseases such as atherosclerosis. Your heart is protected from free radicals when you consume vitamin C. Potassium can relax the tension of blood vessels and arteries lowering blood pressure. Dietary fiber cleans your blood vessels and arteries by scraping away excess cholesterol from the lining. All of these properties combined go a long way to increase your cardiovascular health.

The key to keeping your metabolizing working is to stay hydrated. The ability to stay hydrated depends on two your potassium and sodium levels. If either one is depleted, you will feel less energetic. If you're feeling sluggish, eat an apricot. Apricots have a high amount of potassium which is necessary to maintain fluids throughout the body. This ensures the proper distribution of energy to the organs and muscles where energy is needed the most. Keeping a healthy balance of electrolytes increases your metabolism and ensures your energy levels stay at an optimum level.

You can improve your skin health with apricots. Apricot oil is easily absorbed into the skin without leaving an oily residue. If you want silky smooth skin, then apricot oil should become a part of your skincare routine. If you have certain skin conditions, such as eczema, scabies, itching and other skin irritations, you can find relief with apricots. They contain antioxidants that soothe irritated skin. Apricots also contain a significant amount of vitamin A which aids in maintaining healthy skin. Antioxidants also protect the skin from free radicals helping to prevent premature aging.

Forget about orange juice when you're sick. Many patients who are suffering from a fever are told to drink apricot juice. It provides the necessary nutrients and calories to the body while also detoxifying the organs. It is also great for staying hydrated which can be a major concern when you are sick. Apricots also have a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect which is effective in reducing the body temperature in individuals who are sick. This anti-inflammatory effect can also provide relief for those suffering from gout and other inflammatory conditions.

Apricot oil is a great remedy to provide relief from an earache. An earache can cause excruciating pain, and if you can't get to the doctor right away, the pain can become unbearable. Just putting a few drops of apricot oil into the ear canal can bring about instant relief.

Apricots contain iron and copper. These minerals aid in the production of hemoglobin which can help those who suffer from anemia. This condition is the result of low levels of iron which leads to weakness, digestive troubles, fatigue, dizziness and overall metabolic dysfunction. By consuming apricots, you will be getting the proper amounts of copper and iron which will boost your metabolism and keep your body functioning properly.

It is believed that the seeds of apricots are effective in preventing cancer. Because they are high in antioxidants, apricots are known for fighting free radicals that can cause cancer. Antioxidants, such as those contained in apricots, neutralize these free radicals. This aids in cancer prevention as well as preventing other harmful diseases.