Apricot  

 Apricot, (Prunus armeniaca), a fruit tree of the rose family Rosaceae, cultivated mainly in the Mediterranean regions. Apricots are closely related to peaches, almonds, plums, and cherries. These fruits are available for consumption only once a year as the production of Apricot may be affected by their geographical factors and its climate changes.

Apricots can be consumed fresh or as dried fruit, both of which contain nutritional values. They  are rich in vitamins and minerals. These fruits contain vitamin A and they are high in natural sugars. The nutritional value varies between different species of apricot and  each fruit contains different compositional properties.

The most frequent method for preserving apricots is drying. Dried apricots are an excellent source of iron. The fruit is also made into jam and is often used to flavor liqueurs.

Health benefits

·       Good source of vitamin A  & improves vision

Apricots contain vitamin A which is an important nutrient for eyesight or vision and helps in preventing blindness. Vitamin A has great role in maintaining the integrity of mucous membranes and skin of your body. It is also a powerful antioxidant which helps the growth of healthy skin and hair.

·       Protects the heart

Phenolic components in apricots combat the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and thus stimulate the anti-oxidative status of the body.

·       Excellent source of vitamin C  and improves immunity and skin health

Vitamin C is very important for your skin and hair. It is essential for the formation of collagen, a fibrous protein in connective tissue that is weaved throughout various systems in the body; Collagen fibers form extensive and robust networks providing the dermis of your skin with strength, firmness and elasticity.

Collagen is an essential component of nervous system, immune system, bones, cartilages, blood etc.

 The vitamin also helps in the formation of several hormones and chemical messengers used by the brain and nervous system.

 Free radicals can cause changes in cells and DNA that can lead to illnesses, including cancer. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which protects against cancers.

·       Rich in fiber

Apricot fruits are a rich source of fiber that prevents constipation and stimulates normal gastric motility. It improves digestion. Fibers can also reduce LDL cholesterol and thus risk for heart diseases. Fibers help in regulating the blood sugar level also.

·       Reduces blood pressure

A great source of potassium which can maintain normal blood pressure and helps to manage hypertension. Potassium aids to improve heart health. 

·       Low in fat

Apricots do not contain fats and they can be consumed even  by those who are obese or striving hard to lose weight.

·       Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Studies support the presence and activity of fatty acids in apricot kernel oil with anti-inflammatory properties 

·       Antioxidants prevents neurodegenerative diseases

The flavonoid quercetin is found in apricot helps to prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and prion diseases.

Some studies suggest that rutin found in apricots has a potential protective role in neurodegenerative diseases due to its antioxidant property. 

Apricot fruits are a good source of sugars, including sucrose, glucose, fructose, and maltose. Apricots also contain proteins [1.4g per 100grams of apricot].

 Apricots also contain vitamins A, B6,C and E as well as minerals  potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium with minor amounts of iron, sodium, and zinc.

 Phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, catechin, epicatechin, and rutin are found in apricots. They are compounds with antioxidant potential and help to prevent cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Carotenoids act as antioxidants and play a crucial role by fighting the reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative damage to living cells.

Amygdalin is a naturally occurring anti-cancer substance that is classified as a β-cyanogenic glycoside found in abundance in Rosaceae family members such as almonds, apricots, apples, and peaches.  Amygdalin’s anticancer properties are most probably due to to its active metabolite, hydrocyanic acid.

  Helicobacter pylori infection is linked to chronic gastritis. Studies shows that apricot extract has direct bactericidal activity against Helicobacter pylori. H. pylori motility is required for migration and colonization. The active component syringaresinol isolated from apricot species  Prunus. mume inhibited H. pylori motility. 

Citric acid, chlorogenic acid, isoquercitrin asparagine, and epicatechin were isolated from ethanol extracts of Prunus. mume . These compounds exhibited antibiotic activities against five food-borne bacteria: Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.

Safety in consuming apricots

Allergies are rare from apricot consumption. However, if you are allergic to peaches and other fruits from rosaceae family, you should ensure that apricot doesn’t cause allergies to you.

 How to include apricot in your diet

You may eat fresh as well as dried apricots as such. However many other delicious and healthy recipes can be made using apricots such as:

·       Apricot coconut balls

·       Apricot nuts fudge

·       Apricot –nuts-broccoli salad

·       Apricot fruit cake

·       Apricot turkey salad sandwiches

·       Apricot-apple-cranberry sauce or filling

References

1.  https://www.britannica.com/plant/apricot  

2.  https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2018/6241017/  

3.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9370680/  

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