This superfruit is extremely nutritious and has many benefits for health. This fruit is not just delicious but can help prevent diabetes, heart disease, skin cancer, obesity, liver damage, and can also protect you from environmental factors such as sun, pollution, and cigarette smoke
Round, yellow and delicious, apricots are an excellent nutritional choice, as they are rich in nutrients that enhance the overall health of the body.
Below are four health benefits that apricots have according to the available scientific data.
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It is rich in antioxidants
Apricots are an excellent source of many antioxidants, such as β-carotene and vitamins A, C, and E. In addition, they are high in a group of antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been shown to protect against diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
The main flavonoids in apricots are chlorogenic acids, catechins, and quercetin. These compounds neutralize free radicals, i.e. dangerous compounds that destroy cells and cause oxidative stress, which in turn is associated with obesity and many chronic diseases, such as heart disease.
In a study of 2,375 people, researchers developed a scoring system to measure changes in inflammatory marker levels, and they found that high intake of flavonoids and anthocyanins was associated with 42% and 73% lower levels of inflammation, respectively. Also, high flavonoid intake was associated with 56% lower oxidative stress.
They enhance the health of the skin
The main causes of wrinkles and skin damage are environmental factors such as sun, pollution, and cigarette smoke. In addition, research suggests a direct link between exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, sunburn, and the risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
The important thing is that one can treat skin damage through a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, which are available in apricots. The vitamins C and E, found in this fruit, can help the skin. In particular, vitamin C protects against damage from UV radiation and environmental pollutants by neutralizing free radicals. In addition, this vitamin helps build collagen, which provides the skin with strength and elasticity. A diet rich in vitamin C can also help the skin heal from UV damage and prevent wrinkles.
B carotene, another nutrient of apricot, can protect against sunburn. In fact, in a 10-week study, supplementation with β-carotene was found to reduce sunburn by 20%.
Promote intestinal health
About 165 grams of apricots provide 3.3 grams of fiber, which corresponds to 8.6% and 13.2% of the recommended intake for men and women respectively.
The herbs contained in apricots are both soluble and insoluble, with the former being important for maintaining healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. They also delay the movement of food in the digestive tract and supply the body with beneficial intestinal bacteria. A healthier intestinal microbiome is associated with a lower risk of obesity.
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They protect the liver
Some data suggest that apricots may protect the liver from oxidative stress. In two animal studies, alcohol- and apricot-eating rodents had lower levels of enzymes in the liver and lower rates of inflammation than those that consumed alcohol but not apricots. Research suggests that apricots may help prevent liver damage due to their naturally high content of antioxidants.
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