5 Proven Benefits of Apricots on Health

If you’ve ever walked leisurely through the produce aisles in a grocery store, you may have chanced upon a golden-orange colored peach-like fruit. Apricots are the underdogs of nutritious fruits and with velvety skin and smooth, sweet taste, they are also delicious. And if you’re still skeptical about adding them to your shopping cart, we’ve listed out a few health benefits that might change your mind.

# Promotes Heart Health

Consuming apricots regularly can keep your heart healthy. Studies have found that beta-carotene, which acts as an antioxidant, prevents LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) from oxidizing, a process in which LDL cholesterol particles in the body react with free radicals (unstable molecules that are products of metabolism, a disease, or exposure to toxins). Since LDL oxidation is the first step to heart disease, having apricots regularly can help keep heart disorders at bay. Besides reducing oxidative stress, beta-carotene also lowers inflammation, which is also vital in preventing cardiovascular disease, especially coronary heart disease.

# Fights Skin Disorders

Apricots can be a good defense against skin conditions. Studies have found that regular consumption can aid in the treatment of:

- Erythropoietic Protoporphyria

This condition is one of a group of genetic disorders called porphyria, which stem from an inherited deficiency of the enzyme ferrochelatase. Symptoms of this condition include an uncomfortable, painful burning sensation of the skin after sun exposure especially on the tops of the hands and feet, face and ears. You may even develop blisters on these areas of the body. Beta-carotene has been found to reduce sensitivity to sun exposure in people with erythropoietic protoporphyria.

- UV-Induced Erythema (Sunburn)

Erythema refers to redness of the skin or mucous membranes and is caused due to increased blood flow in superficial capillaries. When it’s caused due to sun exposure, it refers to a sunburn. Studies have found that consuming beta-carotene for 12 weeks resulted in a reduction of the occurrence of sunburn.

# Promotes Bone Health

Apricots contain calcium, phosphorous, and iron. They also contain trace amounts of manganese and copper, 0.03 mg per piece to be precise. These minerals contribute to the growth and development of bones and prevent the occurrence of bone disorders including bone fractures, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

# Protects Vision

Including apricots in your diet can help you maintain good eyesight and stave off age-related vision deterioration. Studies have found that consuming beta-carotene along with vitamin C, zinc, and copper can prevent age-related advanced macular degeneration. In addition to this, lutein and zeaxanthin in apricots reduce damage caused to the retina due to the dreaded blue light that we gaze into as we look into our phones, watch television, or work on our laptops. This ensures better color and all-around vision well into old age.

# Maintains Hair Health

The beta-carotene in apricots comes through when it comes to hair health as well. It is converted to vitamin A in the body, which is necessary for cell growth, including hair cells. Deficiency in these can lead to dry, dull, lifeless hair as well as dry skin on the scalp which could cause dandruff. The vitamin B6 in apricots keeps cells from starving, which can cause slow growth or weak hair that’s prone to breaking.