Fresh
apricots are an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, E, potassium, and iron, as
well as being a great source of beta-carotene. In fact, 2-3 apricots will give
you nearly 50% of your daily value of Vitamin A. Apricots contain no fat and a
small amount of carbs (about 8g of carbs for two apricots, 2 of those being
from dietary fiber).
Fruits
are packed with vitamins and nutrients and can provide numerous health
benefits. Apricots are native to China, but the United States grows 90 percent
of the world's apricots, according to Ann Henderson and Charlotte Brennand from
the Utah State University Extension. These fruits fulfill a wide range of
nutritional needs and are easy to pack as snacks, whether fresh or dried.
The
variety of nutrients found in apricots are very beneficial for good eyesight
and also help to prevent heart disease and other ailments. Apricots are also
rich in powerful antioxidants, such as Lycopene, helping to promote wellness
and strengthen the immune system. The healthy fruits are also a good source of
fiber, beneficial for healthy digestion.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Apricots
are a good source of vitamin A, also known as retinol. This is a fat-soluble
vitamin that aids in cellular differentiation, vision and healthy fetal
development. It also is involved in immune-system functioning and keeping the
skin and mucous membranes healthy. Vitamin A may also help treat acne and skin
problems, promote healthy vision, reduce the risk of age-related macular
degeneration and maintain bone strength. It may also be important in
neurological functioning.
Iron
Apricots
are rich in iron. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary
Supplements states that iron plays a part in oxygen transport, helps regulate
cell growth and helps strengthen the immune system. Adequate amounts of iron
can help prevent iron deficiency anemia, which can lead to fatigue, weakness,
impaired immunity and body temperature changes. Athletes especially benefit
from adequate iron intake, possibly because of faster turnover of red blood
cells.
Vitamin C
Vitamin
C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the vitamins found in apricots. This
vitamin is an antioxidant and can help protect cells from damage caused by free
radicals, possibly reducing the risk of cancer and other diseases. This vitamin
can also help reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure,
osteoarthritis, age-related macular degeneration and the common cold. Since the
vitamin is sensitive to light, air and heat, eating dried apricots still
provides you with vitamin C, but eating fresh apricots will provide you with
more.
Potassium
Potassium
is a mineral that every cell, tissue and organ in the body needs to function
properly. This mineral, abundant in apricots, is an electrolyte, which means it
helps control electricity in the body. It also is necessary for heart function
and muscle contraction. Potassium is thought to play a role in bone formation,
lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of stroke.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin A (Retinol); Steven D. Ehrlich; June 1, 2009
- ApricotFacts: Health Benefits of Apricots
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid); Steven D. Ehrlich, MD; June 18, 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Potassium; Steven D. Ehrlich; May 6, 2009
- Utah State University Extension; Preserve the Harvest: Apricots; Ann E. Henderson, Charlotte Brennand; July 2004
No comments:
Post a Comment