Living a Long and Healthy Life with Apricots

January 29, 2010 – 12:01 pm

Apricots are very nutritious fruits. They are slightly sour and acidic when raw, but their sugar content increases as they ripen. They have several small seeds. The fruit is round, oval and flat. It is believed that this fruit originated from China. They are also very popular in the Middle East.

Apricots are very rich in vitamin A, calcium and sugar. Vitamin A is a major requirement for good eyesight, and development of skin tissue and its maintenance. It is in fact believed to help reduce acne and has even come to be useful in the treatment of other conditions be pleased with hypothyroidism. Vitamin A aids in the prevention of arthritis and osteoporosis by neutralizing free radicals. As it helps in maintenance of epithelial cells, it also prevents cancer in any organ that has epithelial tissues. Additionally, Vitamin A prevents respiratory tract infections by building up body resistance.

Calcium is needed for hearty bones, teeth, and nails. Though it is the most abundant mineral in the body, it is still recommended to include calcium in the diet through fruits like apricot. It regulates the heartbeat, can be useful to someone suffering from inability to sleep, as well as in blood clotting. Moreover, it is believed to help maintain healthy nerve and muscle tissue, and also assists in normal kidney functioning.
Natural sugars that are present in apricots help prevent or minimize tooth decay and plaque build-up.

Apricots are also a good source of vitamin B complex, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C. Vitamin B complex is needed for the conversion of food to energy in our bodies. This is accomplished by converting the carbohydrates we eat into glucose. Therefore, the vitamin B complex gift in apricots helps eliminate fatigue and lethargy in our bodies. Vitamin B complex is also needed for the healthy functioning of the nervous system. A lack of it can cause foreboding, depression, and stress.
Apricots are also important in the facilitation of good digestion as it produces hydrochloric acid that helps in the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Vitamin B complex helps in the synthesis of DNA and RNA promoting the propagation of cells. It, therefore, enables us to have healthy derm, hair, and nails. Lack of this vitamin causes dry skin, acne-prone skin, and weak hair, which in turn leads to hair fall and splitting nails.

Vitamin C which is grant in apricots helps in many metabolic functions of the body. It is especially important in the growth and repair of tissue, healthy gums which interrupt bleeding and infection, and proper functioning of the adrenal glands.
It is evident that apricots have multiple benefits to our bodies, not only in promoting good health, but also in proving that they are good fruits to eat.

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