This attractive, small fruit is golden-orange with a velvety skin and flesh. Beautiful to look at, apricots are not too juicy but they are definitely sweet. Some people however, describe the flavour of this fruit as a bit tart. The apricot season runs from May through August. But apricots are found in all seasons in their dried versions.
High in fibre and potassium they lower blood pressure and the fibre helps to clean the bowels, prevent constipation and promote healthy digestive conditions.
The fruit is packed with beta-carotene that is good for the skin, hair, eyes as well as helps lower the risk of cancer. Beta-carotene helps protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which may help to prevent heart disease. Apricots contain vitamin A which improves the vision. In fact, data reported in a study published in the Archives of Opthamology indicates that eating three or more servings of the fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant that prevents you from free radical damage that can injure the eye lenses as well. Research says that women with a high intake of vitamin A have less possibility of developing cataract.
Apricots are rich in vitamin C and thus help to increase your immunity. They contain natural sugar so your sweet cravings are satisfied. But they do not add fat as they have zero fat content. Various skin problems, earache and strained muscles can be combated by the consumption of apricots. A low caloric fruit, the apricot gives you a great amount of healthy nutrition. And finally the apricot seed known as a badam is very effective in fighting cancer.
The writer is a Mumbai-based nutritionist