Health Benefits of Apricots

Apricots are one of the most often overlooked fruits out there and it's a shame, as apricots are some of the most delicious and nutritious fruits you'll ever eat. So the next time you are craving a bit of fruit, get hold of an apricot, you won't regret it. Here are some of the health benefits of the nutritious apricot:

Apricots have the health benefit of fighting against Alzheimer's disease. Apricots are rich in beta-carotene, a phytonutrient that give most colored fruits their colors. Preliminary research shows that beta-carotene may help stave off brain aging and Alzheimer's disease. So reach for apricots when you're hungry and protect your brain function. If you want an added boost of beta-carotene try eating canned apricots instead of fresh apricots. Fresh apricots have less beta-carotene than canned apricots as the canning process releases added beta-carotene from the apricot cell wall.

Apricots also have the health benefit of protecting the body against cancers. Many researches have shown that fruits and vegetables that contain rich phytonutrients such as beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamins C and E have positive effects against cancer cells. Therefore, eating a healthy serving of apricots can help to prevent cancers in the body.

Another health benefit of apricot is that it helps to protect the heart. As apricots are rich in lycopene it makes sense that they may help to protect the heart from heart disease. Research has shown that persons who eat a lot of lycopene have a less chance of getting heart disease. Besides, apricots are high in vitamin C and vitamin C is an established player in checking blood pressure and maintaining a healthy heart. Vitamin C also strengthens the immune system and is good for repairing skin tissues and healing skin wounds.

Apricot also has the health benefit of warding off fat. Like all fresh fruits and vegetables, apricots are low in calories. With just the exception of avocadoes, most fruits are low in calories and apricots are no different. One medium apricot contains sixteen calories. So you can replace high calorie afternoon snacks with fresh apricots to control your weight.

Although apricots are high in carbohydrates, they're also a good source of fiber that regulates your blood sugar. Thus, apricots may help to control diabetes and blood sugar levels. Also, the fiber found in apricots may help to prevent heart disease and colon cancers by flushing waste from our arteries and colons.

Apricots are the treat you've been missing. Not only are apricots delicious, but they have so many health benefits that you may just want to leave that banana and apple behind the next time you crave a bit of fruit.