Apricot
Apricot
Apricot is a yellowish-orange fleshy fruit with a slight tinge of red on one side. It has a thin outer skin and can be eaten without peeling. It is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium.
Apricot is useful for the management of constipation as it adds bulk to the food and improves bowel movements due to its laxative property. It also improves gut health and helps in managing digestion-related issues. It might also help in managing anaemia due to its high iron content. Apricots, being rich in vitamin A, helps to improve eye health and promotes healthy bone formation due to calcium present in it. Being full of minerals, it also helps to maintain electrolyte balance in the body. Apricot might help manage asthma by preventing damage to the respiratory cells caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant properties.
Apricot oil can be applied on the skin to delay the signs of aging due to its antioxidant property. Apricot is also used as an ingredient in various cosmetic products such as face wash and scrub. Scrubbing your face with Apricot face scrub may help you to get rid of blackheads.
Apricots are safe to be eaten in food quantities however excessive consumption may lead to bloating and abdominal pain[1][2].
Apricot is useful for the management of constipation as it adds bulk to the food and improves bowel movements due to its laxative property. It also improves gut health and helps in managing digestion-related issues. It might also help in managing anaemia due to its high iron content. Apricots, being rich in vitamin A, helps to improve eye health and promotes healthy bone formation due to calcium present in it. Being full of minerals, it also helps to maintain electrolyte balance in the body. Apricot might help manage asthma by preventing damage to the respiratory cells caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant properties.
Apricot oil can be applied on the skin to delay the signs of aging due to its antioxidant property. Apricot is also used as an ingredient in various cosmetic products such as face wash and scrub. Scrubbing your face with Apricot face scrub may help you to get rid of blackheads.
Apricots are safe to be eaten in food quantities however excessive consumption may lead to bloating and abdominal pain[1][2].
What are the synonyms of Apricot?
Prunus armeniaca, Urumana, Zardalu, Malhoi, Khubani fal, Jardalu, Khubani, Jardaloo, Khubani badam, Apricot pandlu, Khurmani
What is the source of Apricot?
Plant Based
Benefits of Apricot
Modern Science View
Apricot might be beneficial in the management of constipation. Apricot increases the contraction of the colon and helps in easy expulsion of stool. Thus, Apricot can be used as a laxative[3][5].
Ayurvedic View
Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata dosha. This can be due to the frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Eating Apricot helps to control constipation because of its Rechana (laxative) properties which increases bowel movements and clean the digestive tract.
Tips:
1. Take 4-5 Apricots in a day to control constipation.
2. Apricot can be eaten raw as well as in dried form.
Tips:
1. Take 4-5 Apricots in a day to control constipation.
2. Apricot can be eaten raw as well as in dried form.
How effective is Apricot?
Insufficient evidence
Asthma, Bleeding, Constipation, Cough, Eye infection, Infertility
Precautions when using Apricot
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Apricot in food amounts. However, it is advised to consult your doctor before taking Apricot supplements during breast-feeding[3].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Apricot in food amounts. However, it is advised to consult your doctor before taking Apricot supplements during pregnancy[3].
FAQs about Apricot precautions
Recommended Dosage of Apricot
- Apricot Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day.
How to use Apricot
1. Apricot Raw Fruit
Eat ripe Apricot preferably in the breakfast or in the afternoon.
Eat ripe Apricot preferably in the breakfast or in the afternoon.
Benefits of Apricot
FAQs about Apricot benefits
Recommended Dosage of Apricot
- Apricot Oil - 1-2 drops or as per your requirement.
How to use Apricot
1. Apricot Oil
a. Take 1-2 drops of Apricot oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Gently massage on the face before going to sleep.
d. Use this remedy 2-3 times a day to control aging.
2. Apricot Powder facepack
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Apricot powder.
b. Add rose water to it.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
3. Apricot Scrub
a. Take 2 teaspoons of powdered Apricot kernels and 1 tablespoon of yogurt.
b. Mix them and apply this on your face.
c. Gently scrub with the tip of your fingers.
d. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes until the paste dries.
e. Wipe it with a wet tissue.
f. Repeat this once a week to get rid of dark spots and blackheads.
a. Take 1-2 drops of Apricot oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Gently massage on the face before going to sleep.
d. Use this remedy 2-3 times a day to control aging.
2. Apricot Powder facepack
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Apricot powder.
b. Add rose water to it.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
3. Apricot Scrub
a. Take 2 teaspoons of powdered Apricot kernels and 1 tablespoon of yogurt.
b. Mix them and apply this on your face.
c. Gently scrub with the tip of your fingers.
d. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes until the paste dries.
e. Wipe it with a wet tissue.
f. Repeat this once a week to get rid of dark spots and blackheads.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Apricots can be eaten along with the skin. But the skin needs to be removed if you are using Apricots to make bakery items. This is because the skin can change the texture and appearance of the final product.
Modern Science View
1 cup of sliced Apricots (approximately 4½ fruits) gives you an average of 85 calories and 3.5 grams of fiber.
Modern Science View
There are approximately 17 calories in one Apricot.
Ayurvedic View
If you eat too many dried Apricots, it may cause gas, abdominal cramping, bloating or diarrhea. This is due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
Modern Science View
Studies show that consuming Apricot seeds might cause cyanide poisoning. The symptoms might be a sudden drop in blood pressure or even coma in some cases. So it is advisable to be cautious especially if children are consuming Apricots[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Apricots can be used for gastric ulcers. Amygdalin in Apricot helps in the formation of gastric mucosa. It promotes the secretion of mucin from goblet cells[7].
Modern Science View
No, Apricots are not recommended in pregnant or breast-feeding women because it contains certain constituents(amygdalin) which may cause certain birth defects in infants[13].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Apricots in the management of anaemia.
Modern Science View
Yes, Apricots promote eye health and manage eye problems such as dry eye. It contains a certain constituent(amygdalin) which increases the secretion of tear fluid and mucin. This helps to relieve the symptoms of dry eye. Apricots are also rich in Vitamins which improves eye healthy[7].
Modern Science View
Yes, Apricot promote gut health because of their high fibre content. It promotes easy passage of stools and improves digestion. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which reduces inflammation and prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. and helps in the management of problems such as gastric ulcers, gastritis, and colitis.[7][8][9].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Apricots promote healthy gut function because it has Ushna(hot) property. It increases the digestive fire and helps to improve digestion.
Modern Science View
Yes, Apricot consumption provides protection to the liver. It contains a high amount of dietary fibres which helps to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver tissues. It also contains antioxidants which protect the liver cells against free radical damage and shows hepatoprotective activity[9][14].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Apricots protect the liver by increasing digestive fire due to its Ushna(hot) property. It helps to improve the digestion and promotes healthy liver functions.
Modern Science View
Yes, Apricots are considered to be beneficial in Asthma due to the presence of antioxidants(such as Lycopene and carotenoids). It fights against free radicals and prevents cell damage. Thus, it protects the respiratory pathways and manages symptoms of asthma by reducing the inflammation and [11].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Apricot can be used in asthma as it helps to reduce the symptoms of asthma due to its Kapha balancing property. Apricot also have Ushna(hot) nature that removes excessive sputum from the lungs and gives relief in breathlessness.
Modern Science View
Yes, Apricots are considered to be good for bones due to the presence of potassium that helps to improve bone health. It is also rich in calcium, boron, copper, magnesium which helps to manage the density and quality of bone[12].
Modern Science View
Yes, Apricot might help to maintain electrolyte balance in the body due to the presence of essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, chlorine[10].
Ayurvedic View
No, Apricot oil helps reduce frizziness in hair. It has an excellent moisturizing effect due to its Snigdha (oily) property. It also stimulates hair growth and strengthens the roots of hair.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Apricot is useful to manage skin problems. Apricot can be used in the form of a paste or Apricot oil can also be applied to the skin. Apricot oil helps to reduce dryness and calm the irritated skin. This is due to its Ropan (healing ) nature.
Ayurvedic View
Apricot oil helps maintain healthy hair and prevent hair fall. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha. Apricot acts on hair fall by balancing Vata dosha. It also promotes hair growth and removes excessive dryness because of its Snigdha (oily) property.
References
- Raj V, Jain A, Chaudhary J.Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot): An Overview.Journal of Pharmacy Research.2012;5(8):3964-3966.
- Yılmaz I.The Biological and Pharmacological Importance of Apricot.SOJ Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences.2018;5(1):1-4.
- WebMD.Apricot: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Akyildiz BN, Kurtoğlu S, Kondolot M,et.al.Cyanide poisoning caused by ingestion of apricot seeds.Ann Trop Paediatr. 2010;30(1):39-43.
- Yang XJ, Zhang M, Zhu HM, et al. Epidemiological study: Correlation between diet habits and constipation among elderly in Beijing region. World J Gastroenterol.2016;22(39):8806-8811.
- Yigit D, Yigit N, Mavi A. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of bitter and sweet apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) kernels. Braz J Med Biol Res.2009;42(4):346-352.
- Kim CS, Jo K, Lee IS, et al. Topical application of Apricot kernel extract improves dry eye symptoms in a unilateral exorbital lacrimal gland excision mouse. Nutrients.2016;8,750.
- Kim CS, Jo K, Lee IS, Kim J. Topical Application of Apricot Kernel Extract Improves Dry Eye Symptoms in a Unilateral Exorbital Lacrimal Gland Excision Mouse. Nutrients. 2016;8(11):1-10.
- Minaiyan M, Ghannadi A, Asadi M, Etemad M, Mahzouni P. Anti-inflammatory effect of Prunus armeniaca L. (Apricot) extracts ameliorates TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Res Pharm Sci. 2014;9(4):225-31.
- Fatima T et al. Nutritional and health benefits of apricots. International Journal of Unani and Integrative Medicine. 2018; 2(2): 05-09.
- Al-Bachir et al.Trace Elements Measurement In Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca.) Seeds By Neutron Activation Analysis. Journal of Biotechnology and Biomedical Science.2018;1(3):1-12.
- Hosseini B, Berthon BS, Wark P, Wood LG. Effects of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Risk of Asthma, Wheezing and Immune Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2017 Mar 29;9(4):2-26.
- Higgs J, Derbyshire E, Styles K. Nutrition and osteoporosis prevention for the orthopaedic surgeon: A wholefoods approach. EFORT Open Rev. 2017;2(6):300-308.
- Jain A, Chaudhary J, Raj V. Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot): An Overview. Journal of Pharmacy Research.2012;5(8):3964-3966.
- Raj V, Mishra A, Mishra A, et al.Hepatoprotective effect of Prunus armeniaca L. (Apricot) leaf extracts on Paracetamol induced liver damage in Wistar rats. Pharmacognosy Journal. 2016;8: 154-158.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.