National Apricot Day 2020: From Glowing Skin to Weight Loss, 5 Reasons Why You Must Include Apricots in Your Diet

The golden-orange coloured fruit apricot can help in improving health in numerous ways. It can easily be eaten without being peeled. Even the seed of apricot is edible which resemble the taste of almond. Apricots have a velvety skin texture and are enclosed in a hard stony shell. In the United States, National Apricot Day is observed every year on 9th January. Let us look at the health benefits of apricots, which includes everything from providing good skin to weight loss. Yes, these reasons will compel you to include apricots in your diet regularly. Home Remedy Of The Week: Apricots For Clear, Glowing & Healthy Skin; How This Stone Fruit Can Reduce Blackheads (Watch Video)

Apricots originally belong from North-East China, near the Russian border, this fruit was later introduced to Europe and Armenia. Speaking about the nutritional value of apricots, two apricots of around 70 g contains 8 g of carbs, 1 g protein and 0.27 g of fats as per the data of U.S. Department of Agriculture. Apricots are also a powerhouse of various minerals and vitamins which contributes to the micronutrient requirement of an individual. Weight Loss Tip of the Week: How to Use Apricots to Lose Weight (Watch Video)

Health Benefits of Apricots

1. Improves Eye Vision

Apricots consist of Vitamin A and Vitamin E which immensely contribute in improving eye vision. Vitamin A helps in preventing night blindness, while vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that enters eyes directly to protect them from free radical damage. Apart from that, the presence of carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin safeguard eyes against oxidative stress.

2. Helps in Providing Glowing Skin

There is a reason why apricots are one of the main ingredients in many skin care products available in the market. Eating apricots every day on a regular basis can boost skin health as this fruit is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Vitamin C protects skin against UV damage and environmental pollutants by neutralizing free radicals. Skincare Trends 2020: From Lip Lifts to Platelet-Rich Plasma, 5 Biggest Beauty Treatments That Will Be a Hit in the Brand New Year.

3. Aid in Weight Loss

Apricots are rich in fibre, mostly soluble fibre which helps in maintaining healthy blood sugar and cholesterol level. Also, fibre helps in improving gut health and also enables smooth bowel movement. A good digestive system plays an important role in weight loss and good metabolic rate of the body. According to a study published in the National Institute of Health in the year 2013, the healthier gut microbiome is linked to a lower risk of obesity.

4. Good For Heart Health

The presence of potassium content in apricot balances the electrolyte levels in the body, keeping heart muscles in order. Also, the fibre in this fruit increases the good cholesterol in the body and simultaneously reduces the bad LDL cholesterol. Just eat one or two apricots every day to make your heart stronger.

5. Development of Strong Bones

We all are aware that for strong bones, the body needs to be provided with calcium-rich food. However, for the absorption of calcium and getting it uniformly distributed, it is necessary to include food high in potassium. Well, apricot contains both calcium and potassium in good quantity, therefore it aids in the development of strong bones.

Apricots can either be eaten fresh or in dried form. It can also be chopped and added to morning cereal for a nutritious breakfast. It is indeed worth buying apricots and including it in your everyday diet. It must be noted that fresh apricot should be eaten quickly as its skin gets wrinkled soon, however, the dried one can be stored in a cool place for a longer time.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 09, 2020 09:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).