Apricot is a fruit that is originated in China and in use from thousand years. It is a favorite fruit amongst all ages people. It is a musky tart fruit and eaten as raw, dried and cooked or even juice.
Apricot is used for making squashes, jam, and jellies. It is similar to plums and includes tangy flesh with the soft and thin outer skin. Even the seeds of apricot fruit are used for essential oil.
Apricot origin history remains controversial. Because of its scientific name Prunus Armeniaca or Armenian plum and its history of cultivation, most of the people think that it is originated in Armenia. Others argue that it was first found in China or India a thousand years back.
Although the real origins, apricots considered as a staple food in different culture worldwide from centuries.
For example, Egyptians used apricots in traditional juices. English people used it for making oil from the 17th century to prevent tumors and inflammation.
Presently, the largest commercial apricot production happens in the United States. In fact, more apricots cultivated from California with a low amount from Utah and Washington. Worldwide, Uzbekistan cultivates the highest amount of apricot followed by Italy, Iran, and Turkey.
Apricot is a sugary fruit with several benefits for health. Consuming apricot juice is the best way to get the benefits. Make the juice of ripe apricots.
Nutrition Facts about Apricot Juice
Table of Contents
Caloric Value
- Per Serving: 117 kcal, 490 kJ
- % DV: 5.9 %
Fat
- Per Serving: < 0.1 g
- % DV:0.2 %
Saturated Fats
- Per Serving: < 0.1 g
- % DV: < 0.1 %
Monounsaturated Fats
- Per Serving: < 0.1 g
- % DV: 0.1 %
Polyunsaturated Fats
- Per Serving: < 0.1 g
- % DV: 0.1 %
Carbohydrates
- Per Serving: 30.1 g
- % DV: 11.2 %
Sugars
- Per Serving: 26.2 g
- % DV: 52.4 %
Protein
- Per Serving: 1.5 g
- % DV: 2.1 %
Dietary Fiber
- Per Serving: 3.9 g
- % DV: 1.3 %
Cholesterol
- Per Serving: 0.0 mg
- % DV: 0.0 %
Sodium
- Per Serving: < 0.1 g
- % DV: < 0.1 %
Water
- Per Serving: 211.4 g
- % DV: 10.6 %
Vitamins
Vitamin A
- Per Serving: 0.0 mg
- % DV: 0.0 %
Vitamin B1
- Per Serving: < 0.1 mg
- % DV: 4.0 %
Vitamin B11
- Per Serving: < 0.1 mg
- % DV: 1.2 %
Vitamin B12
- Per Serving: 0.0 mg
- % DV: 0.0 %
Vitamin B2
- Per Serving: < 0.1 mg
- % DV: 3.3 %
Vitamin B3
- Per Serving: 0.8 mg
- % DV: 5.2 %
Vitamin B5
- Per Serving: 0.2 mg
- % DV: 3.7 %
Vitamin B6
- Per Serving: 0.1 mg
- % DV: 9.4 %
Vitamin C
- Per Serving: 12.0 mg
- % DV: 14.9 %
Vitamin D
- Per Serving: 0.0 mg
- % DV: 0.0 %
Vitamin E
- Per Serving: 1.5 mg
- % DV: 12.2 %
Vitamin K
- Per Serving: < 0.1 mg
- % DV: < 0.1 %
Minerals
Calcium
- Per Serving: 29.3 mg
- % DV: 2.9 %
Copper
- Per Serving: 0.1 mg
- % DV: 13.2 %
Iron
- Per Serving: 0.7 mg
- % DV: 4.9 %
Magnesium
- Per Serving: 24.4 mg
- % DV: 8.1 %
Manganese
- Per Serving: 0.1 mg
- % DV: 6.3 %
Phosphorus
- Per Serving: 48.8 mg
- % DV: 7.0 %
Potassium
- Per Serving: 402.6 mg
- % DV: 20.1 %
Selenium
- Per Serving: < 0.1 mg
- % DV: 0.8 %
Zinc
- Per Serving: 0.3 mg
- % DV: 3.8 %
Benefit Eye Health
Apricot juice is an amazing source for components such as lutein, carotenoids, and zeaxanthin, which prevent certain eye disorders.
According to studies, apricot juice consumption every day helps to prevent eys from muscle degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma. Furthermore, consuming fresh organic apricot juice helps to improve weak visions.
Apricot juice also helps to prevent the eye’s aging effects from beta-carotene. The content of zinc, vitamin C, E, and copper in apricot helps to fight against macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is an eye disease of the small central part of the retina that is responsible for visual acuity.
The macula is accountable for the capability to drive, read, facial recognition, watching television, using a computer, and different visual task that requires to see small details.
Muscle and bone health
Apricot juice has a significant amount of calcium that helps to promote bone health and limit the age-linked osteoporosis.
As women are more likely to develop bone degeneration, they need to consume more apricot juice on a regular basis. Low bone density is more common in post-menopausal women, and it is the leading cause of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and other bone health problems. Low bone density occurs because of insufficient calcium and vitamin D accompanied with lack of active lifestyle.
According to recent studies, a lack of sufficient vitamin K, silicon, magnesium, and boron causes bone loss. Adding these supplement is important for diet.
Dried apricots provide potassium, which is an important mineral for body functions, especially, metabolism. The rich mineral content, apricot juice enhances bone health by calcium absorption.
Apricot juice also contains potassium, which helps to control the acid levels in the body. It is essential for protein synthesis. Potassium is an essential mineral for muscle building and normal growth.
Brain Function
Apricots hold phosphorus and magnesium that helps to enhance the functions of the brain. Abnormal blood pressure may lead to brain stroke, but apricot juice can limit the risk. The content of potassium in apricot juice helps to manage healthy blood pressure and prevent the risk of brain stroke.
Better Digestion
Another benefit of apricot juice is better digestion. Apricot contains cellulose and pectin that work as mild laxatives and regulate constipation. The apricot juice helps to flush out the harmful waste from the digestive tract and assist in the digestive fluid to produce an environment of alkaline. You can consume half a cup of apricot juice before having a meal. It stimulates the digestion process and neutralizes the acids that trigger hunger pangs.
Regulate Blood Disorders
Having a problem with blood can affect your total health. It is important to know the disorders of the blood. People may get affected with different types of blood cancer and blood disorder. Most common blood problem include bleeding disorder, anemia, blood clots, hemophilia, blood cancer: lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma.
Fresh apricot juice provides sufficient iron, and it contains vitamin K that is essential for blood clotting. Add a cup of dried apricot to get daily recommended vitamin K of 4mcg.
Cancer Protection
According to new research, apricots helps to prevent cancer. It plays an important role in protecting against cancer. You can consume apricot juice as well as dried apricots which contain high antioxidants and beta carotene. It also contains compounds such as zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-cryptoxanthin, which protect your cells from free radical damage which result in cancer.
Manage Cardiovascular Health
The heart is sensitive to oxidative stress. Therefore, you need to be cautious about heart health. Apricot consumption can help to manage cardiovascular health. It will protect your heart from the harmful effects of free radical damage.
The apricot juice also comprises of loads of potassium, which widen the functions of constricted blood vessels. The arteries should be open because clogged arteries cause blood clotting. However, it is important to consult a cardiologist before using any home remedy. It will help to prevent side effects.
Protects the Liver
Consume apricot, or its juice will provide benefits to the liver. The liver is an important and largest organ in the human body. It performs essential functions such as protein production, which helps blood clots to melt down the fats and generate energy.
According to some research, the apricot fruit helps the liver to enhance functions and prevent diseases.
According to an animal study issued in British-Journal-of-Nutrition, the apricot helps to protect the liver from fatty liver disease and liver damage. Often, fatty liver occurs when fat accumulation happens in the liver.
According to another interesting animal study, in rat liver were removed and kept on apricot supplements which helped in liver regeneration.
Adding anti-inflammatory foods in your diet helps to reduce the stress level and improve physical activity and liver functions.
High in Antioxidants
Apricot comprises a wide range of necessary micronutrients and plenty of antioxidants. Antioxidants are a synthesis that defends against free radicals and prevents cell damage. It also lessens the chance of various chronic diseases such as cancer and heart ailment.
Apricots also carry carotenoids, a kind of pigment with antioxidant qualities. According to a study issued in the Journal-of-Agricultural-and-Food-Chemistry, apricots respectively contain high carotenoids such as beta carotene, gamma carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin.
Reduces Inflammation
Apricot juice helps to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a general condition, which triggered by the immune system to keep external substances away and protect the inside body from infection and injury.
The occurrence of chronic inflammation cause to weaken the immunes system, and contribute to diseases like diabetes, heart problem, and rheumatoid arthritis.
According to some studies the apricot comprises of inflammation lowering properties that help to protect against ailments. Particularly, apricot seeds provide effective benefits for relieving inflammation. During an animal study, a rat consumed apricot kernel oil, which helped to save against ulcerative colitis (a disease of bowel inflammation).
High in Potassium
As apricot contains high potassium mineral, its juice also helps as an electrolyte. It is responsible for giving nerve signals in the body and managing muscle contractions and balance the fluid.
Two apricots equal to 70 grams contain 181 mg minerals, which is 4% of the daily value.
As potassium serve closely with sodium, it regulates fluid balance. Sufficient intake of apricot juice helps to limit the bloating and manage normal blood pressure.
According to one analysis of 33 studies discovered that a diet contains rich potassium helps to lower the blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke up to 24%.
Keep You Hydrating
Like other fruits, apricot also holds natural hydrating properties. The apricot juice helps to normalize body temperature, blood pressure, joint health, and heart rate.
One cup of fresh, sliced apricots contains 2/3 cup of water that is 142 ml.
When you get dehydration from insufficient water, consuming apricot helps provide daily recommended water needs.
Dehydration causes to drop your blood volume and force your heart to pump blood in a hard way. However, keeping yourself hydrated helps easy blood circulation and absorb nutrient fast.
Consuming apricots easy way to replace electrolyte loss and water post workout as this fruit provides enough hydration from its juice.
Supports Regularity
Apricot contains plenty of fiber, and it provides 3.1 grams or up to 12% of your daily requirement in just one cup of juice.
Fiber consumption moves slowly in your body undigested and prevents constipation. According to one analysis, five studies discovered that eating more fiber assists in stool frequency in patients of constipation.
Sweet apricot seeds are commonly available as snack foods and provide more fiber. A 1/4 cup of apricot contains 5-grams of fiber, and it meets daily fiber requirement.
Promote Skin
Many facial scrubs use apricot as the main ingredient. Apricot contains a rich source of vitamin C and boost your skin elasticity.
1.Heals Skin Damaged
Apricot oil is taken from dried seeds of the fruit. It provides soft effects to skin that is because of vitamin C present in apricot. Apricot oil helps to treat different skin conditions without producing oily skin. It works as an excellent moisturizer for face skin and hand to cure damaged skin without any side effect.
2.Reduces Wrinkles
Apricot also used in skin peeling mask, which helps to get rid of dead skin cells from the out layer of skin. Removing dead skin helps the skin to generate new cell regrowth. This exfoliating process reduces the fine lines and wrinkles by preventing outer skin layer damage.
3.Preserves Skin Elasticity
Using apricot oil helps to preserve your skin elasticity by maintaining suppleness, clarity. It is often a part of beauty products because it helps to revitalize and nourish the skin. It is a very mild natural oil that also helps in baby products.
4.Eliminates Blackheads
Apricot containing peeling mask helps to cleanse deep in the skin by removing blackheads and dead cells. Also, apricot unclogs the pores and provide radiant and smooth skin by stimulating new cell growth.
5. Treat Skin Disorders
As apricot contains sufficient vitamin A and C, its oil is best for sensitive skin. It helps to reduce skin inflammation and effectively treat skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis. You can combine apricot oil with other essential oils for soothing effects on damaged skin.
However, it is important to take doctor advice before using apricot to prevent side effects. The apricot pulp helps to clear the acne. You can get the apricot juice by blending its leaves. Apply this juice topically to prevent itching caused by eczema, scabies, and sunburn.
6.Removes Blemishes
Apricot is useful for reducing premature effects of aging. The skin care products containing apricot work effectively for reducing skin blemish without any side effects.
7.Skin Moisturizer
Apricot oil is the best ingredient for dry and irritated skin as it contains high vitamin A and fatty acids. It helps to moisturize the skin cells and keep them hydrated. It also useful for exfoliating skin and provide soft skin surface.
8.Improves Skin Tone
Apricot juice added in scrub also helps to improve skin tone. It exfoliates the damaged cells of the outer layer. It also prevents pigmentation and makes lighter skin.
Hair Benefits of Apricot Juice
As apricot contains a wide range of nutrients, it is beneficial for hair health also. Here are the important benefits of apricot juice for hair.
For the external purpose, you can use apricot oil to improve hair growth and texture. Make sure you use limited to prevent any side effect. Consuming apricot juice will provide inner scalp benefits.
What other hair benefits from apricot?
- Regular eating apricot helps to condition your hair by promoting sebum production in your scalp, which condition and moisturize your hair. Add a few drops of apricot oil in the shampoo and conditioner to create smooth and soft hair. You can manage frizzy hair using apricot oil.
- Do regular massage with apricot oil in your hair roots to get nourishment. When you drink apricot juice, it will nourish your hair roots from inside and stimulate follicles for hair growth.
- Apricot also helps to prevent hair problems such as psoriasis, dandruff, eczema, and itchy scalp.
Stops morning sickness
Pregnancy often causes morning sickness in almost every woman. Consuming apricot juice is very helpful for reducing symptoms of morning sickness. Apricot also promote nutritional value in pregnant women by adding plenty for vitamins, antioxidants, iron, and calcium.
Pregnant women are suggested to eat dried apricots to get essential iron mineral. Iron helps to promote blood circulation and prevent anemia symptoms in the body. Apricot also contain dietary fiber that relieves indigestion and prevents constipation pregnancy because there are high chances of constipation in pregnant women.
Fluid levels
The content of potassium in apricot juice helps to regulate the fluid balance in your body and distribute equal energy to the entire body. Having a healthy balance of electrolytes helps to provide more stamina and energy in everyday activities.
Fever
Apricot juice is considered as the best cure for fever. It provides soothing effects and reduces inflammation by regulating overall temperature. You can make apricot juice using water and one tablespoon honey to relieve fever and cold.
Promote Psychological health
Nutritionist suggests adding foods containing rich magnesium and phosphorus to manage psychological health. Consuming fresh apricot juice provide lots of mineral and vitamins.
It will also make your nerves relax and relieve stress. Moreover, it helps to boost mood by releasing happy hormones. The nutritionist also reveals that regular apricot juice consumption helps to improve memory.
Additionally, the magnesium presence in apricot juice helps to reduce the effects of age-related diseases such as dementia. Therefore, keep sipping chilled apricot juice for enhancing psychological condition.
Benefit Asthma Attacks
According to studies apricot juice comprises of anti-asthmatic qualities. It not only treats asthma but also reduces the symptoms of the disease.
The apricot juice will reduce the stress and pressure from the respiratory system and lungs and prevent an asthma attack.
Still, it is advised to talk with a doctor for an asthma attack.
Apricot vs. Peach
Peach and apricot look similar, so don’t get confused. Both the fruits belong to the same fruit family, and they also share a similar appearance and nutrition content.
Recognize apricot are smaller in size than the peaches and have orange-yellowish skin covered with fuzz.
Peaches are slightly bigger in size than the apricot and have bright yellow or red color. Biting apricot gives you a taste of tart which creates addition in dessert and baked goods.
According to its nutritional value, both fruits holds few differences. Apricot contains high calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber.
Peach contains vitamin C, and vitamin A. Again, both fruits contain a comparable number of micronutrients such as vitamin K and vitamin E.
Precautions
Be cautious with apricot seeds which are often enjoyed as a snack. Bitter apricot holds more amygdalin, a synthesis that increases the cyanide levels if consumed more. If you really like to eat apricot seeds, then choose a sweet variety to prevent potential toxicity.
Additionally, dried apricots contain high nutrients, calories, and carbohydrates, which causes weight gain and blood sugar spike. Therefore, consume a moderate amount of fresh apricots and avoid overeating.
Some people may get allergic symptoms after eating apricots. If you assume you are getting an allergy from apricots or side effects, then stop eating apricot and take doctor’s help.
Apricots are known as stone fruits and closely linked with cherries, plums, nectarines, peaches, and almonds.
Raw apricots contain low calories but high in vitamin A, fiber, and vitamin C.
Dried apricots also contain a high concentration of fiber, calories, carbohydrates, and micronutrients.
The apricots also contain plenty of antioxidants, which helps to reduce inflammation, protect the liver, and promote eye health.
It tastes savory and sweet, so it best for making jams, baked goods, salsas, and entrees.
You can enjoy the apricot in combined food to get more health benefits.