For anyone who prefers to keep their fruit intake seasonal, the time is now for apricots. Relatives to peaches, the golden orange fruits boast a velvety skin with a juicy interior that is smooth and sweet with a faint tartness that brings taste buds to attention. Fresh apricots are available from May through August and are chock full of vitamin C, beta-carotene and fiber. But the health benefits of this spring treat are far more extensive than that, with ailment applications including indigestion, constipation, earaches, fever and more.
Here’s a quick lesson on a mere handful of benefits housed within the apricot.
Mega Metabolism
The apricot’s potassium aids in maintaining fluid balance in the body, distributing energy evenly to the organs and muscles that need it most. An even level of electrolytes ensures more energy, less cramps and a freer flow of blood through the body.
Smooth Moves
Apricots are so rich in fiber that they are recommended to anyone who suffers regularly from constipation. The fibrousness of the apricot stimulates the gastric and digestive juices to help break down food for easier processing.
Have A Heart
A diet that includes plenty of apricots can protect the heart from disease, including atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. The apricot’s vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber all help to strengthen cardiovascular health, with vitamin C ousting free radicals, potassium easing tension in blood vessels and arteries and dietary fiber flushing excess cholesterol.
I’ve Got A Fever And The Only Cure Is More Apricot
The vitamins, calories, minerals and water packed within an apricot provide fever relief, while also detoxifying organs and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Lend Me Your Ears
While this is still being studied by scientists, apricot oil is believed to aid in earache relief. According to Science Direct, its the antioxidant properties of apricots that make it good for terrible ear pain.
Anemia Arsenal
With its iron and copper properties, apricots can help form hemoglobin, which in turn treats the weakness, fatigue, light-headedness, digestive problems and general dysfunction associated with anemia.
