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, C and potassium. Apricot has various therapeutic properties such as antioxidant, anti-aging and anticancer. It helps manage diseases such as anemia, constipation, cancer, osteoporosis and cough. Apricots are delicious when eaten fresh and are also used in desserts, jams and pickles. The strained baby food made from the pulp of Apricot is a nutritious and good source of iron and calcium. Apricot is good for skin which makes it an important constituent in various cosmetics[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.
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].
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.
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.