APRICOT : A Wonder Fruit

The fruit, kernels, oil and flowers of the apricot have been used in medicine from a decade. Apricots are small, golden orange fruits, with soft skin and flesh, not too juicy but sweet in taste. Apricot contains Vitamin A,C, Fiber, Potassium,  Tryptophan.

An apricot and its cross section (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A famous medicine in China known as 'Apricot Gold' was made from the kernels of trees which grew in certain areas. This medicine was reputed for its powers to prolong life. The Chinese also believed that apricots reacted sympathetically to women's ailments. The apricot flowers, therefore, formed a common ingredient in their cosmetics. 
 
The kernel, which yields oil similar to that of the almond, has been widely used for their sedative, antispasmodic (which gives relief to strained muscles) and demulcent or soothing properties. They are useful in the healing of wounds, in expelling worms and as a general tonic.

BENEFITS:

• Protects heart and eyes. Apricot tones up the eyes, stomach, liver, heart and nerves by supplying vitamins and minerals.
• Protects your eyesight as apricot is rich in Vitamin A and Carotenes.
• Apricot can be useful for treating Asthma.
• Helps in bone related problem as it is rich in Vitamin C.
• Helps in digestion as well as constipation. Apricots have an alkaline reaction in the system. They aid digestion, if consumed before a meal. Patients suffering from chronic constipation can get benefit by use of apricots  .
• The apricot is an excellent food remedy for anaemia on account of it high content of iron. The small but essential amount of copper in the fruit makes iron available to the body.
• Apricots could also increase the production of haemoglobin in our body.
• Fresh juice of apricots, mixed with glucose or honey, is a very cooling drink during fevers. It quenches thirst and eliminates the waste products from the body.
• Fresh juice of apricot leaves is useful for treating skin diseases. It can be applied with beneficial results in scabies, eczema, sun-burn and itching of the skin due to cold exposure.
• Apricot seed contains high content of amygdalin, is a source of vitamin B17 and utilized in alternative medicine for cancer therapy.
• Apricot and apricot products help to maintain body fluid balance by normalizing blood pressure and heart function.
• The amazing nutritional and medicinal properties of apricot fruits and kernels can go on and on. It is not surprising that dried apricots being compact, balanced and rich in minerals.