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Apricots

According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, apricots contain vitamin A, C, K, E, and niacin in significant amounts. They also contain many other essential vitamins in trace amounts (less than 5% of daily requirement). Apricots also have good mineral content, which includes potassiumcopper manganesemagnesium, and phosphorus. They are a very good source of dietary fiber, like most fruits. 

Health Benefits of Apricots

Apricots have an abundance of health benefits. Let us take a look at them below.

Credit to https://www.organicfacts.net/ for their article.

Rich in Fiber

As per research in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, apricots are rich in fiber and are, therefore, good for smooth bowel movements. Fiber is a way to bulk up the stool. In this way, it becomes easier to transport through the bowels to its eventual excretion from the body. Fiber stimulates the gastric and digestive juices that help absorb the nutrients and break down the food for easier processing. Furthermore, fiber also activates the peristaltic motion of the digestive tract, and those smooth muscle movements are what keep your bowel movements regulated. Therefore, apricots are often recommended to those patients who regularly suffer from constipation due to their laxative properties.

Strengthen Bones

Apricots have nearly all the minerals necessary for bone growth like calcium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, and copper. Therefore, eating apricots can ensure the healthy growth and development of your bones, as well as the prevention of various age-related bone conditions, including osteoporosis.

Improve Heart Health

Apricots are a wonderful way to protect your heart from a wide variety of diseases, including atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. A high amount of vitamin C, as well as potassium and dietary fiber, all contribute to good cardiovascular health.

According to research led by Dr. Lien Ai Pham-Huy, Stanford University Medical Center, USA, antioxidants like vitamin C protect the heart from free radicals. Additionally, potassium lowers blood pressure by relaxing the tension of blood vessels and arteries, while dietary fiber scrapes the excess cholesterol from the lining of the vessels and arteries, thereby clearing them and reducing the strain on the heart. Altogether, these properties of apricots make them ideal for boosting heart health. [4]

Boost Metabolism

Fluid levels throughout the body are dependent mainly on two minerals, potassium, and sodium. The high amounts of potassium in apricots has been linked to maintaining fluid balance in the body, and ensuring that energy is properly distributed to the organs and muscles. By maintaining a healthy balance of electrolytes, you can have more energy, reduce cramping, and keep blood and usable energy pumping through your body as you need it.

Relieve Earaches

Apricot oil is good for earaches, although the exact mechanism is still being studied. Dripping a few drops into the affected ear canal is said to be a quick home remedy. However, check with your health care provider to ensure this is a safe treatment to do at home.

Reduce Fever

Apricot juice is often given to patients suffering from fever because it provides necessary vitamins, minerals, calories, and water to the body, while also detoxifying various organs. Some people also use steamed apricot to relieve fevers.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

It has anti-inflammatory properties that can also impact the body’s overall temperature level in sickness. Furthermore, it can reduce inflammation in other parts of the body, especially for people suffering from arthritis or gout.

Treat Skin Disorders

Bitter apricot oil is an effective topical treatment for skin conditions like eczema, scabies, psoriasis, and rashes. It is rich in gamma linoleic acid, or GLA, which comes from essential fatty acid omega-6 and vitamins E, B1, B2, B6, and A. [5] According to a 2018 report published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, the oil is a pro-apoptotic factor for human keratinocytes.

Help Treat Anemia

Dried apricots are a good source of iron and copper. If you are suffering from anemia, you can include them in your diet to boost your iron levels. Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) can lead to weakness, fatigue, lightheadedness, digestive issues, and general metabolic dysfunction. Without red blood cells, the body can’t reoxygenate itself properly, and organ systems begin to malfunction. Iron is a key part of red blood cell formation, as is copper.

Word of Caution: Some people may be allergic to dried apricots. Sulfites, present in most dried foods, can trigger an asthmatic attack. Also, you should avoid eating the seeds or kernels because they can cause cyanide poisoning in some people.

Apricot Chicken.

The recipe and directions are as follows:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds apricots, roughly chopped, pits removed and discarded
1/4 cup sugar 2 Tbsp cider vinegar 2 pounds skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 to 2-inch pieces
Salt
1 Tbsp unsalted butter (can sub olive oil)
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 chopped onion
2 cups chicken stock or broth (use gluten-free stock if you are cooking gluten-free)
1 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons Tabasco or other hot sauce (you can add more if you like)
Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1 Place the chopped apricots in a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and the vinegar. Let sit while you brown the chicken in the next step.

2 In a large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, place chicken pieces in the pan, without crowding the pan, and brown them on each side. As the chicken cooks, sprinkle salt over it. Once the chicken is browned, remove the pieces from the pan to a bowl and set aside.

3 Add the remaining oil to the pan and sauté the onion until it begins to brown. As the onion cooks and releases moisture, use a flat edged spatula or wooden spoon to scrape off the browned bits from the chicken (called fond) from the bottom of the pan.

4 Once the onions have browned a bit, add the chicken stock and lower the heat to medium.

5 Put about 2/3 of the apricots, along with any juice they have given up, into a blender and blend into a purée. Pour the purée into the pan with the chicken stock and onions.

6 Add the cinnamon, rosemary and Tabasco and taste. You may need to add some salt. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and gently simmer for 10-20 minutes.

7 When you are ready to serve, put the chicken and the remaining apricot pieces into the pan and simmer gently for 5 minutes.

Serve hot with rice.

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