Apricot is of the fruits known to man. With the scientific name Prunus armenica, apricot is also known with the species names P. sirica, P.mume, P. mandshurica, and P. brigantina. The following are the health benefits and sample recipe for apricots.
Health Benefits
Fiber
One health benefit of eating apricots is fiber. It acts as sweep and helps clean the body by eliminating unwanted agents like toxins and free radicals. It also promotes bowel movements; thus, it prevents constipation. According to Organic Facts, fiber has laxative properties and bulks up the stool, allowing it to travel in the intestines and be eliminated from the body. To add, as per the publication, fiber activates the secretion of gastric and digestive juices that promote nutrient absorption and food breakdown, promoting the digestive process. Overall, apricot’s fiber help maintain the peristaltic activity of the intestines for proper bowel movement.
Potassium
Another health benefit apricots can offer is the mineral potassium. According to Wiki Fitness, the interaction between potassium and sodium allows water regulation inside and outside the cells, enabling smooth impulse transmissions from the neurons or nerve cells. Aside from its function in the sodium-potassium pump, potassium is vital in muscle contraction. Without potassium, the muscles feel weak, which limits a person from moving and performing his tasks. Moreover, potassium is also important in the regulation of blood pressure; as per the publication, reduced potassium levels in the body contributes to the risk of developing hypertension, which may lead to other cardiovascular disorders like atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and stroke.
Eyesight
A good eyesight is also another health benefit of apricot. According to Food NDTV, the fruit contains vitamin A, also called retinol. One of the fat-soluble vitamins, with vitamins D, E, and K as the other three, vitamin A is known for its ability to improve a person’s eyesight. It also promotes skin and mucus membrane integrity, as well as immune system strength. With vitamin A, a person will have reduced risks of developing age-related visual issues like neovascular age-related macular degeneration, which causes visual loss.
Sample Recipe
Apricot Cookies can be baked for various occasions like simple family gatherings and Christmas. According to All Recipes, the ingredients include a cup of apricot, one-third cup of sugar, one teaspoon of vanilla extra, one egg, half teaspoon salt, a teaspoon of baking powder, three cups all-purpose flour, a cup of white sugar, and a cup of butter. To prepare, as per the publication, an oven is pre-heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Next, the butter and sugar are creamed in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Then, the flour, salt, egg, vanilla extract, and baking powder are mixed into the butter-sugar machine. After that, the dough is cooled in the refrigerator for an hour. Once done, the dough is rolled out to one-fourth inch thick and is cut into rounds with a round cookie cutter or glass. Then, a small drop of apricot preserve is placed into the middle of the circle with a tip of a teaspoon. The edges are brushed with water and the dough is folded over for the cookies to have the shape of a half moon. Then, the edges are sealed and the pieces of dough are arranged on an ungreased cookie sheet. Finally, the cookies are baked for eight to twelve minutes, or until golden brown. The cookies are also dusted with powdered sugar while hot.
Above all, apricot is one of the healthiest fruits people grow today. With its several health benefits, it can be easily added to weakly meal plans for an individual or groups.
