Apricot, known as “Khumani” or “Khubani” in Hindi scientifically known as Prunus Armeniaca, is a nutritious fruit belonging to the Rosacea family. Its scientific name is derived from Armenia, where it is believed to have originated. It has been cultivated in India for more than 3000 years. It is a small, orange-colored fruit with soft, tangy flesh and thin skin.
Apricots are typically yellow or orange in color with a slight red tinge on one side. Its taste lies somewhere between plums and peaches, fruits to which it is closely related. The seed is enclosed in the hard shell, often called a “stone”. Apricot is a versatile fruit with benefits of apricot fruit for health, skin, and hair and can be enjoyed in many ways.
Apricots (Khumani, Khubani) can be consumed directly, or dried apricot(Khumani, Khubani) and then eaten as a variety of dried fruit. It is also used in the preparation of various juices, jams, squash, and jellies. Apricot oil can also be obtained from its kernel, and the benefits of apricot include those powerful essential oils that also have a lot of important impacts on health.
Health benefits of Apricot (Khumani, Khubani)
- Anti-Inflammatory
Apricots are rich in catechins, a group of flavonoids that inhibit key enzymes in the process of inflammation. Catechin’s bind to these enzymes and produce a strong anti-inflammatory reaction.
- Healthy Bones
The potassium found in apricots neutralizes bone-depleting metabolic acids that eat away at bone health.
- Apricot Boosts immunity
Apricot seeds increase the strength of the body and makes it ready to combat common infections like cold and flu.
- Beneficial in Pregnancy
Apricots are very beneficial for pregnant women. It contains several essential nutrients, which can help in the growth and development of the fetus. Pregnant women are advised to consume dried apricots as it contains high amounts of iron. Iron will facilitate the circulation of blood in the body, preventing anemia.
- Apricot fruit for Heart
Apricot is an excellent fruit for maintaining heart health. The high levels of dietary fiber remove the excess cholesterol from the arteries, reducing strain on the heart. It protects the low-density lipoprotein from oxidation, preventing heart diseases and stroke. Potassium in apricot benefits for blood pressure regulates the balance of intracellular and extracellular water levels, thereby regulating blood pressure.
- Apricot fruit for Asthma
It is also believed that apricot oil is anti-asthmatic in nature and apricot benefits in treating the disease and its related symptoms. It has certain expectorant and stimulant qualities due to its essential oils.
- Benefits of apricot for Eye health
Foods rich in Vitamin A, C, carotenoids, and beta-carotene can help reduce the risk of vision problems. The degenerative effect of free radicals may lead to cataracts. Apricot benefits to inhibit the blood supply to the eyes, causing macular degeneration. The high levels of beta-carotene improve blood flow to the eyes, reversing age-related macular degeneration.
Skin benefits of Apricot fruit (Khumani, Khubani)
- Maintains skin elasticity
Apricot oil benefits in maintaining skin clarity, suppleness, and elasticity. It is often used in beauty products due to its revitalizing and nourishing effects on the skin.
- Removes Blackheads
Apricot scrub deep cleanses the skin by removing dead skin cells and blackheads as well as unclogging pores. Thus, it keeps the skin smooth and radiant by stimulating fresh cell growth.
- Apricot for skin tone
Apricot scrubs can help in improving your skin tone by exfoliating the damaged skin cells. So, they prevent pigmentation to reveal the newer and lighter skin cells beneath.
- Apricot fruit for Skin
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and phytonutrients are necessary to maintain healthy skin, and all of them are found in apricots (Khumani, Khubani). They slow down the aging process, replacing dead cells with newer skin cells at a faster rate. Dead skin cells make wrinkles, while new cells look clear and taught.
Hair benefits of Apricot (Khumani, Khubani)
- Moisturized scalp
Regular application of apricot oil can help to make the hair shiny and soft. Massage your scalp with apricot oil to keep the hair roots nourished and conditioned. It also stimulates the follicles, stimulating hair growth.
- Apricot oil benefits for Hair Growth
The vitamin E in apricot oil supports healthy hair growth and prevents hair loss. This vitamin in combination with fatty acids acts as a preservative by preventing damage by free radicals.
