Apricot is a sturdy deciduous tree growing to 33 ft (10 m) having finely serrated oval leaves, clusters of white (or, rarely, pink) 5-petaled flowers, and lightly freckled pale yellow to deep purple fruits, native to China and Japan, but now cultivated in Asia, North Africa, and California.
• Apricot is a stone fruit member of the family Rosaceae.
• Modern physicians have subjected them to intense research and thus have discovered a potent natural substance called Amygdalin which they are optimistic with regard to it being a potent future anti-cancer treatment.
Plant Description
History
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
Directions of Preparation
Recommended Dosage
• Apricot Fruit contains Fruit sugars, Vitamins, and Iron.
• It seeds contain upto 8% Amygdalin, the cyanogenic Glycoside that yields Laetrile and hydrocyanic (prussic) acid.
• It bark contains Tannins.
• Apricots are good sources of Beta-Carotene and contain Potassium, soluble and insoluble Fiber, and Flavonoids.
• Apricot is excellent in
Vitamin A.• Apricot is very good in
Dietary Fiber, Potassium, Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E.• Apricot has average trace of
Sugars, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin K.
Note:
* In folk medicine, Apricots have been used to treat hemorrhage, infertility, Eye inflammation, and spasm.
Precaution:
* The seeds are toxic, so only smallest amounts should be consumed.
* Its seed cause cyanide Poisoning effect, due to its cyanogenetic Glycosides content.
Health Benefits of Apricot
Cancer & Tumor Prevention
• It contain Phytosterols (a plant chemical that have numerous health benefits) and Beta-Cryptoxanthin (a member of the Carotenoid family that is a strong anti-oxidant that seem to reduce the risk of lung and Colon Cancer).
• It seeds Amygdalin extract is used as a treatment for Cancer.
Ancient Persian and Greek physicians used Apricot seeds and oil to reduce inflammation and even to treat tumours.
Foods & Cancer
Cardiovascular System
• Studies show Apricots as an important heart health food, because it contains high Beta-Carotene levels which helps protect bad (LDL) Cholesterol from oxidation, which may in turn help to prevent heart disease.
Foods & Cardiovascular System
Circulatory System
• They also contain Iron and Copper which are important for maintaining healthy blood and helping to prevent Iron deficiency.
Foods & Circulatory System
Eye
• It gives sparkle and beauty to the Eyes.
• They are recommended for conjunctival dryness, chronic irritation or itching of the conjunctiva, loss of Visual Sharpness and Night Blindness.
Foods & Eye
Respiratory System
• It seeds are prescribed in small amounts (seeds contain highly toxic prussic acid) for the treatment of Coughs, Asthma, wheezing, Sinusitis and excessive mucus production.
Foods & Respiratory System
Skin Health
• Its bark decoction contain Tannins which is Astringent, thus soothes inflamed and irritated Skin conditions (such as Eczema).
• Its seeds also yield a fixed oil, similar to Almond Oil (from Prunus amygdalus), that is often used in the formulation of cosmetics.
Foods & Skin Health
The Brain & Nervous System
• Its properties of maintaining equilibrium within the Nervous System such as in cases of asthenia, Depression, Nervousness, and Lack of Appetite.
Foods & Nervous System
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Apricot
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
(per 100g) of
Apricot
