Apricot is one of the popular and delicious fruits that has many fans especially in the hot seasons of the year. In addition to its delicious taste, this fruit has many properties for the health of the body. Among the most important properties of apricot is its effect on slimming and weight loss. If you are also looking for natural solutions to lose weight and maintain your fitness, this delicious fruit can be one of the main options in your diet. In this article, we have investigated the properties of apricots for weight loss and other benefits of this fruit.
Apricot properties for weight loss
Apricots and weight loss
One of the properties apricot For weight loss, it is low in calories. Each 100 grams of apricots has only about 45 calories. This feature makes apricot as a healthy and low-calorie snack for people who are looking for weight loss are very suitable. In addition to low calories, apricots have other compounds that help control weight. Among these compounds, high fiber can be mentioned. The fiber in apricot helps control hunger and makes you feel full longer. Therefore, if you are also looking to lose weight, eating apricots can prevent you from feeling hungry as a low-calorie, high-fiber snack.
The effect of apricot on digestion
Apricot is one of the fruits that has a lot of fiber. This fiber is especially useful for the digestive system. The fiber in apricot helps to facilitate the movement of food in the digestive system and from constipation prevents In addition, the consumption of apricot improves the functioning of the intestines and reduces digestive problems such as flatulence And the stomach hurts. By increasing the volume of feces, apricot helps facilitate the passage of substances through the intestines, and this improves digestion and prevents intestinal problems.
The role of apricots in regulating blood sugar
Apricot is one of the fruits that has a lower glycemic index. Glycemic index indicates the speed of blood sugar increase after consuming food. Foods with a low glycemic index cause a gradual increase in blood sugar and prevent extreme fluctuations in blood sugar. For this reason, apricots are very useful for people with diabetes and can help regulate their blood sugar levels. In addition, the consumption of apricots prevents the sudden increase in blood sugar and thus prevents the occurrence of metabolic problems.
Apricots and heart health
Apricots contain significant amounts of potassium, which plays an important role in maintaining cardiovascular health. Potassium prevents cardiovascular problems by helping to regulate blood pressure. In addition to potassium, apricots contain fiber, which can help lower bad blood cholesterol (LDL) levels and promote heart health. Regular consumption of apricots helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels and helps prevent heart diseases.
Strengthen vision with apricots
Apricots contain large amounts of vitamin A and beta-carotene. These two compounds are very necessary to maintain the health of the eyes and strengthen vision. As a strong antioxidant, beta-carotene can prevent damage caused by free radicals in the eyes and help prevent diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Also, vitamin A in apricot helps to improve night vision and prevent dry eyes.
Apricots and strengthening the immune system
Another property of apricot for weight loss is due to its high amounts Vitamin CIt is one of the best options to strengthen the immune system. As a strong antioxidant, vitamin C strengthens the body’s immune system and protects against infections and diseases. In addition, vitamin C present in apricot helps in better absorption of iron and prevents anemia. Regular consumption of apricots can strengthen the body and prevent seasonal diseases a cold to be
Apricots and maintaining skin health
Apricot contains useful compounds that can maintain health the skin to help As a strong antioxidant, vitamin C in apricot protects the skin from damage caused by sunlight and pollutants. In addition, apricot increases the production of collagen in the skin and helps to reduce wrinkles and maintain the skin’s youth. Apricot consumption can also help improve skin tone and reduce blemishes and acne.
Reduce anxiety and stress with apricots
Apricot due to having significant amounts of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), to reduce stress And anxiety helps. This vitamin plays an important role in regulating the nervous system and can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Consuming apricots, especially when you feel stressed, can help improve your mood and calmness.
Apricots and sleep improvement
Apricot has compounds that help improve sleep quality. This fruit contains a large amount of B vitamins and magnesium, which help relax muscles and improve sleep. Apricot consumption can help regulate sleep rhythm and prevent sleep problems such as insomnia.
Harms of apricots for weight loss
Sensitization in some people
Apricots can cause problems for some people who are allergic to similar fruits or specific allergies. These sensitivities may appear as skin reactions such as itching, inflammation, or even skin rashes. In rare cases, an allergy to apricots can cause breathing problems or swelling in different areas of the body. People who have a history of allergies to certain fruits should be careful when consuming apricots.
Increased risk of diarrhea
Apricots contain a lot of fiber, which is good for the digestive system, but consuming too much can cause diarrhea. High fiber in apricots may cause problems such as bloating and diarrhea in people with sensitive digestive system. This problem is especially seen in people who are not used to consuming a lot of fiber. Therefore, it is better to consume apricots in moderation.
Increased blood sugar in high consumption
Although apricots naturally have a low glycemic index and are helpful in controlling blood sugar levels, consuming them in large quantities, especially when dried, may cause blood sugar spikes. Dried apricots have more sugar and can cause problems in people with diabetes. This increase in blood sugar can have negative effects on people’s general health.
Stomach pain and indigestion
Due to having significant amounts of fruit acid, apricots can cause digestive problems such as heartburn or indigestion in people who have a sensitive digestive system. Especially when this fruit is consumed fresh and in large quantities, it may lead to stomach irritation and discomfort. People who suffer from stomach problems such as stomach ulcers, it is better to limit the consumption of apricots.
Interference with certain drugs
Apricot may interact with some medications and cause a decrease or increase in drug effects. In particular, apricot consumption can affect anti-hypertensive drugs and anti-diabetic drugs. Because apricots have blood pressure lowering properties, taking them with medications prescribed for high blood pressure may cause an excessive drop in blood pressure. Also, people taking anti-diabetic medications should avoid eating too much apricot, as it may cause unexpected changes in blood sugar levels.
Increasing the amount of potassium in the body
Apricots contain a lot of potassium, which is essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper functioning of muscles and nerves. However, consuming too much of this fruit can increase the level of potassium in the blood and lead to problems such as hyperkalemia (increased potassium in the blood). This problem can be especially dangerous in people who have kidney problems or take medications that increase blood potassium levels.
Specific digestive problems
People with digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should be careful when consuming apricots. This fruit, especially when consumed in large amounts, may irritate the intestines and increase symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Therefore, people suffering from such digestive problems should avoid excessive consumption of apricots.
The danger of consuming apricot kernels
Apricot kernels contain compounds that can be toxic if consumed in excess. These nuclei contain cyanotic glycoside, which is converted into cyanide in the body. Although accidentally consuming a few cores may not cause problems, consuming too much can be dangerous. For this reason, you should avoid eating apricot kernels and consume only the flesh of the fruit.
Weight gain in case of overdose
Although apricots are generally a low-calorie fruit, consuming too much of them, especially when dried, can lead to weight gain. Dried apricots have more calories and sugar, and if consumed in large quantities, it may cause an increase in calorie consumption and thus lead to weight gain. Therefore, it is better to avoid consuming a lot of dried apricots.
Restriction of use during pregnancy
Apricots during pregnancy can cause problems for some women, especially if they are consumed excessively. High consumption of this fruit may increase potassium levels and blood pressure. In addition, the acids in apricots can cause stomach discomfort and heartburn in some pregnant women. Therefore, during pregnancy, apricot consumption should be limited and according to the doctor’s advice.
Creating problems in people
Apricots may interact with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Simultaneous consumption of apricot with these drugs may increase the drug effects and thus increase the risk of side effects. People who take anti-inflammatory drugs should avoid consuming a lot of apricots and consult their doctor if necessary.
Problems with apricot consumption
People with kidney problems should be careful when consuming apricots. Due to its high potassium content, this fruit may cause problems for people whose kidneys are not working properly. Excessive consumption of apricots can lead to potassium accumulation in the blood, which can be dangerous for people with kidney problems.
The danger of apricot consumption
Although apricots naturally lower blood pressure, too much of them can be dangerous for people with low blood pressure. Due to its blood pressure lowering effects, this fruit can reduce blood pressure excessively and cause symptoms such as dizziness, weakness and even fainting. People with low blood pressure should be careful when consuming apricots.
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