The benefits and drawbacks of eating apricots, and who should eat them

Nov 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, eating apricots offers various benefits such as preventing cardiovascular diseases, anti-cancer effects, improving skin health, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, and promoting digestion. However, it is important to consume them in moderation, as excessive consumption may lead to adverse effects including heatiness, gastrointestinal discomfort, tooth damage, risk of poisoning, and blood sugar fluctuations. Apricots are generally suitable for pregnant women, individuals with constipation, and those experiencing vision decline.

Generally speaking, eating apricots offers various health benefits such as preventing cardiovascular diseases, anti-cancer effects, beautifying the skin, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, and promoting digestion. However, it is important to consume them in moderation, as excessive consumption may lead to adverse effects including heatiness, gastrointestinal discomfort, tooth damage, risk of poisoning, and blood sugar fluctuations. Apricots are generally suitable for pregnant women, individuals with constipation, and those experiencing vision decline. Specific details are as follows:

1. Benefits

1. Preventing cardiovascular diseases: Apricots are rich in potassium, which helps maintain normal heart function and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

2. Anti-cancer effects: Apricots contain amygdalin and flavonoids, substances that have anti-cancer properties and may help prevent cancer development.

3. Skin beautification: Apricots are rich in vitamin A and carotenoids, which help improve dry and rough skin, making the skin smoother and more delicate.

4. Moistening the lungs and relieving cough: Apricots contain abundant vitamin C and amygdalin, which can moisten the lungs and relieve cough symptoms.

5. Promoting digestion: Apricots are rich in dietary fiber and organic acids such as citric acid and chlorogenic acid, which promote intestinal motility, aid digestion, and help relieve constipation.

2. Drawbacks

1. Causing heatiness: Apricots are considered a warm-natured fruit. Excessive consumption may easily trigger heatiness symptoms such as mouth ulcers, sore throat, and constipation. Individuals with internal heat or who are prone to heatiness should especially consume them in moderation.

2. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Apricots contain large amounts of organic acids and dietary fiber. Overconsumption may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to excessive gastric acid secretion and causing stomach pain, acid reflux, indigestion, and other gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, sorbitol in apricots may cause diarrhea.

3. Tooth damage: The acidic components in apricots may harm teeth. Long-term or excessive consumption without timely oral hygiene may lead to tooth demineralization and cavities.

4. Risk of poisoning: Apricots contain a certain amount of amygdalin, which can be hydrolyzed in the body to produce hydrogen cyanide. Excessive intake may lead to poisoning. Although mature apricots contain relatively low levels of amygdalin, moderate consumption is still advised, particularly avoiding unripe apricots or bitter apricot kernels.

5. Blood sugar impact: Apricots contain natural sugars. Diabetic patients who consume too many apricots may experience elevated blood glucose levels, which could negatively affect disease management.

It is recommended to consume apricots in moderation, maintain a balanced diet, and adjust intake according to individual health conditions and physical constitution.

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