Apricot (Khubani): Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Anuja Bodhare
Last updated: Oct 25, 2024 Published on: Apr 25, 2022
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By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
Table of Contents
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), also known as stone fruit, belongs to the Prunus genus and is widely consumed throughout the world.[1] The apricot tree is grown in temperate regions and requires a cold winter and moderately high temperatures in early summer and spring. The apricot tree cannot be grown in places with a subtropical climate. Apricots are drupes (fruit that contains a single seed) like mangoes, plums, cherries, and peaches. Their outer fleshy portion covers a hard stone with a seed inside it. The colour of the fruit varies from orange to orange-red, with some varieties being greenish-white to cream white. Apricot is rich in carbohydrates and is a great source of minerals, fibres, and vitamins. Apricot kernels are also being used in Chinese medicine for cough, constipation, and asthma.[2]
Apricot (Khubani) has a high nutritional content in terms of proteins (8%), sugars (greater than 60%), crude fat (2%), vitamins- A, C, K, and B-complex, total minerals (4%), crude fibre (11.50%), and a fair percentage of organic acids (malic and citric acid).2 In 100 grams, the following nutrients are found in apricot:[1],[2]
The ripened apricots have a better antioxidant action due to the accumulation of vitamin C and phenolic compounds through the ripening process.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Apricot and its kernel might have properties like:
Also Read: Papaya: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage
Apricots are a powerhouse of nutrition and they contain zinc, which is believed to sharpen your thinking process. They can be a great snack for students to sharpen their mental acuity.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S M.S.
Apricot might have the following potential uses for human health.
Do you know that the nutritional content of frozen apricots is more than that of fresh apricots? Freezing and storing apricots positively affects their nutritional content. There is a rise in their antioxidant levels after about 3 months of storage.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S M.D (Ayu)
Today, cancer is the most common degenerative condition and the second leading cause of mortality in the United States, following cardiovascular disorders. Apricots have been reported to have anti-cancer potential. A compound isolated from MK615, a Japanese variety of apricot, showed potential anti-tumor activity against colon cancer cells, liver cancer cells, and human pancreatic cells in laboratory trials.2 However, more research is required to prove such effects on apricots on cancer. Moreover, cancer is a serious condition and must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
Oxidative stress is a phenomenon that occurs due to an imbalance between the production and gathering of reactive oxygen species in cells and tissues and the inability of the body to detoxify these reactive compounds.6 Oxidative stresses produce reactive oxygen species and free radicals that can lead to damage of macromolecules (lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins) and cause tissue injuries. These processes might lead to chronic diseases like cancer, ulcers, diabetes, heart-related diseases, and inflammations. Due to its rich phytochemical composition, apricot might exhibit antioxidant properties.2 However, more research is required to prove such effects.
Heart diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Risk factors for heart diseases include atherosclerosis (accumulation of fats, cholesterol and other substances in the artery walls), high cholesterol levels, and other conditions. Phenolic compounds present in apricots like lycopene, chlorogenic acid, and β-carotene might help with the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and might help improve the antioxidative status of the human body. Apricot is also a rich source of fibre. Soluble dietary fibre is known to be efficient in decreasing LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).2 However, more studies are required to prove the potential use of apricot against heart diseases. Moreover, serious conditions like those related to the heart, must be diagnosed and treated by a professional. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor.
Fatty liver disease, also called hepatic steatosis, is fat accumulation in the liver. Hepatic steatosis might further lead to steatohepatitis (inflammation of the liver with fat accumulation), cirrhosis (healthy liver tissue replaced with scar tissue leading to permanent liver damage) and advanced fibrosis. Apricot might have an effect on hepatic steatosis, as seen in animal models.2 However, more research is required to prove these effects. Please note that diseases of the liver are serious and must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
The Japanese variety of apricot might help against the colonisation of H. pylori in the digestive system, hence it might be helpful against gastritis. The ethanolic extract of apricot might exhibit great antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria. It may also exhibits antibacterial activity against organisms like Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.5
Though there are studies that show the potential use of apricot in various conditions, but these are insufficient and there is a need of further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of apricot on human health.
Apricots can be consumed as:
Apricot kernels can be used in the production of medicines or bakery products or can be directly consumed as appetisers.1
The kernel oil obtained from apricots is used very often in the preparation of many medicines by Ayurvedic physicians and in cosmetics. Apricot oil might have a positive effect on the hair, skin, and health.1
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
Also Read: Onion: Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects
Normal intake of apricot fruit is not harmful to consumers. However, eating an excess of raw apricot kernels might pose risks. A compound called amygdalin is present in apricot kernels. This compound converts into cyanide after consumption. Cyanide poisoning can lead to nausea, headaches, thirst, lethargy, nervousness, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, and reduced blood pressure. It can be fatal in severe cases.7 Therefore, kindly consult a doctor before consuming it for its potential uses.
It is essential to take precautions while consuming apricot kernels, as taking excess apricot kernels poses a risk of cyanide poisoning.8 Therefore, consult a doctor beforehand.
Apricots (Prunus armeniaca L) are small stone fruits that range in colour from yellow to orange and are mostly tinged red on their sides due to sun exposure. The surface of apricots can be either smooth or velvety with minute hair. The flesh of apricots is mostly firm, and their taste can be either sweet or sour.8
Apricot was named by Romans. It is a combination of two words: ‘praecocia’ from Latin, which means early matured and ‘albarquq’ from Arabic, which means short ripening period.2
Apricot contains various phytochemicals like aspolyphenols (flavonoids and phenolic acids) and carotenoids that add to their colour, taste, and nutritional value.2
According to Chinese medicine, the apricot is thought to be helpful in detoxification, relieving thirst, and regenerating body fluids. Its kernels, as per Chinese medicine, might be helpful for suppressing cough and strengthening the respiratory system.2
Apricot kernel is rich in oil and mainly contains fatty acids, particularly unsaturated fatty acids. This oil also contains high amounts of carotenoids, phytosterols, triterpenoids, vitamin E active compounds, and polyphenols. Apricot kernels are also a good source of essential oil, proteins, and peptides.8
Also Read: Karela: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
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