What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Eating Apricots?

Apricot is a popular fruit that contains protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin A, calcium, and vitamin C. It is suitable for people with high blood lipids to consume in moderation. Apricots can help prevent pigmentation, promote skin whitening, and slow down aging. However, there are also some drawbacks to eating apricots, so it's important to be aware of both the benefits and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at what eating apricots can do for you and what to avoid.

(1) Benefits of Eating Apricots:

• Apricots are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which can lower cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular diseases, making them suitable for people with high blood lipids and high cholesterol.
• They promote intestinal peristalsis, protect the intestinal mucosa, and prevent constipation.
• Apricots can remove free radicals from the body, enhance cell activity, prevent pigmentation, slow down aging, and prevent age spots and freckles.

(2) Drawbacks of Eating Apricots:

Eating too many apricots may cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, so it is recommended that adults consume no more than 10 apricots per day.

People with the following conditions should avoid eating apricots:

• Diabetics should not consume excessive amounts of apricots as it may affect blood sugar levels and be detrimental to their condition.
• People with excessive stomach acid should avoid apricots because of their sour and sweet taste, which contains high levels of acidic components like citric acid and malic acid that can stimulate gastric acid secretion and worsen gastric discomfort.
• Individuals with poor dental health should consume apricots sparingly as they contain acidic components that can damage tooth enamel and trigger tooth pain.
• Children should especially avoid apricots as they may lead to skin infections and upper digestive tract heat.
• Pregnant women should consume apricots in moderation as they are warm-natured fruits. Due to their elevated basal body temperature, pregnant women often experience symptoms such as heatiness and constipation, and eating too many apricots may exacerbate these conditions.

When consuming apricots, it is important to avoid the following combinations:

• Apricots are rich in fruit acids and tannins, so it is advisable not to consume them with protein-rich foods as this may interfere with protein absorption.
• Eating too many apricots can cause internal heat and inflammation, so it is best to avoid eating them in excess with other warm-natured foods.
• Apricots should also not be consumed with damp-producing foods like pork and duck meat to prevent spleen and stomach dampness.