9 Health Benefits of Eating Dried Apricots (Sukhi Khubani)

You are quite an unlucky person if you haven’t had your share of apricots. It is literally considered as the world’s healthiest fruit. Don’t let their tiny size fool you. With low-fat and plenty of fiber, apricots are packed with ample of other essential vitamins. Consumed in both fresh as well as dried form, apricots are available in canned and dried form all around the world throughout the year. However, consuming half a cup of apricots daily keeps you flawless inside out. We’ve got you these 10 reasons to consume dried apricots or Sukhi Khubani for its many Health benefits. Let’s delve into it

1. Good Vision

Dried apricots are rich in carotenoids and xanthophyll.  These two nutrients are known to protect eyesight from the age-related damage. Consuming dried apricots can help reduce the risk of developing cataracts too.

2. Digestive health

Consuming sukhi khubani before a meal stimulates digestion. It also help treat constipation and flushes out the unwanted wastes.

3. Dried Apricot for a Healthy Heart

High fiber content present in apricots is useful in reducing the bad cholesterol content (LDL) in the body, thus, lowering the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases. Meanwhile, it also increases the good cholesterol (HDL). Consuming just a ½ cup of apricots every day is beneficial the heart health.

3. Prevention of Anemia

Dried apricots are a very good source of iron that is useful to fight anemia. Since women usually suffer from anemia due to their monthly cycle, they should certainly opt for iron rich fruits like apricots. Incorporating dried apricots into your daily diet helps in hemoglobin production that can certainly be useful.

4. Cancer Cure

The rich levels of antioxidants present in apricots help lower the risk of developing cancer. Apricot kernels (seeds) have been found to kill cancerous growth. Cancer patients or ones who are still vulnerable to this problem can consume 5 kernels along with a Glass of orange juice in the Breakfast till the abnormal cells disappear.

5. Weight Loss

High fiber content present in apricots improves the digestive system and excretory system of our body, thus, increases metabolic activity, therefore, helping lose weight. One can’t just ignore the low calorie count of this fruit that kills your craving for something sweet.

6. Sukhi Khubani for Bones

Apricots are rich in Calcium. We are all aware of the fact that our body needs calcium for bone formation and vitamin D for calcium absorption.  Dried apricots also contain potassium that regulates absorption, excretion and distribution of calcium in our body. All these factors strengthen our bones.

7. Khubani for Fever

Sukhi Khubani helps reduce fever. Add 1 teaspoon of honey in a cup of apricot juice, Have it once daily. This can also give you relief from thirst.

8. Apricot for Skin

Dried apricot juice can be used to treat skin related issues such as itching due to sunburn, scabies and eczema. This also helps clear acne and many other skin problems. Dried apricot oil is very useful for skin care. This can make your skin glowing and feel smooth.

9. Pregnancy

Dried apricot can cure infertility, hemorrhage and spasms. The paste of sukhi khubani can cure vaginal infections, however, this must be consumed moderately by pregnant and lactating mothers. During pregnancy, dried apricot fruits serve as excellent snacks instead of eating sweets and other snacks.

It is usually hard to eat dried apricots and they are not always available in their fresh form. Simply soak a cup of dried apricots in water and leave them overnight. In the morning blend the solution and add a teaspoon of honey. It’s worth a try. You can also chew the soaked sukhi khubani.