Apricots are eaten fresh as well as dry. When fresh ripe apricots are eaten we get beta carotene, which is the plant form of Vitamin A. Beta carotene is an antioxidant that are said to prevent diseases like heart disease and cancer. Apricots are also high in fiber and low in calories. Natural juice with apricots provides Vitamin C but have less than half the quantity of beta carotene. In the process of drying apricots, the concentration of beta carotene is increased. The concentration of potassium and iron is also increased. When blood pressure is caused by salt sensitivity, potassium intake is said to reduce blood pressure. Potassium is a natural diuretic which influences the body in such a way that it excretes water and sodium.
Some people with asthma have had an asthma attack after having dried apricots. This is actually not due to the apricots, but due to the treatment given to apricots to preserve their color. Certain substances are produced when they are treated with sulphur dioxide and these can trigger asthma attacks so it’s safest to avoid dried apricots unless you are absolutely sure that they are free of sulphite.
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