4. APRICOT

                                                          APRICOT

Nutrition in 100 gm
Energy: 36 kcal
Sugar Dietary fibre	8 2.1 gm
Fat	0
Proteins	1 gm
Water	87 gm
Vitamin A	420 µ gm
Vit B1 (Thiamin)	0.06 mg
Vit B2 (Riboflavin)	0.05 mg
Vit B6	0.06 mg
Vitamin E	0.5 mg
Vitamin C	5 mg
Sodium	2 mg
Potassium	300 mg
Calcium	20 mg
Phosphorous	20 mg
Magnesium	12 mg
Iron	0.8 mg
Copper	0.06 mg
Selenium	1 mg
Zinc	0.1 mg

        Apricot has a smooth velvety skin, which is golden orange in colour. It is a stone fruit with a seed nut inside.  It can be eaten raw though it is a bit acidic in taste. The acid taste decreases as the fruit ripens and becomes sweeter.

Benefits:

1. Apricot is rich in minerals, which makes it helpful in curing diseases like anaemia, tuberculosis, asthma and bronchitis. The high copper and iron content increase the haemoglobin in blood.

2. Pimples: Apricots have a high level of vitamin A which keeps skin healthy and improves eye sight.

3. Apricots help remove gall stones and destroy intestinal worms. It helps digestion as it acts as an alkaline, breaking down food particles.

4. Cancer: Lycopene present in apricots help in prevention of cancer.

5. Heart problem: Apricot helps reduce bad cholesterol thus prevent the risk of heart diseases.

6. Apricot is a laxative and helps cure constipation. It has a high content of fibre and helps in throwing waste matter out of the body.