When we talk about fruits and their health benefits, the most common ones that come to mind are apples, pears, watermelons, berries, etc. But apricots? If you’re not aware, apricots, too, have a special place in the food pyramid because of their health benefits.
These yellow-orange fleshy fruits taste sweet. Sometimes, sweet and tangy too! Their velvety skin is similar to what you find in peaches and plums, but their taste is unique and flavourful. And what’s more? Considering apricot benefits, many health experts call them superfoods filled with a variety of health-promoting nutrients.
But what are the health benefits that make this fruit shine through? Find out below!
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Nutritional Information on Apricots
80 g serving of apricots contains:
| Energy | 25Kcal |
| Protein | 0.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.8 g |
| Sugars | 5.8 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Fibre | 1.8 g |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Carotenes | 324 mcg |
| Potassium | 216 mg |
The first on the list of apricot benefits is its potential to ensure skin health. Our skin constantly suffers from the ill effects of UV radiation and environmental pollutants.
Thanks to apricots, these detrimental effects are lowered to some extent if one includes apricots in their diet. Because apricots are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, they can protect your skin from sun damage and fight off free radicals. Plus, the boost it provides in collagen formation can improve skin elasticity and help keep your skin wrinkle-free.
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Gastrointestinal problems like constipation, heartburn, and bloating can cause serious discomfort. The best approach to tackling these problems is to eat a high-fibre diet.
Both fresh and dried apricots have a high fibre content and can help you avoid the above-mentioned gut issues. Soluble fibre in apricot feeds good bacteria and ensures it thrives in your gut. Whereas, insoluble fibre ensures you have regular bowel movements.
We are aware that carrots are good for our eyes. Similarly, apricots are also rich in nutrients that support eye health. Apricots contain vitamin A (retinol), vitamin E, and carotenoids like zeaxanthin and lutein. Vitamin A present in Apricots helps prevent many eye-related problems, like night blindness, cataracts, and macular degeneration. While, Vitamin E, along with carotenoids, protects your eyes from oxidative stress.
Apricots also contain Beta-carotene, which gives apricots their yellow colour and acts as a precursor to vitamin A. Our bodies can easily convert it into vitamin A, using it to keep our eyes and bodies healthy.
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Free radicals are one of the most damaging elements present in our bodies. Too many free radicals cause oxidative stress in the body and can increase the risk of diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Apricots, rich in antioxidants, neutralize unstable molecules and help protect cells and tissues from free radical damage by reducing oxidative stress.
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Did you know that apricots are rich in iron too? 100 grams of dried apricots contain around 6 mg of iron. That’s more than the amount of iron found in prunes and raisins. It also contains copper, which supports the absorption of iron in the body.
Therefore, munch on a few dried apricots every day if you want to maintain your iron levels and stay away from fatigue and weakness.
Dried apricots are also packed with calcium, which is necessary for building strong bones. 100 grams of dried apricots have around 55mg of calcium.
Apricots are also rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, and boron, which enhance bone mineral density. Boron has a significant impact on bone structure and strength, minimising the likelihood of bone disorders like osteoporosis. Furthermore, the vitamin K content in apricots helps with calcium absorption and ensures a strong skeletal system.
Eat a bowl of fresh apricots to get an instant boost to your hydration levels. Containing close to 86% water, fresh apricots can help you meet your hydration goals. There are many apricot benefits because of its high water content.
Having Apricots regularly regulates your body temperature and blood pressure. Staying hydrated also helps with regular bowel movements, keeping the digestive system healthy. It also helps maintain an electrolyte balance by replenishing minerals like potassium, which are often lost on a hot summer day or after a rigorous workout.
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Animal studies have revealed the possibility that eating apricots may prevent liver damage. Tests conducted showed lower markers of inflammation in rats who were fed apricots than those who were not. This benefit is attributed to the high antioxidant content of apricots.
While this can be a great benefit for people with liver issues, we still need extensive human studies to establish if this is true.
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It is important for people with diabetes to include foods that are diabetes-friendly. And guess what? Apricots are a good choice for diabetics. Apricots are low in calories and have a low glycemic index. To give you an idea, their glycemic index is around 34, which means they do not cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels. This trait of fresh apricots is beneficial for diabetics.
However, we cannot say the same for dried apricots, as they have a higher sugar content. While some studies do show that consuming small quantities of dried fruits like apricots can regulate after-meal glucose levels, more research is required to be sure. Until then, stick to enjoying fresh apricots or check with your doctor if it is okay for you to consume dried apricots too.
Apricots are nutrient-packed fruits that you must not miss adding to your diet. Consuming them can help you reap apricot benefits for your eyes, gut, and skin, and keep chronic diseases at bay. According to studies, you can relish 3–4 fresh apricots in a day. Eat the juicy fruit as is if you would like to enjoy its natural taste. You can also use it as a topping on your bowl of yoghurt or add a few slices to your salad for a healthy meal. Does that sound delicious? Try them soon!
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Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. Beato App does not claim responsibility for this information.
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