9 Apricots Benefits: Why You Should Eat More

Apricots Benefits are many! Apricots are delicious fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or dried. They are a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. Apricots have also shown impressive health benefits. In this post, we will discuss the nutritional value of apricots and some of the health benefits they offer. We’ll also take a look at how apricots can help with digestion!

What Are Apricots?

Prunus armeniaca, more commonly known as apricot, is a small herb that resembles a peach. It is closely related to the peach and shares many of its characteristics. The flesh beneath the skin of the apricot is smooth, and in the middle of the fruit, there are large pits that cannot be digested. They are usually yellow-orange in color with a reddish tint on the other side.

Apricots have been found dating back to prehistoric times, both in the wild and as part of cultivated crops. The apricot is believed to originate from Armenia, where most research suggests it was first created. Today, apricots can be found growing in many parts of the world and are enjoyed for their sweet flavor and versatility in both sweet and savory dishes.

The skin of apricot is generally orange or yellow, although there are also some varieties that have red or brown skin. The flesh of apricot is soft and sweet, with a subtle tartness. Apricots can be eaten fresh, or they can be dried or canned. They are also a popular ingredient in many baked goods, such as pies and muffins. In addition to being delicious, apricots are also a good source of vitamins A and C.

Varieties

Apricots are versatile fruit that comes in many different varieties. While they may vary in color, size, and taste, all apricots are prized for their sweet flavor and nutritional value. Some of the most popular varieties include Goldrich, Rival Perfection, Chinese, Mormon, and Moorpark. However, there are many more varieties available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. If you’re interested in trying something new, be sure to ask your local farmer or grocery store about the different types of apricots that are available. You may be surprised at just how diverse this delicious fruit can be!

Apricot nutrition facts

Apricots are a type of stone fruit that is closely related to peaches and plums. They have a smooth, fleshy texture and a sweet taste with a slightly tart undertone. Apricots are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. They also contain a range of other nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and iron. Health benefits associated with apricots include improved eyesight, reduced inflammation, and increased bone density. Apricots can be enjoyed fresh, canned, or dried. They can also be used in a variety of recipes, such as pies, cobblers, jams, and chutneys.

100 grams of fresh apricot contains the following nutrients:

• 104 calories
• 48 grams carbohydrates
• 0.4 grams fat
• 1.4 grams protein
• 2 grams fiber (half soluble fiber and half insoluble fiber)
• 1930 IU Vitamin Α (37% of RDI)-
• 10 milligrams Vitamin C (13% of RDI)
• 259 milligrams potassium (8% of RDI)
• 0.9 milligrams vitamin E (6% of RDI)
• 0.4 milligrams iron (5% of RDI for men and 2% of RDI for women)
• 0.24 milligrams Vitamin B5 – pantothenic acid (5% of RDI)
• 0.04 milligrams Vitamin B2 – riboflavin (4% of RDI)
• 0.6 milligrams Vitamin B3 – niacin (4% of RDI)
• 0.05 milligrams Vitamin B6 (4% of RDI)
• 0.07 milligrams manganese 4% of RDI)
• 3.3 micrograms Vitamin K (3% of RDI)
• 23 milligrams phosphorus (3% of RDI)
• 0.2 milligrams zinc (3% of RDI)
• 0.03 milligram Vitamin B1 – thiamin (3% of RDI)
• 9 micrograms Vitamin B9 – folate (2% of RDI)
• 13 milligrams calcium (1% of RDI)
• 10 milligrams magnesium (>1% of RDI)
• 0.08 milligrams copper (>1% of RDI)
• 0.1 micrograms Selenium (>1% of RDI)
• 1090 micrograms Carotene, beta
• 89 micrograms Lutein + zeaxanthin

Apricots Benefits

Apricots are a delicious and nutritious summer fruit. Not only are they a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C, but they also contain important minerals like potassium and copper. Apricots also contain phytochemicals, which are natural compounds that have been shown to have health-promoting effects. In particular, apricots are a good source of carotenoids, which are antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage. Additionally, apricots have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may even help to lower cholesterol levels. With so many potential health benefits, it’s no wonder that apricots are often called “nature’s candy.”

1. Helps Anemia

Anemia is a condition that can be caused by a lack of iron in the body. Symptoms of anemia can include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. While there are many ways to treat anemia, one simple way to help prevent it is to eat foods that are rich in iron. Apricots are one such food. A cup of dried apricots contains 3 grams of iron, making it a great option for those looking to boost their intake of this essential nutrient. Additionally, apricots are rich in vitamin C, which has been shown to improve the metabolism of iron in the body. As a result, incorporating apricots into your diet is a good way to help prevent anemia.

2. It supports healthy blood pressure

A diet rich in potassium has long been linked to good cardiovascular health, and new research suggests that apricots may be beneficial in this regard. The dried fruit provides high quantities of potassium, which is known to help reduce blood pressure. In addition, the presence of potassium is associated with a decrease in cardiovascular mortality. These findings suggest that apricots may help to keep the heart healthy and reduce the risk of stroke.

3. Promoting Gut and digestive Health

Apricots are a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Dietary fiber can slow the passage of nutrients through the digestive tract if eaten. This feeds good gut bacteria into our digestive tract, which can improve our health. Trillions of bacterial organisms live within the intestine of our bodies and the intestine. They have incredibly important effects on our health as the food we consume determines what bacteria live within our body. Research shows good digestion can help prevent obesity.

They are an excellent fruit to eat for those who want to maintain gut health and prevent diseases such as obesity. Apricots are a delicious and healthy addition to any diet.

4. Improving bone mineral density

Apricots are packed with nutrients that are essential for bone health. They are a good source of boron, a mineral that is known to play an important role in bone strength and density. Boron is known to improve the immune system, improve muscle function and improve bone strength in people. Numerous studies have shown that boron can have significant effects on your bones and help to improve your bone structure and strength. Thus, including apricots in your diet can help to improve your bone health and prevent various problems such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

5. Rich in antioxidants

Apricots are rich in antioxidants, which have been shown to have numerous health benefits. The most abundant antioxidants in apricots are betacarotene and vitamin E. These compounds neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to inflammation. In addition, flavonoids are a type of antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Recent studies have also suggested that flavonoids may be effective in preventing autoimmune diseases from spreading. Thus, the consumption of apricots may help to prevent a variety of chronic diseases.

6. Promoting Eye Health

Dried and fresh apricots are a natural source of Vitamin E and A that provide many great health benefits. Apricots also contain beta carotene which can be dissolved as a substance. Increasing studies suggest Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene are beneficial in reducing a wide range of age-associated eye problems.

Other studies have validated dried apricots as an eye-healthy supplement. Carotenoids found in apricot fruit can help decrease oxidative damage to the retina or lens. This could improve the vision for people as they age. Furthermore, lutein and zeaxanthin in apricots can help protect the eyes from ultraviolet light damage and possibly reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

Apricots not only contain vision-boosting vitamin A, but they may also have other benefits for eye health. A 2016 animal study showed that applying apricot kernel extract to the eyes helped reduce dryness by promoting tear fluid production in mice. This indicates that apricots could be beneficial for people who suffer from dry eye syndrome.

7. Skin damage and the effects of aging

Apricots are an excellent source of carotenoids and vitamins, which have been shown to be beneficial for skin health. In particular, the betacarotene found in apricots can be converted to vitamin A, which has been shown to help reduce the effects of sun damage and aging. Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of vitamins and carotenoids on skin health, including improved elasticity and smoothness. As such, incorporating apricots into your diet may help improve the health and appearance of your skin.

8. Apricots may protect against Inflammation

Apricots contain a significant amount of catechins, a type of flavonoid phytochemical. This gives the fruit powerful anti-inflammatory properties that have been studied in depth through numerous clinical trials. Catechins are known to inhibit the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is a vital part of the inflammation process. Much of the research regarding the effects of catechins have been conducted on animals rather than humans. However, the information gathered so far suggests that apricots may be beneficial for those looking to protect against inflammation.

9. Keeps the liver in good working order

The liver is a vital organ that plays an important role in metabolism, detoxification, and digestion. Apricots are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help to keep the liver healthy and functioning properly. Vitamin A is essential for the production of bile, which helps to break down fats and absorb nutrients. Vitamin C helps to protect the liver from damage by free radicals, while vitamin E helps to reduce inflammation. They also contain compounds such as glutathione and carotenoids that have been shown to protect the liver from damage.

Apricots have liver-protecting properties and may promote liver regeneration. In one animal study, apricot was able to protect against liver damage and fatty liver. Another animal study found that supplementing rats who had part of their livers removed with sun-dried organic apricot helped promote liver regeneration. Consuming an anti-inflammatory diet, reducing stress levels and getting in more physical activity can also help give your liver function a boost.

When it’s Best?

Apricots are a delicious and refreshing fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. While they are most commonly eaten fresh, they can also be enjoyed dried or canned. Fresh apricots are available throughout the summer and spring and can be found in supermarkets and other stores. When choosing fresh apricots, look for ones that are uniform in color and without bruises, blemishes, or mold.

Avoid fruits that are bruised or have wrinkled skin. Fresh apricots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you plan to use them within a few days, store them at room temperature. When selecting canned apricots, look for products that are packed in water or light syrup. Avoid those packed in heavy syrup because they will be higher in sugar and calories. Canned apricots can be stored in the pantry for up to one year.

Apricots can be enjoyed on their own, or used in jams, spreads, or preserves. Dried apricots are also a great option, and can be purchased alongside other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. Whatever way you choose to enjoy them, apricots are a delicious and nutritious option.

Fresh fruits versus dried fruits

While both fresh and dried apricots offer nutritional benefits, dried apricots may provide better quality in terms of product shelf life and nutrient concentration. Fresh fruit, for example, is more susceptible to spoilage due to its high water content.

Dried apricots, on the other hand, can be stored for longer periods of time without losing their quality or nutritional value. In addition, the process of drying apricots concentrates their calories and nutrients, making them a more potent source of nutrition than fresh apricots. So, if you’re looking for a nutritious snack that will keep you satisfied for longer, reach for a handful of dried apricots instead of fresh ones.

Recipes

Apricots are delicious and nutritious fruit that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are three recipes that highlight the unique flavor of apricots.

• Apricot-Glazed Pork Roast: This savory dish is perfect for a special dinner. The pork roast is first seasoned with salt, pepper, and sage. Then, it is roasted in the oven until tender. The final step is to brush on a glaze made with apricot jam, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar.
• Apricot Scones: These scones are bursting with flavor. The dough is made with flour, baking powder, sugar, and butter. Then, dried apricots are added to the dough before it is rolled out and cut into scones. The scones are baked until they are golden brown and serve them warm with butter and jam.
• Apricot Tart: This tart is perfect for a summer dessert. The crust is made with flour, sugar, salt, and butter. Then, the apricot filling is made with apricots, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. The filling is poured into the crust and baked until the pastry is golden brown.

Risks and side effects of apricots

Apricots are nutritious fruits that can offer many health benefits. However, there are also some potential risks associated with eating apricots. For example, apricots contain naturally high levels of nutrients called FODMAPs. These nutrients can be difficult to digest and may cause nausea or diarrhea in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Also, they contain a substance called amygdalin, which can release cyanide into the body in small amounts. This is not harmful in small amounts, but eating large quantities of apricots can lead to cyanide poisoning.

In addition, apricots often contain sulfur compounds, which can be dangerous for people with allergies to sulfur. Sulfur compounds can damage the digestive system and lead to poisoning. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when eating apricots and to avoid consuming the kernels inside the fruit, as they may contain cyanide.

Overall, apricots can be a healthy part of the diet, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved in eating them.

Allergies

Allergies are relatively common, affecting millions of people worldwide. While some allergies are mild, others can be severe, and in rare cases, even life-threatening. Apricot allergy is relatively rare, but it does occur. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, anaphylaxis may occur.

If you experience any symptoms after coming into contact with apricots or apricot-infused products, it is important to seek medical help immediately. While the majority of allergies can be managed with medication and avoiding trigger foods, severe allergies require prompt medical attention and may require emergency treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about apricot allergy, be sure to consult with your physician.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, apricots are highly nutritious fruit that offers a wide range of health benefits. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. They also contain a variety of antioxidants that can help to protect against cellular damage. Additionally, apricots have been shown to boost heart health, improve digestion, and promote weight loss. Overall, apricots are a delicious and nutritious way to improve your overall health.

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By NutriWins team