6 Surprising Health Benefits of Apricots

6 Surprising Health Benefits of Apricots – A Super Fruit You Need to Try!

Discover 6 surprising health benefits of apricots, from boosting skin health to improving digestion. Find out why you should include apricots in your diet today!

6 Surprising Health Benefits of Apricots: Nutritional Qualities

There are many different apricot varieties. Blenheim, Tilton, and Moorpark are the most popular.

One whole, fresh apricot contains 17 calories, less than 1 gram of protein, 0 grams of fat, and 4 grams of carbohydrate. It also contains 1 gram of fiber, 3 grams of sugar, and 0 milligrams of cholesterol.

Apricots are high in polyphenol antioxidants called flavonoids. And they protect against diabetes and heart disease. These flavonoids are chlorogenic acids, catechins, and quercetin. However, their role is to neutralize free radicals.

6 Surprising Health Benefits of Apricots: In Detail

Did you know that apricots are a superfood rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber? Whether fresh or dried, these golden fruits can improve digestion, boost heart health, and give your skin a natural glow. Read on to discover six science-backed benefits of apricots!

• Promoting eye health is one of the six benefits of apricots.

According to Healthline, apricots are a great source of beta-carotene, which supports vision health and reduces oxidative stress. Beta-carotene gives apricots their yellow-orange color. It is converted into vitamin A in our bodies. Other apricot carotenoids include lutein and zeaxanthin. .

• Apricots: The secret to a healthy skin

Vitamin C protects against UV damage. It fights against free radicals. And it helps build collagen. Vitamin C increases the skin’s elasticity. A diet high in vitamin C helps skin heal from UV damage. This way, vitamin C prevents wrinkles.

• Apricots improve digestion and support gut health are among the surprising health benefits of apricots.

Apricots contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Thus, fiber delays food movement through the digestive tract. Fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria. High in soluble fiber, apricots maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Moreover, fiber prevents heart disease, diabetes, weight gain, and some cancers.

35 grams of apricot contain 0.7 grams of fiber. 165 grams of sliced apricots provide 3.3 grams of fiber.

• Regulate muscle contraction

Potassium is an essential nutrient that your body cannot produce. Most important of all, you must get it from the foods you eat. And apricots contain more potassium than bananas. As a result, potassium helps send nerve signals and regulate muscle contractions. So, consuming apricots prevents high blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke.

• Hydrating your body is also one of the six benefits of apricots.

Apricots are high in water. Check out here the benefits of drinking water.  One cup of fresh apricots provides 142 ml of water. In short, apricots help you to stay hydrated. After exercising, eating apricots replenishes water and electrolyte loss.

• Protect your liver

Apricots may help protect your liver from oxidative stress. Their naturally high antioxidant content, make apricots helpful. More research is necessary, though.

6 Surprising Health Benefits of Apricots: How Can You Eat Them?

You can eat apricots fresh or dried. Half a cup of dried apricots contains 755 mg of potassium, while one-fourth cup contains 550.5 mg of potassium.

When you buy apricots, pay attention to purchasing dried apricots. Buy only apricots that contain no added sugar. You can add fresh apricots to different recipes. I like them in toast, tarts, salads with chicken, vegetables, almonds, and lemon dressing.

Dried apricots are high in fiber. All in all, add them to your smoothies or cereal. Eat them as a snack. By promoting fullness, they help people lose weight. Above all, the recommended portion is 30 grams (3 or 4 apricots) daily. In short, eat dried apricots in moderation because they are full of natural sugar. Five dried apricots are enough. More about them here.

Take away

Apricots are rich in vitamins A, C, and E. They contain minerals like phosphorus, calcium, potassium, antioxidants, and fiber. Low in fat, you can enjoy fresh or dried apricots in many dishes. Consume dried apricots in moderation because they are dense in calories. A cup of fresh apricots has 75 calories. One of the dried apricots provides 212 calories. So, keep this in mind when you are snacking on them.

From boosting your digestion to improving your skin, apricots are a powerhouse of nutrients. Whether you enjoy them fresh in your breakfast bowl or dried as a healthy snack, they’re an excellent addition to your daily diet.

Want to know more about other superfoods? Check out our article on blackberries.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Are apricots good for diabetics?

✅ A: Yes! Apricots have a low glycemic index and are fiber-rich, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. However, diabetics should consume dried apricots in moderation due to their higher sugar concentration.

Q: What is the difference between fresh and dried apricots?

✅ A: Fresh apricots are lower in sugar and calories. Dried apricots are more concentrated not only in nutrients but also in natural sugars. Both are beneficial, depending on your dietary needs.

Q: How many apricots should I eat daily?

✅ A: Eating 2-3 fresh apricots or a small handful of dried ones provides essential vitamins and antioxidants without excessive sugar intake.

What’s your favorite way to eat apricots? Let us know in the comments!

Live healthier! Love, Nelly.