One of the best-kept secrets in the fruit world is apricot nutrition. Vitamins, antioxidants and fiber combine to make apricots one great fruit, from a nutritional standpoint. Eating apricots as part of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is a great way to prevent cancer, lower cholesterol and heart disease risk, promote vision, improve digestion, aid in weight loss and improve skin health.
BENEFITS
Apricots Boost Digestive Health
The soluble fiber in the fruit promotes healthy bowel movement as it adds bulk to the stools. The fiber also breaks down the fatty acids fast – and this enhances digestion. The fiber in the fruit also treats other digestive issues like constipation and bloating.
May Boost Skin Health
Apricot scrubs can help in improving your skin tone by exfoliating the damaged skin cells. Thus, they prevent pigmentation to reveal the newer and lighter skin cells beneath.
Can Aid Diabetes Treatment
Apricots are quite low in calories and carbs (one fruit contains just 17 calories and 4 grams of carbs) – and this is good news for diabetics. They can very well be a part of a diabetes diet. And the fiber they contain can regulate blood sugar levels.
Fight Inflammation
Not just the fruit, but the seeds have also been found to be effective in relieving inflammation. In fact, one animal study states how apricot seed oil extract protected against ulcerative colitis, which is an inflammatory bowel disease
Improve Vision
Regular fruit intake has been linked to a reduced risk of vision loss. But more importantly, apricots are rich in carotenoids and xanthophylls – nutrients that researchers believe can prevent age-related vision ailments. And they also contain vitamin A, another important nutrient for the eyes. Also called retinol, it prevents age-related macular degeneration.
Prevent Liver Damage
As per studies, apricots can protect against liver damage and ease the symptoms of fatty liver disease (accumulation of fat in the liver). More interestingly, organic apricots were found to be effective in promoting liver regeneration
Protect The Heart
The potassium in the fruit can lower blood pressure levels and can hence prevent heart attacks. And the fiber in the fruit lowers cholesterol levels and prevents heart-related diseases like atherosclerosis.
Apricots Aid Weight Loss And Metabolism
The fiber makes it obvious – it can keep us full for long periods, and this definitely contributes to healthy weight loss. There is another bit of science attached to this – the nutrients in apricots stimulate certain brain cells (called tanycytes) that make us feel full and control our appetite. The fruits might also speed up metabolism and cause weight loss as a consequence.
Boost Bone Health
Apricots are also rich in calcium, the mineral important for bone development and health. More importantly, potassium is also important for the proper absorption and uniform distribution of calcium – and apricots are rich in potassium too.
Treat Anemia
Apricots are also good sources of iron, which helps treat anemia. Iron improves hemoglobin production, and this enhances the quality of blood as well.
The soluble fiber in the fruit promotes healthy bowel movement as it adds bulk to the stools. The fiber also breaks down the fatty acids fast – and this enhances digestion. The fiber in the fruit also treats other digestive issues like constipation and bloating.
May Boost Skin Health
Apricot scrubs can help in improving your skin tone by exfoliating the damaged skin cells. Thus, they prevent pigmentation to reveal the newer and lighter skin cells beneath.
Can Aid Diabetes Treatment
Apricots are quite low in calories and carbs (one fruit contains just 17 calories and 4 grams of carbs) – and this is good news for diabetics. They can very well be a part of a diabetes diet. And the fiber they contain can regulate blood sugar levels.
Fight Inflammation
Not just the fruit, but the seeds have also been found to be effective in relieving inflammation. In fact, one animal study states how apricot seed oil extract protected against ulcerative colitis, which is an inflammatory bowel disease
Improve Vision
Regular fruit intake has been linked to a reduced risk of vision loss. But more importantly, apricots are rich in carotenoids and xanthophylls – nutrients that researchers believe can prevent age-related vision ailments. And they also contain vitamin A, another important nutrient for the eyes. Also called retinol, it prevents age-related macular degeneration.
Prevent Liver Damage
As per studies, apricots can protect against liver damage and ease the symptoms of fatty liver disease (accumulation of fat in the liver). More interestingly, organic apricots were found to be effective in promoting liver regeneration
Protect The Heart
The potassium in the fruit can lower blood pressure levels and can hence prevent heart attacks. And the fiber in the fruit lowers cholesterol levels and prevents heart-related diseases like atherosclerosis.
Apricots Aid Weight Loss And Metabolism
The fiber makes it obvious – it can keep us full for long periods, and this definitely contributes to healthy weight loss. There is another bit of science attached to this – the nutrients in apricots stimulate certain brain cells (called tanycytes) that make us feel full and control our appetite. The fruits might also speed up metabolism and cause weight loss as a consequence.
Boost Bone Health
Apricots are also rich in calcium, the mineral important for bone development and health. More importantly, potassium is also important for the proper absorption and uniform distribution of calcium – and apricots are rich in potassium too.
Treat Anemia
Apricots are also good sources of iron, which helps treat anemia. Iron improves hemoglobin production, and this enhances the quality of blood as well.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE OF APRICOTS
Apricots are very nutritious and contain many essential vitamins and minerals.
Just 2 fresh apricots (70 grams) provide :
• Calories: 34
• Carbs: 8 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: 0.27 grams
• Fiber: 1.5 grams
• Vitamin A: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 8% of the DV
• Vitamin E: 4% of the DV
• Potassium: 4% of the DV
Just 2 fresh apricots (70 grams) provide :
• Calories: 34
• Carbs: 8 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: 0.27 grams
• Fiber: 1.5 grams
• Vitamin A: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 8% of the DV
• Vitamin E: 4% of the DV
• Potassium: 4% of the DV
SUMMARY
Apricots are a delicious fruit packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They have multiple benefits, including improved eye, skin, and gut health. Fresh or dried, apricots are easy to add to yogurt, salads, and main meals.
