Nutrition

How to Get Most Out of the Nutritional Value of Apricots?

Author by heena256
Reviewed By heena256
Last Edited : September 26, 2024

Apricots are not only a delightfully sweet and juicy fruit but also pack a powerful nutritional punch. With their vibrant orange color and rich flavor, apricots are a favorite among fruit lovers. But what sets them apart goes beyond their taste is the nutritional value of apricots.

Eat apricots fresh to maximize vitamin C content.
The fruit contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, aiding digestion in different ways.
Apricot leaves can be used to make a herbal tea known for its calming properties.
The skin of apricots is rich in antioxidants, making it beneficial to consume the fruit with the skin on.
Apricots are often used in traditional medicine to soothe coughs and respiratory issues.
The unique flavor of apricots makes them a popular choice for jams, jellies, and desserts.
Apricot trees can live for over 50 years, producing fruit for much of their lifespan.

In this article, we will reveal the splendid nutritional value of apricots, and how to get most of the nutrition to our health. Let’s discover the remarkable health benefits that apricots offer.

Nutritional Content (per 100g of Fresh Apricots)

Calories: 48 kcal
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 2 g
Vitamin A: 1926 IU (38% DV)
Vitamin C: 10 mg (17% DV)
Potassium: 259 mg

Comparison with Other Fruits (per 100g)

Apricots vs. Oranges: Apricots have higher vitamin A content, while oranges have more vitamin C.
Apricots vs. Bananas: Apricots are lower in calories and carbohydrates than bananas.
Apricots vs. Apples: Both are similar in fiber content, but apples have slightly more vitamin C.

Remarkable Benefits from Nutritional Value of Apricots

The health benefits of apricots are many, since this magnificent fruit contains many beneficial nutrients. They comprise a very reduced number of calories and extreme quantity of fiber. They help your body digest food and keep your weight healthy. Alexander found them growing in Asia.

Some primary benefits of the fruit are:

Beta-carotene, found in abundance in apricots, is converted into vitamin A in the body. It is significant for the common development of cells, a beneficial immunity system, and improved vision.
The high beta-carotene content in apricots is one of the major health benefits of apricots. It makes them a great option for improving eye health.
The iron existing in the apricots is necessary for the human body to make RBCs (red blood cells). This aids in fighting against anemia.
The fiber existing in the apricots supports the procedure of consumption, keeps bowels regular, and can contribute to weight loss.
Apricots are an improved source regarding Vitamin C, which boost up the system of immunity and assists the production of collagen, certifying connective tissues and vigorous skin.
Dehydrating apricots makes concentration regarding their nutrients, delivering dehydrated or dried apricots a healthful and useful choice regarding selection.
Dried apricots are the source of instant energy and can assist an individual in feeling full, developing them a substantial selection regarding snacks.

Let’s explore the health benefits of apricots in further detail:

Combats Cancer

The powerful antioxidant lycopene has been suggested to be effective against cancer. Lycopene is found in smaller amounts in dried apricots. Regularly eating apricots can prevent cancers like prostate and breast cancer.

Being rich in beta-carotene, apricots lower the chance of stomach and intestine cancers.

According to experts, beta-carotene should be taken at a daily dosage of 5 milligrams. Approximately six fresh apricots provide this concentration.

Prevents Heart Disease

Apricots are packed with heart-healthy minerals. Dried apricots provide minerals like potassium, magnesium, and copper when eaten as a snack. These minerals are recognized for their role in controlling blood pressure.

They also include beta-carotene, an antioxidant that protects the blood vessels.

The fiber in dried apricots helps lower cholesterol. Up to 3 grams of fiber can be found in a few dried apricots.

It results in less plaque formation in the blood vessels and reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.

Clear Vision

The significance of eating right for healthy eyesight cannot be overstated. Apricots are a significant source of vitamin A.

Vitamin A is a very important part of keeping your eyes healthy and preventing cataracts.

An individual should make preference regarding eating foods high in beta-carotene, such as apricots, as part of a balanced diet. Eating apricots often ensures you get enough of this important nutrient. This possibly lowers your risk of cataracts.

Prolongs Lifespan

Cancer, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and elevated cholesterol are prevalent health problems. A diet rich in apricots may help increase health and longevity, but they can’t do it alone.

Recent studies show that the B vitamins in dried apricots can help protect against dementia and memory loss that comes with aging.

Adding apricots to a healthy diet may help keep your brain healthy. It also improves your general health as you age.

Seasonal Availability

Northern Hemisphere

Fresh apricots are in season from late spring through the summer months (May to August). Dried apricots are available year-round, and they may be much cheaper during the winter months when fresh apricots are out of season.

Southern Hemisphere

Availability switches as ordinarily fresh Apricots are found from November to February.

Pantry Pointers

To enjoy the best apricots, consider these pantry-based recommendations:

Always choose better quality apricots. The health advantages of apricots can only be obtained by consuming the highest quality fruits.

In the market, look for firm apricots with a brilliant orange peel.

Avoid apricots that look yellow or green or are hard, shrunken, or damaged.

If the apricots of an individual aren’t prepared, however, then he should leave them on the kitchen slab at room-temperature. They will ripen on certain days. Once ripened, an individual should be involved in storing them in a paper reserve in the fridge.
In winter, when fresh apricots are hard to find, you can fill your desire by buying fruits from South America.

An individual can also attempt alternative modes for eating apricots. You can try tinned apricots, jams, spreads, and nectars. All year, you can enjoy the nutritional benefits of apricots in these tasty and easy ways.

Precautions for Apricots Use

Apricots are a member of the peach and plum family thus if you are allergic to any of these fruits you need to be cautious about consuming apricots.
Avoid using the apricot kernels because they contain amygdalin which turns into cyanide during our metabolism like the stones of other fruits. Only consumption of the edible fruit can be beneficial for you.

Storage Tips

Keep ripe apricots in the fridge in a paper or plastic bag with some perforated air holes for optimal storage (up to a week).
Dried apricots may be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for several months.

Safety Considerations

You may be allergic to apricots. It is advised to check for symptoms including itching and swelling around the mouth or difficulty breathing after consumption.
Rinse fresh apricots before eating, under running water for at least 30 seconds, to remove any pesticide residues, or dirt.

Takeaway

Indulging in apricot is like giving your body a gift of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You can go for the fresh, juicy variety or the concentrated flavors of dried apricots. So, why not add these delicious foods to your daily life and enjoy their health benefits?

The nutritional value of apricots gives fullness to your meal and your stomach. Embrace the natural sweetness of the apricot. Feed yourself with nature’s gifts to live a better, longer life.

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