Apricots : Health and Nutrition Benefits

Apricots (Prunus armeniaca) are stone fruits also known as Armenian plums. Round and yellow, they look like a smaller version of a peach but share the tartness of purple plums. They’re extremely nutritious and have many health benefits, such as improved digestion and eye health.

Here are nine health and nutrition benefits of apricots.

1. Very nutritious and low in calories
Apricots are very nutritious and contain many essential vitamins and minerals, they are good sources of Vitamins A and C. The net carbs in a 35-gram fresh apricot is 3.18g.

2. High in antioxidants
Apricots are a great source of many antioxidants, including beta carotene and vitamins A, C, and E. What’s more, they’re high in a group of polyphenol antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been shown to protect against illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease.

3. May promote eye health
Apricots boast multiple compounds that are essential for eye health, including vitamins A and E.

4. May boost skin health
Apricots are naturally high in antioxidants, which guard against environmental damage from sunlight, pollution, and cigarette smoke. These compounds may benefit your skin by lowering your risk of wrinkles and sunburn.

5. May promote gut health

Apricots are a good source of soluble fibre, which feeds your healthy gut bacteria and may boost digestive health.

6. High in potassium
Potassium aids nerve signalling, muscle contractions, and fluid balance. Eating potassium-rich foods, such as apricots, may help prevent high blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke.

7. Very hydrating

Apricots are naturally high in water, which is important for staying hydrated. Proper hydration is vital for several aspects of health including blood pressure, body temperature, joint health, and heart rate.

8. May protect your liver

In two rat studies, apricots were found to protect the liver from oxidative stress caused by the ingestion of alcohol. Yet, human studies, more research is needed. 

9. Easy to add to your diet

Both fresh and dried* apricots are widely available. You can eat them on their own or add them to your favourite dishes, sides, or desserts.

You can also serve fresh apricots in your green salad. I just like to use some apricot, goats' cheese, pecans and rocket (arugula) salad leaves, but the original recipe pictured here includes a few more ingredients...

The bottom line

Apricots are a delicious fruit packed with vitamins, fibre, 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. If you’re used to eating peaches and plums, apricots can be a great way to change up your routine.

The above is just a snippet from an article on the Healthline site which you can read in full here

* Please note that dried apricots contain similar amounts of vitamins and minerals but are higher in calories, carbs, and sugar by weight than fresh apricots as they contain less water. A 100-gram serving of dried apricot halves contains a staggering 83 grams of carbs.

~ xx ooo xx ~

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However, not all the recipe ideas within this blog may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan