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Sunday 20 November 2022

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.

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 ~

This blog is presented in a magazine style - we hope something for everyone. You will find a variety of articles, studies, thoughts, cartoons, photographs, music and recipes. 

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

42 comments:

happyone said...

In like dried apricots - taste like candy! :)

Anonymous said...

... for diabetics fresh apricots are better than dried apricots.

Tom said...

...I like them.

kathyinozarks said...

fresh fruits are always so good
Happy new week

Practical Parsimony said...

I love apricots, especially dried. I eat something called breakfast bread that has dried apricots that I especially love.

J.P. Alexander said...

Amo los albaricoques. Te mando un beso y gracias por la receta.

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

I did not know that apricots were that healthy. We like them but they have a very short season where I live. We usually resort to suing dried apricots.

Anonymous said...

I love dried apricots! Good to know how nutritious they are! x K

Elephant's Child said...

Yum - though I try and eat them fresh rather than dried.

Lorrie said...

I love apricots. Dried ones are delicious dipped in chocolate. One or two suffices!

aussie aNNie said...

Thanks for this healthy advice, love this post x

Sue said...

I love apricots! We have a massive tree, so it's apricots with everything for a few weeks in Summer lol. Take care and have a very happy week, Sue xx

Margaret D said...

Very nice are apricots...love them off the tree into the mouth if they are cool..

Phil Slade said...

I'm always disappointed with the apricots I buy at supermarkets. They are mostly picked too soon to reach us in the UK. I'll keep looking but in the meantime continue to add dried apricots to my muesli and yoghurt.

Francisco Manuel Carrajola Oliveira said...

Desconhecia estes benefícios.
Um abraço e boa semana.

Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados

Jo said...

I like a lot of different fruits but I'm not a fan of apricots, a shame really with all those health benefits.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
Thanks for the info, I like apricots.
A salad with apricots sounds delicious.
Take care, enjoy your day and have a happy new week!

Sussi said...

My favorites!

Shari Burke said...

I've started buying dried apricots to chop and add to porridge--it's true that a little goes a long way, since they're very concentrated! They give a nice pop of flavour. That salad sounds wonderful!

Breathtaking said...

Hello Jan :=)

I like apricots but have never tried them dried. They are very healthy, but I didn't know all the healthy benefits of eating them fresh, until I read this article. I shall definitely try to include more of them in my diet. Thank you.
All the best.

Christine said...

I don't have them much, I should.

roughterrain crane said...

I didn't know apricots promote eye health. Thanks for good information. 

Ananka said...

Never really been a fan of them but they can be nice in a salad or curry.

Valerie-Jael said...

Apricots are always delicious. Glad they are healthy, too! Valerie

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Apricot nectar was a treat as a child and years ago. I'll add it to my shopping list.

Chatty Crone said...

I love apricots and know they are good for you. It is hard to get them here - but I eat the dried, but you are right, you have to be careful of the sugar.

carol l mckenna said...

Great post about value of apricots ~ thanks ~ Xo

Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

DVArtist said...

I do like apricots. Hard to find good ones here where I live. Have a great day today.

Bob Bushell said...

I love Apricots, through I how much made me healthy.

Snowbird said...

Goodness, who knew? I can't wait for my apricot tree to produce more fruit.xxx

My name is Erika. said...

Apricots are just the yummiest. I only can seem to find dried ones here, but I am always looking. Happy new week to you both!

Conniecrafter said...

I don't choose these when going for fruit, probably should every once in awhile

Ana Mínguez Corella said...

I like very much apricots but is very complicate to find good fruit in the super market.. Happy day my friend...

Jenn Jilks said...

I like them. They come from so far away!

♥ Łucja-Maria ♥ said...

I dream of eating fresh apricots, nectarines or peaches right now.
Unfortunately, this dream is currently unattainable. I have to wait until summer.
Have a nice day:)

Jeanie said...

I love apricots, especially dried ones!

Miss Val's Creations said...

It has been a long time since I have eaten an apricot. They look delicious in a salad!

DeniseinVA said...

Another one enjoyed. Thanks Jan!

William Kendall said...

I've never had them.

Crafty Green Poet said...

I used to eat quite a lot of dried apricots, should get back into that habit!

Teresa said...

Los albaricoques están buenísimos. Besos.

Martha said...

Very tasty! I've never had them in a salad. I should try it.