Health and Nutrition Benefits of Apricots

Apricots (Prunus armeniaca) are small stone fruits that resemble peaches or plums. It is usually orange or yellow in colour with red spots all over. 

Like most fruits, apricots are also rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Learn about the nutritional profile and health benefits of apricots. 

Health Benefits of Apricots

Low Calories:

Apricots are a low-calorie fruit with only 17 calories per raw apricot. For comparison, a medium-sized apple has 104 calories. In other words, six raw apricots have fewer calories than one apple. 

Dried apricots are high in calories and sugar, but they are richer in vitamins and minerals than fresh apricots. This makes them a great snack option that is both nutritious and can satisfy your sweet cravings. 

Rich in Antioxidants:

Apricots are rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamins A and C. Antioxidants help protect your body from disease by fighting the effects of free radicals that can build up and damage cells over time. 

Improves gut health:

Apricots are an excellent source of dietary fibre, both soluble and insoluble. Fibre is essential for preventing digestive problems such as constipation and increasing beneficial gut bacteria.

Protect your heart:

Fibre-rich apricots help reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Apricots are rich in potassium, which helps promote healthy heart function. 

Improves eye health:

Apricots are rich in vitamin A or retinol, which promotes healthy vision. Additionally, the beta-carotene found in apricots reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness. 

Strengthens bones:

Apricots are rich in calcium, which is essential for the development and maintenance of bones. The potassium present in apricots helps in the absorption of calcium, which is beneficial for bone health. 

Reduces the risk of anaemia:

Apricots are rich in iron, which improves blood flow and reduces the risk of anaemia. The copper present in apricots helps in the absorption of iron. 

Improves skin health:

Phytonutrients like vitamin C and vitamin A in apricots protect against sun damage, promote collagen production, and fight inflammation that causes acne and other skin problems. Promotes skin health. 

May be suitable for diabetic patients:

Apricots have a low glycemic index, which means that a small amount of it will not cause a sudden increase in blood sugar levels. Research shows that consuming moderate amounts of fructose from dried fruits such as dried apricots may help control blood sugar levels after meals.

May aid gut health:

Apricots are rich in fibre, plant-protection chemicals, and sorbitol, which may affect the gut microbiome. So far, there is limited evidence to support these findings in humans, but studies have shown that apricots, including dried, may beneficially alter the composition of gut bacteria.

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