Like most people, you probably think of dry apricots as a tasty snack. But did you know that these little fruits pack a powerful nutritional punch? Here are 20 mind-blowing dry apricot benefits that will make you want to add them to your diet ASAP.
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What are Dry Apricots?
Dry apricots are a delicious and healthy snack option. They’re full of fiber and antioxidants, and they have a variety of health benefits.
Dry apricots are made by removing the water content from fresh apricots. This can be done through a process of dehydration or by using a sugar syrup.
The final product is a chewy and intensely flavored fruit that can be enjoyed on its own or used in recipes.
Dry Apricots Nutrition Facts:
Dried apricots are a nutritious snack option. A half-cup serving of dry apricots contains:
- Calories: 120
- Total fat: 0 grams
- Saturated fat: 0 grams
- Trans fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Potassium: 490 milligrams
- Total carbohydrate: 31 grams
- Dietary fiber: 5 grams
- Sugars: 22 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
Vitamins and Minerals:
“Of all dried fruits, dried apricots contain the highest amount of vitamin A, which is considered an essential nutrient, which contributes to the maintenance of normal vision and skin, among other benefits”. – International Nut & Dried Fruit Council
A half-cup serving of dry apricots also provides 20% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin A, 10% of the DV for vitamin C, and 8% of the DV for iron.
Recommended Intake of Dried Apricots
There are no official recommendations for the intake of dried apricots. Although they are high in sugar, they should be consumed in moderation.
A half-cup serving of dry apricots contains 22 grams of sugar. Therefore, it’s best to limit your intake to a few pieces per day.
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, then you should speak with a healthcare professional before adding dried apricots to your diet. This is because they may cause your blood sugar levels to spike.
How to Choose and Store Dry Apricots?
When purchasing dry apricots, look for those that are plump and have a deep orange color. Avoid those that are shriveled or have a brown color.
Dried apricots can be stored in an airtight container in the pantry for up to six months. However, they will start to lose their flavor and nutrition after about three months.
There is no need to prepare dry apricots before eating them. Simply rinse them with water and enjoy. They can also be added to recipes such as salads, cereals, or smoothies.
20 Amazing Dry Apricot Benefits
Eating dry apricots has many benefits. The vitamin and mineral content of dry apricots is good. They can help improve your vision, reduce inflammation, provide hydration, aid in digestion, prevent anemia, and help with weight loss.
Here are 20 dry apricot benefits for your health:
1. Low in Calories
One apricot has around 17 calories which makes them a great low-calorie snack. You can eat up to three or four dried apricots daily as a mid-morning or evening snack.
2. Loaded with Antioxidants
Dry apricots are loaded with antioxidants. These nutrients help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage and contribute to the development of chronic diseases like cancer.
3. Good for Your Eyes
Dry apricots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for good vision, especially night vision. It also helps prevent macular degeneration, a condition that can lead to blindness.
4. Reduce Inflammation
Dry apricots are a good source of antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This can be beneficial for people with conditions like arthritis and asthma.
5. Provide Hydration
Dry apricots are a good source of water, which can help keep you hydrated. They also contain electrolytes like potassium, which is essential for proper hydration.
Learn more about the Amazing Dry Fruit Milk Benefits You Should Know!
6. Have Vitamin K
Vitamin K is important for blood clotting and bone health, and dry apricots are a good source of vitamin K. It also helps to prevent osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle.
7. Improve Metabolism and Energy Levels
Copper is important for metabolism and energy production, and dry apricots are a good source of copper. It also helps to keep your immune system healthy and prevents inflammation.
Dried apricots are a good source of natural sugars. Natural sugars are a type of simple carbohydrate that is easily absorbed by the body. The natural sugars in dried apricots help to boost energy levels and improve stamina.
8. Reduces Risk of Cancer
As dry apricots have abundant antioxidants, they can help to protect cells from damage. They can also help to reduce the risk of cancer by preventing the growth of cancerous cells.
9. Control High Blood Pressure
Potassium is an important nutrient needed by the body for controlling high blood pressure. It also helps to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. The good news is dry apricots are a good source of potassium and can help you keep your blood pressure normal.
10. Increase Skin Glow
Carotenoids are nutrients found in dry apricots that are important for skin health and help to protect the skin from damage and increase skin glow.
Also read: 10 Amazing Dry Fruits for Skin
11. Prevent Anemia
Anemia is a problem where there is not enough oxygen-rich blood in the body. Dry apricots are also a good source of iron. This essential mineral is necessary for carrying oxygen to all the cells in your body.
It’s also important for maintaining energy levels. If you’re feeling tired and run down, dry apricots may give you the boost you need.
12. Good for Heart Patients
Dried apricots are also good for heart health. The potassium in dried apricots helps to lower blood pressure by countering the effects of sodium. Potassium is also essential for proper heart function.
One cup of dried apricots contains about 12% of the daily recommended intake of potassium.
13. Aids Weight Loss
Dry apricots are a low-calorie food that can help you lose weight. They are also a good source of fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full. Fiber is important for weight loss because it helps to reduce hunger and cravings.
14. Strengthen the Bones
Dry apricots provide calcium, and we all know that calcium is essential for bone health. One cup of dried apricots contains approximately 10% of the daily recommended intake of calcium. It can help you maintain your bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
15. Relieve Constipation
Dry apricots are an excellent source of fiber. Just one ounce of dry apricots contains almost three grams of fiber. That’s more than what you’ll find in a slice of whole wheat bread!
This makes dry apricots a great food for promoting regularity and preventing constipation.
16. Protect the Liver
Dry apricots also contain antioxidants that help to protect the liver from damage. The antioxidants in dried apricots help to neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing oxidative damage to cells.
Oxidative damage is a major contributing factor to many chronic diseases, including liver disease.
17. Prevent Asthma Attacks
The antioxidants in dried apricots may also help to prevent asthma attacks. Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the airways. The antioxidants in dried apricots help to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks.
18. Good for Pregnant Women
Dry apricots also have folic acid or Vitamin B9, which is an essential nutrient for pregnant women. It helps to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. One cup of dried apricots contains approximately 20% of the daily recommended intake of folic acid.
19. Reduce Fever
Dry apricots also have Fever-reducing properties. The vitamins and minerals present in dried apricots help to reduce fever by boosting the immune system.
20. Lower Cholesterol Levels
The fiber in dried apricots helps to lower cholesterol levels. Fiber binds to cholesterol and prevents it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. The soluble fiber in dried apricots is especially effective at lowering cholesterol levels. One cup of dried apricots contains approximately 6 grams of fiber.
If you’re looking for a healthy snack option that’s low in calories and full of nutrients, then dry apricots are a great choice. However, they should be eaten in moderation as they are high in sugar.
Consult a Nutritionist!
There are many possible dry apricot benefits for health. However, it is always best to consult with a nutritionist or other healthcare professional to ensure that dry apricots are right for you and to understand how they can best be incorporated into your overall healthy diet.
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FAQs
1. How many dried apricots should I eat a day?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on factors such as your age, activity level, and overall health. However, most experts recommend eating 1-2 handfuls (about 1/2 cup) of dried apricots per day.
2. What is the side effect of apricot?
The most common side effect of eating too many apricots is stomach upset. This is because apricots are high in fiber, and consuming too much fiber can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
3. Are dry apricots healthy?
Dried apricots are a healthy snack option because they’re packed with nutrients. One cup of dried apricots contains 3 grams of fiber, 7 grams of protein, and 20% of the Daily Value for vitamin A.