Health Benefits Of Apricot & Its Nutritional Value

These days, people are more cautious about their diet and are incorporating wholesome fruits and vegetables into their diet regime to lead a healthy life. Apricot is one of such fruits that offer umpteen health benefits. Apricots (Armenian plums) are the smaller versions of pitches but have the acerbity of purple plums.

What is apricot?

Apricot is a fruit that is commonly found in all temperate regions, especially in the Mediterranean. You can either eat them fresh or cooked. Apricot fruit is used in making jams and producing the flavor of liqueurs. Apricots are high in natural sugar and they are an ideal source of vitamin A. Dried apricots are loaded with iron.

Apricot Nutrition

Let us first acquaint you with the nutritional value of apricot. Two fresh apricots (70 grams) contain:

• Calories: 34
• Carbs: 8 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0.27 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Vitamin A: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 8% of the DV
• Vitamin E: 4% of the DV
• Potassium: 4% of the DV

Apricots are excellent sources of antioxidants like beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. The above apricot nutrition facts gave you an idea regarding apricot benefits.

8 Surprising Apricot Health Benefits

Here goes the list of 8 lesser-known health benefits of eating apricots:

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Apricots contain many antioxidants, including beta carotene and vitamins A, C, and E. Moreover, apricots are rich in flavonoids (polyphenol antioxidants) that safeguard you against various ailments including diabetes and heart disease. The flavonoids in apricots are chlorogenic acids, catechins, and quercetin.

All these components extirpate free radicals that are responsible for oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is related to various chronic diseases.

2. Beneficial For Your Eyes

Apricots contain components like vitamin A and E that improve the health of your eyes.

Vitamin A is important in preventing night blindness. On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamin E enters your eyes directly and safeguards them from free radical damage. Apricots also contain carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin which protect your eyes against oxidative stress. 

3. Improve Your Skin

Eating apricots will protect your skin from various damage factors, such as the sun, pollution, and cigarette smoke.

Vitamins C and E in apricots may support your skin. Vitamin C produces collagen that improves the elasticity and strength of your skin. Moreover, vitamin C gives protection against UV damage and environmental pollutants by removing free radicals from your body. Beta carotene in apricots protects your skin against sunburns.

4. Promote a Healthy Gut

One cup (165 grams) of sliced apricots offers 3.3 grams of fiber, which is 8.6% and 13.2% of the DV for men and women, respectively.

Apricots are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Apricots are mainly high in soluble fiber which is imperative in maintaining healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Fibers improve your GI functions and are good for your healthy gut bacteria. A healthier gut microbiome lessens the risk of obesity.

5. Rich in Potassium

Apricots contain potassium which is responsible for sending nerve signals and controlling muscle contractions and fluid balance. Two apricots (70 grams) offer 181 mg of potassium, which is 4% of the DV.

Adequate intake of potassium will prevent bloating and maintain healthy blood pressure. A study was performed on 33 participants who followed a potassium-rich diet. At the end of the study, it has revealed that potassium reduced blood pressure and resulted in a 24% lower risk of stroke.

6. Very hydrating

Since apricots are rich in water, hence they control your blood pressure, body temperature, joint health, and heart rate. One cup (165 grams) of sliced, fresh apricots offers nearly 2/3 cup (142 ml) of water. Eating apricots are beneficial in replenishing both water and electrolyte loss after a rigorous workout.  

7. Protects Your Liver

Some medical studies have proved that apricots may protect your liver from oxidative stress. Some animal studies have also claimed that apricots minimized the levels of liver enzymes and markers of inflammation. Apricots are effective against liver damage due to their high antioxidant content. But better studies are required to establish the claim.

8. Strengthens Your Bones

Calcium is an element that makes your bones sturdier and stronger. Apricots are rich in calcium and thus, they are beneficial for your bones.

The Bottom Line

Apricots are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They offer multifarious benefits including improved eye, skin, and gut health. You can add apricots in many ways to your diet.