What are Apricots?

Apricots belong to the Rosaceae family and are a fruit that people enjoy all over the world. They are small, orange-colored fruits with a juicy, sweet flavor, and they are commonly found in the Middle East and Central Asia. But did you know that apricots also offer many health benefits? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the amazing benefits of apricots for your health and wellbeing.

So without any further delay, let us dive into this deep ocean called benefits of apricots and get ready to make informed choices at the grocers!

Raw or cooked, juicy or dried, sweetened or salted – Whatever may be the form, this yellow little fruit is a golden treasure trove of benefits. It would not be an understatement if we declare apricot one of the healthiest options that could grace your shelves.

Just a 100 gram serving of straight off the plant apricots can give us up to 12 percent of Vitamin A, 12 percent of Vitamin C and 6 percent of potassium required by the body.

Nutritional Benefits of Apricots

Apricots are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. A 100-gram serving of apricots contains:

  • 48 calories
  • 1.4 grams of protein
  • 11 grams of carbohydrates
  • 2 grams of fiber
  • 9% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A
  • 5% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C
  • 4% of the daily recommended intake of potassium
  • 3% of the daily recommended intake of iron

Types Of Apricots

There are several types of apricots, each with their own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most common types:

Blenheim:

This variety of apricot is one of the most popular in the that originated in the Santa Clara Valley of California United States. It is a medium-sized apricot with a sweet, juicy flavor which makes them ideal for eating fresh, canning, or drying. Blenheim apricots are medium-sized and have a yellow-orange skin with a red blush. They are in season from mid-June to mid-July and are often used in desserts, jams, and preserves.

Moorpark:

Moorpark apricots are another popular variety that originated in England in the 18th century. They are larger than Blenheim apricots and have a rich, tangy flavor that is ideal for baking and cooking. Moorpark apricots have a deep orange skin with a reddish blush and are in season from mid-June to mid-July. This variety is larger than the Blenheim and has a tangy flavor. It is often used for canning and drying.

Royal:

The Royal apricot is a large, sweet apricot with a beautiful deep-orange color. It is often used for eating fresh or for making jams and preserves.

Goldcot

The Goldcot apricot, a hybrid variety developed in the 1950s in New Jersey, has a sweet, mild flavor and a smooth, golden skin. It is ideal for eating fresh or using in salads, but it can also be used in baking and cooking. Additionally, this variety of apricot has a sweet, honey-like flavor and a bright yellow color, making it often used for canning and making desserts.

Tilton

The Tilton apricot is a medium-sized fruit with a tangy flavor. It is often used for canning and making jams and preserves.

Hungarian:

Hungarian apricots, also known as Kecskemét apricots, are a popular variety that originated in Hungary. They are small to medium-sized and have a bright orange skin with a red blush. Hungarian apricots have a sweet, tangy flavor that is ideal for eating fresh or using in jams, preserves, and desserts. They are in season from mid-July to mid-August.

Chinese:

Chinese apricots, also known as Manchurian apricots, are a variety that originated in China. They are small and have a golden-yellow skin with a reddish blush. Chinese apricots have a tangy, slightly bitter flavor that is ideal for using in cooking and baking.

These are just a few of the many types of apricots that are available. Each variety has its own unique flavor and characteristics, making them a delicious and versatile fruit.

8 Benefits of Apricots

Apricots are a delightful fruit with several health advantages. They are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which aid in general wellness. This article will go through the different health advantages of apricots.

Keep Immune System Strong

Filled to the brim with Vitamin A (also known as retinol), apricots help immensely in the enhancement of vision. This vitamin also helps in keeping your immune system strong and functional.

Read Also: Foods to Boost Immune System

Good For Eye Vision

Vitamin A also helps in getting that clear, beautiful skin you have always dreamt of. Along with retinol, apricots contain Beta Carotene which helps in reducing the risk of a severe vision disorder called as Neovascular ARMD ie an age-related macular degeneration causing vision loss. Vitamin A also acts as an antioxidant.

Reduce the Bad Cholesterol and Diabetes

Fiber dripping out of this delicious fruit is just a health benefit too good to ignore. Dietary fibers keep the digestive system healthy and protect against many diseases like heart diseases, bowel cancer, diabetes, etc as they help in cutting down bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol levels. Fibers clean our intestines regularly and help us maintain an excellent gut condition.

Another one from the many benefits of apricots is potassium whose content in the fruit matches the electrolyte levels in our body keeping our heart muscles pumping in order.

Read Also: How Okra Good for Diabetes

High in Antioxidants

Antioxidants like beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin are another strong suit of apricots. Antioxidants are present in abundance and they help in cell protection against pollution, UV damage, etc. On regular consumption, these help apricots in detoxifying your body.

Good For Skin

Moreover, they help in slowing down the aging process and help you stay wrinkle-free and glowing naturally. Talk about a better skincare regime!

Flavonoids, including chlorogenic acids, catechins, and quercetin, which are a group of polyphenol antioxidants, present in apricots, have shown to protect against illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease The major flavonoids present in apricots are chlorogenic acids, catechins, and quercetin.

Promotes Digestive Health

Apricots are rich in fiber, which helps to maintain digestive health. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and prevents constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive disorders. It also promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which aids in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Regulates Blood Pressure

Apricots contain potassium, which is known to regulate blood pressure levels in the body. Potassium helps to reduce the risk of hypertension and other heart diseases.

Aids in Weight Loss

Apricots are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent addition to a weight-loss diet. Fiber helps to keep you feeling full for longer, reducing the temptation to snack on unhealthy foods.

Helps in Preventing Anemia

Benefits of apricots are many, but the fact that it helps in preventing anemia, in the long run, makes it a must on your diet plan. In today’s world of iron supplements, our bloodstream assimilates non-heme iron from apricots slowly, which keeps the risks of anemia at bay by staying longer in our systems.

Experts suggest taking apricots with a source of Vitamin C to quicken the absorption process of iron. Nonheme iron makes apricot a golden fruit for your blood

  • Phytonutrients present in apricots can contribute to healthy and clear skin.
  • Vitamin E is another shining stone in the treasure trove called benefits of apricots. Furthermore, it helps to keep your vision sharp and clear, and moreover, it also keeps your skin healthy
  • Calcium is yet another blessing apricots brings for us. Few bites of this soft, juicy fruit and your bones and teeth can be ensured of their calcium.
    And the best part is yet to come. Calcium is not absorbed in the body efficiently without potassium. The good news id apricots has both calcium and potassium.

 Other benefits of apricots

  • Apricots are fat-soluble and are easily assimilated in your body, leading to efficient assimilation of nutrients.
  • Apricots break down fatty acids which provide ease indigestion.

Usually, 2 fresh apricots ( about 70 grams) provide:

  • Calories: 34
  • Carbs: 8 grams
  • Protein: 1 gram
  • Fat: 0.27 grams
  • Fiber: 1.5 grams
  • Vitamin A: 8% of the Daily Value
  • Vitamin C: 8% of the Daily Value
  • Vitamin E: 4% of the Daily Value
  • Potassium: 4% of the Daily Value

With such amazing stats, apricots surely top the charts of healthy fruits.

Apricots are naturally high in water, which contributes to health by regulating blood pressure, body temperature, joint health, and heart rate. Furthermore, one cup (165 grams) of sliced, fresh apricots provides almost 2/3 cup (142 ml) of water.

Since most of us tend to be on the ignorant side when it comes to staying hydrated, it is good to have a bowl of this fruit to maintain water levels. In addition, did you know that apricots can be your best after-workout buddy?

Such amazing are the benefits of apricots! Moreover, since the fruit of the hour is rich in potassium and water, a nice serving of apricots after your sweaty workout sessions can help replenish both water as well as electrolyte levels in your body! So cool, right?

Now that we have gone through a huge list of benefits of apricots, the question of how easy is it to include apricots in your daily diet remains. However, the answer is very easy indeed.

Additionally, apricots can be eaten raw, cooked, beaten to a shake, or whipped up in some yogurt or processed into yummy jams. In addition, remember that the seeds of apricots are inedible and make sure to throw them away. Or, maybe, plant them in a beautiful spot in your garden and let your loved ones grow happy and healthy from the wonderful, innumerable benefits of apricots!

Conclusion

Apricots are a nutritious and delicious fruit that can provide numerous health benefits. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can improve digestive health, boost immunity, and support eye and skin health. With so many ways to incorporate apricots into your diet, it’s easy to enjoy the benefits of this tasty fruit.

Happy eating!!

FAQ’s

Q. Can eating too many apricots be harmful?

A. While apricots are generally safe to eat, consuming large amounts of them can lead to digestive discomfort due to their high fiber content.

Q. How should I store apricots?

A. Fresh apricots should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days. Dried apricots can be stored at room temperature for several months.

Q.Can apricots help with weight loss?

A. Apricots are low in calories and high in fiber, which can make them a helpful addition to a weight-loss diet.

Q.Are apricots a good source of vitamin C?

A. Yes, apricots are a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for boosting immunity and promoting skin health.

Q.Can apricots help prevent heart disease?

A. Apricots contain beta-carotene, which can help to reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels in the body, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.