Dried apricots are a popular snack known for their sweet, tangy flavour and chewy texture. While fresh apricots are celebrated for their health benefits, you might wonder if the dried version packs the same punch. Are apricots truly healthy for you? Let's dive into the nutritional profile and health benefits of this delicious fruit.
Nutritional Breakdown
Apricots are small but mighty when it comes to their nutritional value:
- Low in Calories: A fresh apricot only contains 17 about calories, making it an excellent low-calorie snack option. Even when dried, apricots remain relatively low in calories compared to other dried fruits.
- Rich in Vitamins: Apricots are particularly high in vitamin A, a single serving providing around 60% of the daily recommended intake. This is primarily due to their beta-carotene content, which the body converts into vitamin A. They're also a good source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function, skin health, and overall wellness.
- Good Source of Fibre: Apricots provide a decent amount of dietary fibre, which is essential for digestive health. Fibre helps to regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and maintain a healthy guy microbiome.
- High in Antioxidants: They are loaded with antioxidants, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and beta-carotene. These compounds help protect the body against oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
- Packed with Potassium: Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals. Apricots are a good source of potassium, which can support heart health and help manage blood pressure levels.
Health Benefits of Apricots
Now that we know what's inside an apricot, let's explore how these translate into real health benefits:
Supports Eye Health
The high vitamin A content in apricots is crucial for maintaining good vision. Vitamin A is known to protect the cornea, and reduce risk of age-related macular degeneration - a leading cause of vision loss.
Promotes Healthy Skin
The antioxidants and vitamin C in apricots contribute to skin health by protecting against sun damage, pollution, and the other environmental factors that can lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Vitamin C also plays a role in collagen production, which keeps the skin firm and youthful.
Boosts Digestive Health
The fibre in apricots aids in digestion by adding bulk to the stool, which prevents constipation and promotes regular bowel movements. A diet high in fibre can also lower risk of digestive disorders like diverticulitis and IBS.
Supports Heart Health
The combination of potassium and antioxidants in apricots is beneficial for heart health. Potassium helps to balance sodium levels in the body, which can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension. Antioxidants help prevent oxidative damage to the heart and blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Aids in Weight Management
Given their low calorie and high fibre content, apricots can be a helpful addition to a weight management plan. The fibre in apricots helps you feel fuller for longer, which can curb overeating and support healthy weight loss or maintenance.
May Protect Against Inflammation
The antioxidants in apricots have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes, so incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like apricots into your diet can be beneficial.
There are some things to take into consideration when eating dried apricots, however, such as the higher sugar content compared to fresh fruit and the fact that due to the water content being reduced they are also more calorie dense.
In conclusion, dried apricots are a healthy and nutritious snack that offers numerous health benefits, from supporting eye and heart health to aiding digestion and preventing anaemia. However, due to their higher sugar and calorie content, it's important to enjoy them in moderation. Apricots can be a delicious and healthy addition to your daily routine, so next time you're looking for a convenient snack, why not try them!