Dried apricots aren’t solely a wholesome snack however are additionally tasty and low in energy. Listed below are 7 well being advantages of dried apricots you must know.
Dried fruits are a tasty and simple solution to benefit from the pure goodness of recent fruits, even when they’re out of season. Amongst all dried fruits, dried apricots stand out for his or her candy, chewy style and vibrant orange color. They aren’t solely scrumptious but additionally filled with important vitamins that make them a wholesome addition to any food plan. Dried apricots are wealthy in nutritional vitamins A and C, potassium, and fibre, all of which help coronary heart well being, immunity, and digestion. They’re additionally low in fats however excessive in antioxidants, making them a fantastic snack possibility. In truth, these dried fruits are additionally good to your pores and skin.
How are dried apricots made?
Apricots are small, orange fruits with a candy, barely tart flavour. They’re wealthy in important nutritional vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre, making them one of many wholesome fruits. These dried fruits are merely recent apricots which have been dried to take away most of their water content material. This course of concentrates their flavour, making them candy, chewy, and handy for snacking. They could be a bit larger in energy in comparison with recent apricot fruits however they keep a lot of the dietary worth of recent apricots whereas providing an extended shelf life.
What are the advantages of dried apricots?
Whereas these dried fruits is probably not consumed as a lot as different dry fruits, you shouldn’t miss out on them fully. Full of important vitamins, this dry fruit presents these 7 high well being advantages:
1. Low in energy
For these seeking to handle their weight or keep a nutritious diet, dried apricots are the most effective dry fruits. Regardless of their candy flavour, as per the US Division of Agriculture, they’re comparatively low in energy, containing 250 energy in 100 grams (20 dried apricots). A handful of this dried fruit is sufficient to curb starvation whereas conserving your calorie consumption in verify. Be sure to don’t overeat, as it may improve your calorie consumption.
2. Wealthy in antioxidants
Dried apricots are a wealthy supply of antioxidants, compounds that assist shield your physique from oxidative stress and harm attributable to free radicals. These free radicals can contribute to the ageing course of and the event of continual ailments, reminiscent of diabetes, coronary heart illness, and most cancers, as per the research revealed within the Vitamins and British Journal of Diet. The antioxidants on this dry fruit, together with vitamin C and beta-carotene, assist neutralise these dangerous molecules, selling general well being and longevity.
3. Good for eye well being
Other than almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, dried apricots are additionally filled with important vitamins for eye well being, together with nutritional vitamins A and E. Vitamin A helps to forestall evening blindness and helps the general operate of the retina, reveals a research revealed within the Journal of Optometry. Moreover, vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, protects your eye from free radical harm. When consumed frequently, it might assist decrease the danger of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and hold your eyes sharp as you age.
4. Maintains wholesome pores and skin
The vitamin C content material in dried apricots performs a key function in pores and skin well being. Vitamin C is a robust antioxidant that helps to advertise collagen manufacturing, a protein chargeable for conserving your pores and skin agency and elastic. Collagen is crucial for lowering the looks of wrinkles and sagging as you age. Moreover, vitamin C helps to guard the pores and skin from harm attributable to dangerous UV rays and environmental pollution, in response to a research revealed in Vitamins. Nonetheless, this doesn’t imply you could skip sunscreen.
Glowing, gentle, and radiant pores and skin: That’s what apricot oil can do for you
5. Improves digestion
They’re a superb supply of dietary fibre, providing 7.5 grams in 100 grams of dried apricots, as per the US Division of Agriculture. Fibre helps to control bowel actions, stop constipation, and promote the expansion of useful intestine micro organism. A food plan wealthy in fibre additionally helps the absorption of vitamins and contributes to general intestine well being. Plus, fibre is without doubt one of the important vitamins that helps with weight administration because it retains you feeling full for longer.
6. Loaded with potassium
Potassium is a necessary mineral that helps regulate fluid steadiness, muscle contractions, and nerve operate, states a research revealed within the Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology. Dried apricots are a superb supply of potassium, which could be particularly useful for sustaining coronary heart well being. Potassium helps to counteract the results of sodium within the physique, lowering the danger of hypertension (BP) and supporting regular coronary heart rhythm. This makes them a heart-healthy snack alternative!
7. Protects liver well being
The liver performs a significant function in detoxifying the physique, processing vitamins, and metabolising fat. These dried fruit comprise compounds that assist shield the liver from oxidative stress and irritation, which might result in liver harm over time. A research revealed in Meals and Chemical Toxicology means that apricots could have hepatoprotective properties, that means they might help scale back the danger of liver ailments like fatty liver illness and cirrhosis. It could actually additionally scale back oxidative harm and promote the cleansing course of.
Each recent and dried apricots are extensively out there and could be eaten on their very own or added to your favorite dishes, sides, or desserts.
What are the unwanted side effects of dried apricots?
These dried fruits are a wholesome snack, however overconsumption can result in sure unwanted side effects. Whereas they don’t often trigger issues, they could set off digestive points resulting from their excessive fibre content material. They’ll additionally trigger blood sugar spikes as a result of they’re concentrated in pure sugars. Moreover, they will result in dental issues if their sticky texture adheres to enamel, and a few individuals could expertise allergic reactions. So, be sure you eat this dried fruit carefully (consuming 1-2 dried apricots) and keep good oral and general well being.
Associated FAQs
Can dried apricots assist with weight reduction?
Dried apricots are low in energy and excessive in fibre, which might help management starvation by conserving you feeling full for longer. Nonetheless, portion management is crucial, as overeating dried apricots can improve calorie consumption.
How can dried apricots be integrated right into a food plan?
Dried apricots could be loved on their very own as a snack, added to path mixes, oatmeal, or yoghurt, or utilized in desserts, salads, and facet dishes. They’re versatile and simple to pair with many meals for added flavour and diet.
What makes dried apricots useful for coronary heart well being?
Dried apricots are a fantastic supply of potassium, a mineral that regulates fluid steadiness, muscle contractions, and nerve operate. Potassium can counteract the results of sodium, decrease blood strain, and keep an everyday heartbeat, selling general coronary heart well being.
When is the very best time to eat dried apricots?
The most effective time to eat dried apricots is within the morning as a wholesome snack or pre-workout, or within the afternoon for sustained vitality and digestive help. Keep on with 1-2 dried apricots a day.
