Apricots are small, yellow, tart-tasting fruits with a stone in the middle. They can provide a great source of many antioxidants, including vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber.
Like most fruits, they are full of vitamins and minerals and make a great addition to a healthful diet.
This article lists four potential health benefits of apricots, takes a look at their nutritional value, and suggests a few ways in which people can add the fruit to their diet.
Experts recommend that people eat lots of fruits and vegetables, since they are high in the vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to thrive.
Apricots are a good source of:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A, which scientists also call retinol, is very important for healthy eyes.
Specifically, vitamin A helps the body make the pigments it needs for the retina to work properly. Without it, people are at risk of developing night blindness.
Vitamin A also helps the eyes produce the moisture they need to stay properly lubricated.
Other good sources of vitamin A include:
- leafy green vegetables
- orange vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes
- cantaloupes
- eggs
Vitamin C
Apricots are also a good source of vitamin C, which is one of the vitamins that the human body cannot produce. This means that people must get enough vitamin C from their diets.
Vitamin C has many functions. For example, it is an antioxidant that helps protect the cells in the body from damaging free radicals. The body also needs it to make collagen to repair wounds.
Vitamin C plays an
Some other good sources of vitamin C include:
- red and green peppers
- citrus fruits
- broccoli
- strawberries
Fiber
Every 35 gram (g) raw apricot contains
Fresh fruits and vegetables, including apricots, are excellent sources of fiber.
Fiber is vital because it helps the body regulate its blood sugar levels. It also aids digestion, which helps prevent constipation and promote overall gastrointestinal health.
In addition, some studies have shown that people who eat enough fiber are less likely to develop a range of health conditions, including:
- heart disease
- type 2 diabetes
- diverticular disease, or inflammation of the intestine
Potassium
Apricots are one of the best sources of potassium. In fact, a single serving of apricot could provide almost
Potassium is an electrolyte that the nerves need to function and the muscles need to contract. The body also needs potassium to move nutrients into cells and dispose of cellular waste.
It also plays a role in heart health by helping the heartbeat stay regular.
Some other good sources of potassium include:
- lentils
- squash
- prunes and raisins
- potatoes
According to the
- energy: 16.8 calories
- protein: 0.49 g
- fat: 0.14 g
- carbohydrates: 3.89 g
- fiber: 0.7 g
- sugars: 3.23 g
- calcium: 4.55 milligrams (mg)
- iron: 0.14 mg
- magnesium: 3.5 mg
- phosphorus: 8.05 mg
- potassium: 90.6 mg
- sodium: 0.35 mg
- zinc: 0.07 mg
- copper: 0.03 mg
- selenium: 0.04 micrograms (mcg)
- vitamin C: 3.5 mg
- thiamine: 0.01 mg
- riboflavin: 0.01 mg
- niacin: 0.21 mg
- vitamin B-6: 0.02 mg
- vitamin A: 33.6 mcg
- beta-carotene: 383 mcg
- vitamin E: 0.31 mg
- vitamin K: 1.16 mcg
Apricots are safe to eat raw. A person should wash the fruit first, then slice it in half and take out the stone.
Dried and fresh apricots are tasty additions to a yogurt or porridge, for either breakfast or a snack.
It is important to note that people should eat a range of fruits and vegetables, as part of a balanced diet, to make sure that they are getting all the nutrients their bodies need.
Like most fruits and vegetables, apricots are a good source of many of the vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function.
In particular, they contain high amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber and potassium.
People can eat apricots either raw or dried. Freezing or canning the fruit does not reduce its nutritional value. However, to keep the fruit a healthful addition to the diet, people should look for canned fruit in water, not syrup.
The benefits of apricots make them a good addition to a healthful, balanced diet.