Yes, apricots are good for you! When you think of a healthy snack, apricots may not be the first fruit that comes to mind, but they should be! With so many health benefits, apricots are considered a superfood. They are chalked full of vitamins and nutrients. With so many health benefits of apricots, they should be your new go-to snack!
What are Apricots?
Apricots are small fruits that come in colors of red, yellow, or sometimes green. They are tart and juicy. They are not as sweet as peaches which adds to their health benefits because they are not packed with sugar. Not to be confused with peaches, apricots are similar in color to peaches but are typically smaller.
When buying apricots at the grocery store, look for bright orange ones that are soft. This indicates they are ripe and full of flavor! Avoid apricots that are firm or yellow. The best season to buy apricots is through the summer season. There are fifty varieties of apricots and are grown on every continent!
Health Benefits for Apricots
Apricots are superfoods and low in calories.
Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, apricots are an excellent addition to your diet. Potassium, vitamin A, E, C, and beta carotene are all found in apricots. The small fruit is also low in calories and fat!
Packed with fiber
Apricots are high in fiber which promotes gut health. This encourages healthy blood sugar and lowers cholesterol. The fiber found in apricots helps with digestion. This can lead to a lower risk of obesity. Keep in mind it is best to eat them with the peel. The majority of their fiber is in its peel.
Promote eye health
Vitamin A and E are vital to eye health. Vitamin A and E protect your eyes from free radicals and promote good vision. They also allow you to see in low light conditions. Also found in apricots, beta carotene can reduce stress on your eyes and therefore promote better vision.
Protect your skin
Apricots are a great source of antioxidants and Vitamins C and E. These all provide skin benefits. They can protect your skin from UV damage and free radicals. This protection can lead to fewer wrinkles, sun damage, and risk of skin cancer.
Hydrating
Like many fruits, apricots are high in water content. Eating fruit may be a great solution if you struggle to drink enough water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps with blood pressure and heart rate. Apricots can be a great snack post-workout to replenish your potassium and water levels!
Heart Health
Dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C are all important in maintaining heart health. Potassium is known to lower blood pressure. In contrast, dietary fiber protects your arteries from too much cholesterol. Vitamin C can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Bone Strength
Apricots have all the necessary vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, and Vitamin A to strengthen your bones. This helps prevent aging various bone conditions like osteoporosis.
Easy Recipes and Snack Ideas
Because of the texture and size, apricots are a great addition to any recipe! Apricots bring a tart twist to lunch, dinner, or a snack! The ideas below are great for fresh or dried apricots.
- Great addition sliced or dried to salads or yogurt
- Add to granola or trail mix to give a variety of texture and flavor
- Apricot chutney is perfect for a change in taste for dinner
- Cook chicken with apricots to add tartness and texture
- Healthy apricot jam for breakfast
- Perfect for pastries, pies, or cake
- Great for a grab-n-go snack!
However you choose to eat them, you will reap the health benefits of apricots!