Dried apricots should not solely a wholesome snack however are additionally tasty and low in energy. Listed here are 7 well being advantages of dried apricots it’s best to know.
Dried fruits are a tasty and simple technique 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 don’t seem to be solely scrumptious but in addition filled with important vitamins that make them a wholesome addition to any weight loss program. 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 an incredible snack possibility. Actually, 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 were 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 will not be consumed as a lot as different dry fruits, you shouldn’t miss out on them fully. Filled with important vitamins, this dry fruit affords these 7 high well being advantages:
1. Low in energy
For these trying to handle their weight or keep a nutritious diet, dried apricots are among the finest 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 holding your calorie consumption in examine. Be sure to don’t overeat, as it could 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 brought on by free radicals. These free radicals can contribute to the ageing course of and the event of power illnesses, comparable to diabetes, coronary heart illness, and most cancers, as per the research printed within the Vitamins and British Journal of Vitamin. The antioxidants on this dry fruit, together with vitamin C and beta-carotene, assist neutralise these dangerous molecules, selling total well being and longevity.
3. Good for eye well being
Aside from 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 printed within the Journal of Optometry. Moreover, vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, protects your eye from free radical harm. When consumed repeatedly, it could assist decrease the danger of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and maintain your eyes sharp as you age.
4. Maintains wholesome pores and skin
The vitamin C content material in dried apricots performs a key position in pores and skin well being. Vitamin C is a robust antioxidant that helps to advertise collagen manufacturing, a protein liable for holding your pores and skin agency and elastic. Collagen is important for decreasing the looks of wrinkles and sagging as you age. Moreover, vitamin C helps to guard the pores and skin from harm brought on by dangerous UV rays and environmental pollution, in response to a research printed in Vitamins. Nevertheless, this doesn’t imply you could skip sunscreen.
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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 manage bowel actions, forestall constipation, and promote the expansion of helpful intestine micro organism. A weight loss program wealthy in fibre additionally helps the absorption of vitamins and contributes to total intestine well being. Plus, fibre is among the important vitamins that helps with weight administration because it retains you feeling full for longer.
6. Loaded with potassium
Potassium is a vital mineral that helps regulate fluid stability, muscle contractions, and nerve operate, states a research printed within the Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology. Dried apricots are a superb supply of potassium, which could be particularly helpful for sustaining coronary heart well being. Potassium helps to counteract the consequences of sodium within the physique, decreasing 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 an important position in detoxifying the physique, processing vitamins, and metabolising fat. These dried fruit include compounds that assist shield the liver from oxidative stress and irritation, which may result in liver harm over time. A research printed in Meals and Chemical Toxicology means that apricots could have hepatoprotective properties, which means they may help scale back the danger of liver illnesses like fatty liver illness and cirrhosis. It will possibly additionally scale back oxidative harm and promote the cleansing course of.
Each recent and dried apricots are extensively accessible 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 because of their excessive fibre content material. They will additionally trigger blood sugar spikes as a result of they’re concentrated in pure sugars. Moreover, they’ll result in dental issues if their sticky texture adheres to tooth, and a few individuals could expertise allergic reactions. So, be sure to eat this dried fruit sparsely (consuming 1-2 dried apricots) and keep good oral and total well being.
Associated FAQs
Can dried apricots assist with weight reduction?
Dried apricots are low in energy and excessive in fibre, which may help management starvation by holding you feeling full for longer. Nevertheless, portion management is important, as overeating dried apricots can improve calorie consumption.
How can dried apricots be included right into a weight loss program?
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 vitamin.
What makes dried apricots helpful for coronary heart well being?
Dried apricots are an incredible supply of potassium, a mineral that regulates fluid stability, muscle contractions, and nerve operate. Potassium can counteract the consequences of sodium, decrease blood strain, and keep a daily heartbeat, selling total coronary heart well being.
When is the very best time to eat dried apricots?
The perfect 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. Follow 1-2 dried apricots a day.
