Health Benefits of Apricots

One of the best-kept secrets in the fruit world is the nutrition of apricots. Fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants combine to make apricots a super-fruit from a nutritional standpoint. Incorporating apricots into a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is a great way to prevent cancer, lower cholesterol and heart disease risk, promote vision, improve digestion, aid in weight loss, and improve skin health.

What are the Health Benefits of Eating Apricots?

Eating apricots can be a great way to give your body a boost of essential vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive and stay healthy. Apricots aid in immune support due to its content of flavonoids, which is a type of antioxidant that can protect against diabetes and heart disease. These small, but might fuzzy fruits don’t get enough hype for keeping the body health, happy, and energized, but they should!

Skin Health: 

• Apricots are great sources of vitamins C and E. Vitamin A is well-known to help with acne and preventing other skin issues like wrinkles, skin elasticity, and can help protect the skin cells from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
• Apricots also have a high water content making them the perfect, fresh snack to enjoy during the summer while staying hydrated.

Vision:

• Receiving a dose of vitamin A from apricots is a wonderful way to promote eye health and strengthen vision.
• The nutrients in apricots can also reduce the risk of developing cataracts.

Digestive Health:

• Apricots contain half soluble fiber and half insoluble fiber. What does this mean? Soluble fiber provides your digestive tract with water and helps good bacteria to survive, and insoluble fiber is good for overall healthy gut bacteria levels.
• One cup of apricots contains 3 grams of fiber which increases metabolism, aids in weight loss, improves digestion, prevents constipation, and can help the body feel fuller, longer.
• At less than 100 calories per fruit, and no fat or cholesterol, apricots are a great healthy snack to enjoy during the summer months.

When are Apricots Available?

In Washington, apricots start their harvest season from mid-June to July, so the next time you walk past a shelf of apricots, remember their super-food-fruitiness and consider including this vitamin-rich and nutrient-packed stone fruit into your diet. Leave us a comment below regarding “all things apricots” and let us know what your favorite health benefits are of eating apricots!