Written By Sam Henselijn
Whole fresh apricots are a sweet stone fruit closely related to peaches, almonds, plums, and cherries. They provide great flavor and nutrition in a small package. However, the health benefits of dried apricots actually surpass those of fresh apricots due to higher concentrations of nutrients by weight.
Apricots have been cultivated in China and Central Asia for over 4,000 years. Dried ones were an important commodity on the Silk Road. Dried apricots not only had enhanced nutrient concentrations but also increased shelf life. This makes them far more convenient to transport and eat on the go.
Well before the 20th century, they were widely consumed throughout the Ottoman, Persian, and Russian Empires. California was the largest apricot producer until Turkey surpassed it.
Creating Dried Apricots
Dried apricots result from dehydration
through sun drying or by using specialized dryers to remove most of the water content. This makes the fruit shrink, leaving it smaller and more energy-dense. This means that they provide more nutritional value by weight than fresh varieties.
Fun Fact: Small apricots are normally dried whole. Larger varieties are dried in halves, without the kernel or stone.
The Nutritional Benefits of Dried Apricots
The nutritional composition of dried apricots includes about 2 grams of fiber in a 1 oz. serving. There is also 1 gram of protein and a negligible amount of fat. Dried forms of this fruit contain high levels of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin E.
There are also significant amounts of antioxidants and carotenoids in this dried fruit. There are only about 70 calories per serving, most of which are from natural sugars.
You can enjoy these plump, moist and chewy apricots by ordering L’Orenta’s Dried Apricots. These have a velvety sweetness that emerges from these golden orange disks that are normally dried whole and then pitted.
Six Health Benefits of Dried Apricots
Skin Care
Dried apricots have a dense concentration of antioxidants. They
are excellent for neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative stress. One of these is beta-carotene, which converts to retinol. There is strong evidence that this offers extra protection against sunburns and the more permanent dangers of UV rays.
Retinol may also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the skin and slow down the aging process, while also boosting skin elasticity and minimizing scars and age spots.
A great way to enjoy the benefits of dried apricots and other dried fruit is to try L’Orenta’s SuperFood Fruit Mix. This dried fruit mix includes goji berries, ginger, kiwi, papaya, and apricots. Bursting with flavor and vitamins.
Eye Health
Dried apricots are a natural source of powerful oxidants including Vitamins A and E and Beta-Carotene. There is growing evidence that these nutrients play an important role in preventing or mitigating age-related eye disorders.
Vitamin A helps the body get rid of free radicals, helping to maintain the health of cells and tissues.
Dried apricots also contain zeaxanthin, an antioxidant essential for light-filtering functions.
Carotenoids help reduce oxidative stress on the retinas and lenses of our eyes. This can reduce the chances of developing cataracts and prevent macular degeneration as we age.
Bone Density
Loss of bone density by post-menopausal women and many aging
adults is one of the most common causes of many bone disorders.
Dried apricots contain a wide variety of minerals that give a beneficial boost to bone mineral density. These include iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and boron.
Boron especially profoundly affects bone composition, structure, and overall strength. Preventing or mitigating bone disorders such as osteoporosis.
Anemia
With a significant level of iron and Vitamin C in these dried fruits, apricots stimulate the absorption of iron. Resulting in increased hemoglobin production, and improved health and functionality of red blood cells. This improves the overall health of anemic patients.
You can get all this nutrition and more by trying L’Orenta’s Vitamin Fruit Mix. This delightful selection of dried fruits includes golden raisins, dark raisins, cranberries, chopped dates, diced apples and whole apricots.
Gut Health
Dried apricots are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber,
regulating bowel movements by stimulating peristaltic movement. They also improve nutrient uptake efficiency and strengthen the immune function in the gut.
Emerging research also shows that added dietary fiber may provide additional health benefits such as maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels.
You can gain all these benefits for your digestive health by trying L’Orenta’s Tropical Smoothie Dried Fruit Mix, a combination that is packed with antioxidants, micronutrients, and fiber, which together aid digestion, reduce the risk of disease and boost overall health.
Healthy Blood Pressure
Dried apricots are a rich source of potassium. A mineral linked with promoting healthy blood pressure. Recommended levels of serum Potassium reduce high blood pressure in individuals suffering from hypertension.
Potassium in dried apricots is triple the amount in bananas. It also contains only a trace of salt. This helps keep the blood pressure down, protecting the body against heart disease.
How many dried apricots should you eat a day?
The recommended daily intake of dried apricots can vary based on individual dietary needs and overall health. As a general guideline, consuming around 5 to 6 dried apricots (approximately 1/4 to 1/3 cup) daily can provide beneficial nutrients without excessive calorie intake. However, it’s essential to consider your overall diet and individual health conditions. If you have specific dietary concerns or health issues, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice based on your unique circumstances.
Why are apricots a Superfood?
Apricots are often considered a superfood due to their impressive nutritional profile and potential health benefits. They are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber. These nutrients contribute to various aspects of well-being, such as supporting immune function, promoting healthy skin and vision, aiding digestion, and maintaining cardiovascular health. Apricots also contain antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Including apricots in a balanced diet can contribute to overall health, making them a noteworthy addition to the category of superfoods.
Sam Henselijn Author’s Biography – Meet L’Orenta Nuts CEO
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