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Apricot Health Benefits: 10 Incredible Nutritional Facts

Nothing beats taking that deliciously juicy first bite into your favorite fruit, except knowing the crazy cool nutrients you’re putting into your body. Check out these awesome benefits of apricots that make them a superfood.

FirstQuote Health Staff
Published on
January 30, 2023
Last Updated on
November 8, 2023
Apricots on a wooden table

Eating apricot is becoming a trend due to many health benefits. Apricots are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your immunity, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of certain diseases. Furthermore, apricots are high in fiber and low in calories, making them a great choice for weight loss and overall health. Learning more about the various health benefits of apricots can help you incorporate them into your diet in a safe and beneficial way. From nicer complections to fighting cancer, there are many advantages of this little fruit.

What Is An Apricot?

An apricot is a small, round fruit that is slightly sweet and tangy in taste. It has yellowish-orange or reddish-orange skin and a soft, edible flesh inside. Apricots are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamins A, C, and E. They can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked in various dishes to give your meals an added nutritional boost. Apricots are also used to make jams and jellies due to their natural sweetness which makes them popular among many people.

The Health Benefits Of Apricots

Before we dive into the 10 nutritional benefits of our favorite fuzzy fruit, let’s first get a quick breakdown of the nutritional values.

PrincipleNutrient Value Percentage of RDA

  • Energy - 48 Kcal - 2.5%
  • Carbohydrates - 11.12 g - 8.5%
  • Protein - 1.4 g - 2.5%
  • Total Fat - 0.4 g - 1%
  • Cholesterol - 0 mg - 0%
  • Dietary Fiber - 2 g - 5%

Vitamins

  • Folates - 9 μg - 2%
  • Niacin - 0.600 mg - 4%
  • Pantothenic acid - 0.240 mg - 5%
  • Pyridoxine - 0.054 mg - 5%
  • Riboflavin - 0.040 mg - 3%
  • Thiamin - 0.030 mg - 2.5%
  • Vitamin A - 1926 IU - 64%
  • Vitamin C - 10 mg - 16%
  • Vitamin E - 0 mg - 0%
  • Vitamin K - 3.3 µg - 3%

Electrolytes

  • Sodium - 1 mg - 0%
  • Potassium - 259 mg - 5.5%

Minerals

  • Calcium - 13 mg - 1.3%
  • Copper - .078
  • Iron - 0.39 mg - 5%
  • Magnesium - 10 mg - 2.5%
  • Manganese - 0.077 mg - 3%
  • Phosphorus - 23 mg - 3%
  • Zinc - 0.2 mg - 2%

Phyto-nutrients

  • Carotene-α - 19 µg
  • Carotene-ß - 1094 µg
  • Cryptoxanthin-ß - 104 µg
  • Lutein-zeaxanthin - 89 µg

(Source: USDA National Nutrient database)

Some of the benefits of apricots are their high amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Niacin, and Potassium are part of the allure of this tasty fruit. There are more apricot nutritional benefits below.

Healthy Vision and Skin Health

One pro of eating apricots is that it’s a great source of antioxidants. Apricots contain a range of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and lutein, which are beneficial for reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage. Studies have shown that apricots can help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. They can also support healthy vision and skin health due to their high antioxidant content.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Another pro of eating apricots is that they are a good source of dietary fiber. Eating apricots on a regular basis can help keep the digestive system healthy, reduce constipation and regulate the body’s blood sugar levels. Fiber helps to slow down the digestion process, which means your body has more time to absorb the nutrients from food. Apricots contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, making them an ideal snack when trying to stay full between meals.

Healthy Immune System

Another pro of eating apricots is that they are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They contain high amounts of vitamins A, C, and E, which are important for a healthy immune system and supporting skin health. Apricots also provide essential nutrients like folate and magnesium, which help regulate heart function and blood pressure levels. Eating apricots can also contribute to the body’s daily intake of calcium and iron, which are important for proper growth and development.

Weight Loss

Eating apricots can help with weight loss because they are low in calories and high in fiber. Fiber helps to keep you feeling full for longer, so eating an apricot as a healthy snack between meals can help to reduce cravings and hunger. Apricots also contain high amounts of antioxidants which aid in the digestion process and can help to regulate metabolism. Eating apricots on a regular basis may also help burn calories more efficiently, due to the presence of vitamins A, C and E which support metabolic activities.

Promotes Gut Health

Eating apricots can be beneficial for gut health due to their content of dietary fibers and antioxidants. Fibers help to promote regular bowel movements and can help to reduce the risk of constipation. Additionally, apricots contain a type of antioxidant known as beta-carotene which helps to reduce inflammation in the digestive system. The vitamins and minerals found in apricots also aid in promoting healthy bacteria growth in the gut, which helps to improve digestion and boost overall health.

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