Apricots are a high-fiber fruit that contain many antioxidant compounds which can help prevent premature aging. It can also prevent diseases like diabetes and cancer, as well as regulate intestinal function and promote hair growth.

Apricots belong to the same family as the peach, however apricots (or Prunus armeniaca) have a slightly more acidic flavor. They can offer many health benefits as they have a low glycemic index and contain phenolic compounds, vitamin A and vitamin C.

Apricots can be purchased at grocery stores, farmer's markets and natural health stores in its fresh form, dried or canned form (pickled). It can be consumed on its own or used in recipes for ice cream, jelly, cakes, sauces, salads, mousses and rice pudding.

Health benefits

The main health benefits of apricots are:

1. Slowly boosting energy

Apricots have a low glycemic index, which means that they increase blood glucose levels slowly. They are a good fruit option to be consumed before working out, and are also a great snack for diabetics.

2. Helping to prevent chronic diseases

Apricots, especially dried apricots, contain nutrients with antioxidant action, such as vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E, and minerals such as copper, zinc and selenium. They can help to prevent the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes, as well as promote eye, heart and brain health.

3. Regulating bowel function

Because they are high in fiber, apricots can help to regulate bowel movements and treat constipation. Read about other naturally laxative fruits that can help to treat constipation.

4. Helping to manage weight

Fresh apricots are low in calories, and contain only 57 calories per 100 g of fruit. Therefore, they can be added to weight loss diets to achieve your health goals.

Furthermore, apricots are rich in fiber, which can keep you full and reduce over-eating during the day.

5. Promoting hair growth

Apricots are a source of vitamin A, a nutrient that is responsible for maintaining hair structure and scalp health. Therefore, they can be consumed to promote hair growth.

6. Preventing premature aging

Vitamin A is also important for maintaining skin health and, therefore, apricots can help prevent premature aging.

7. Improving eye health

In addition to skin and hair health, vitamin A is also fundamental for maintaining vision. It plays a role in the formation and maintenance of the cornea, which is the transparent layer of the eye, and low levels can lead to dry eyes (xerophthalmia) or corneal ulcers. In very severe cases, low levels can lead to loss of vision.

Furthermore, vitamin A is necessary for visual pigments and to maintain the ability to adapt your vision in the dark.

8. Preventing anemia

Dried apricots are higher in iron, which helps to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

Apricot properties

Apricots are rich in vitamins A, C and E, and minerals such as copper, zinc and selenium. These components give them antioxidant, cardioprotective, cognitive, rejuvenating, anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, energizing, digestive and satiety properties.

Nutritional information

The following table outlines the nutritional information for 100 grams of fresh and dried apricots:

Component	Dried apricots	Fresh apricots
Energy	254 cal	57 cal
Total carbohydrates	62.7 g	13.5 g
Protein	3.39 g	0.3 g
Lipids	0.51 g	1.00 g
Dietary fiber	7.30 g	3.50 g
Calcium	55.0 mg	8.00 mg
Iron	2.66 mg	0.12 mg
Sodium	10.00 mg	1.72 mg
Magnesium	32.0 mg	0.22 mg
Phosphorus	71.0 mg	-
Potassium	1162 mg	31.8 mg
Manganese	0.24 mg	0.02 mg
Zinc	0.39 mg	0.18 mg
Copper	0.34 mg	0.01 mg
Selenium	2.20 mcg	0.8 mcg
Vitamin A	10.00 mcg	-
Vitamin E	4.33 mg	-
Vitamin C	1.00 mg	16.7 mg

To obtain all the health benefits that apricots can offer, this fruit should be incorporated into a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

How to eat

Apricots can be consumed fresh, dried, cooked or preserved,, and used in different types of recipes, such as jams, pies and ice creams. In addition, dried apricots can be a great snack option or be added to other dishes.

Although there is no specific amount recommended for apricot consumption, the minimum recommended daily intake of fruit is 2 to 3 servings, which is equivalent to between 160 and 240 g.

Apricot jam recipe

Ingredients:

400 ml of water
2 cups of sugar
3 cups of chopped dried or fresh apricots

Directions:

Add all the ingredients in a pot and heat over medium heat, letting it cook and stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes or until it reaches a jelly-like consistency. Then, remove from heat, let it cool and store the jelly in the refrigerator in a sterilized jar with a lid.

After the jelly has cooled, you can also blend it in a blender to break up any apricot pieces that may have remained in the jelly.