Top 5 countries which produce apricots
Turkey, Uzbekistan, Iran, Italy, Algeria
8 Surprising Benefits of Dried Apricots
1. Increased Concentration of Nutrients
The vitamins,
minerals, and dietary fiber present in apricots become significantly
concentrated when they are dried.
2.
Promoting Eye Health
Dried
apricots are a natural source of Vitamin E and Vitamin A, both of which have
numerous amazing health benefits. Apricots contain Beta-Carotene, which the
body breaks down into the active form. Growing evidence
suggests that Vitamins
A and E, and Beta-Carotene may
play an important role in preventing or mitigating age-related eye disorders.
By highlighting their key nutrients, other studies validate
the potential benefits of dried apricots on eye health. Carotenoids, which are found within apricots,
may help reduce oxidative stress on the retinas and lenses of our eyes. This
may help promote excellent eye health even as we age.
3.
Improving Bone Mineral Density
Post-menopausal
women and many aging adults in general experience bone density loss. It's
actually one of the most common causes of many bone disorders, such as
osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and other similar disorders.
Dried
apricots contain Boron, a natural mineral with amazing health benefits. Research studies have shown that Boron may play diverse and
essential roles in the functional properties of bone health. Evidence displays
that Boron may help with overall bone health, bone healing, and bone metabolism.
Therefore,
Boron may have a profound effect on your bone health, and allow for support in
the composition, structure, and overall strength of your bones. It may also prevent or mitigate bone disorders
such as osteoporosis.
4. Skin Damage and The Effects of Aging
Vitamins
and dietary carotenoids have been known to play a vital role in overall skin
health and appearance. In fact, many nutri-cosmetic products contain vital vitamins and natural
carotenoids that may promote skin health.
Evidence
now points to the fact that
proper nutrition is critical for skin health and appearance. Dried Apricots
contain many of these vital nutrients. They contain beta-carotene for instance,
which your body converts into Vitamin A (retinol). There’s strong evidence that it may offer extra protection against
sunburns and the more permanent dangers of UV rays
5.
Treatment of Anemia
Pregnant
and menstruating women often face a great risk of anemia. This is a condition
in which your blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to transport
sufficient oxygen to the body's tissues.
Anemia
may be a temporary or long term condition, both of which result from a
deficiency of iron. Eating iron-rich foods is the best way to prevent and treat
anemia. You can get about 3.5 milligrams of iron from a cup of dried apricot
(halves).
While
they may not meet your daily nutritional requirements for iron, apricots have
the added benefit of vitamin C. Several research studies show that
vitamin C may enhance the absorption of iron in our bodies.
6.
May Help Reduce Blood Pressure
Dried
apricots are a rich source of Potassium, a mineral linked with promoting
healthy blood pressure. You can expect to consume around 259mg of potassium for
every 3.5 ounces of apricots (approximately half a cup of fruits).
A research study conducted in 2013 showed high-quality
evidence that consuming potassium may reduce high blood pressure in individuals
suffering from hypertension. The study further suggested that a higher intake
of potassium was linked to a 24 percent reduction in the risk of stroke.
Potassium
is also an electrolyte that works closely with other minerals such as sodium to
provide fluid balance to your body. It may help with regulating nerve signals
and muscle contractions in the body.
7.
Promoting Gut Health
Dried
apricots contain about 2 grams of dietary fiber for every 100 grams or 1/2 cup
of fruit. Dietary fiber has been shown to delay the movement of food as
it goes through your digestive tract. Therefore, it feeds the good gut bacteria
in your intestines, which may lead to a much healthier gut.
Trillions
of bacteria live in your body, mostly in your intestines. They are incredibly
important for your health, and the foods you eat determine the type of bacteria
that get to live in your body. Research studies show
that a healthier gut microbiome may lower the risk of obesity.
Dried
apricots contain both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Emerging research
studies show that
dietary fiber may provide additional health benefits such as maintaining
healthy blood sugar levels as well as cholesterol levels.
8.
Rich in Antioxidants
Apricots
contain many antioxidants, which include beta carotene and other vitamins with
antioxidant properties. Apricots also contain flavonoids, which is a group of
antioxidants potentially linked with positive effects on illnesses such as
heart diseases and diabetes.
Flavonoids work by neutralizing free radicals in our
bodies, which are responsible for causing oxidative stress and damaging our cells. Additionally,
consuming flavonoids may help lower inflammation. A 2015 study found growing evidence that flavonoids may
have an anti-inflammatory effect in relation to certain chronic diseases.