Dried apricots make convenient snacks. These tiny dried fruits are also popular in cakes, breakfast cereals, cereal bars and yoghurt. Did you know that there are many health benefits to eating dried apricots? Dried apricots are good for the bones, waistline, blood, and skin – and many other parts of the body in between. Here are just a few of the reasons why you need to give dried apricots a try.
7 Health Benefits Of Dried Apricots
Dried Apricots Contain Bountiful Levels of Nutrients
For such a small fruit, a dried apricot packs a nutritional punch. Apricots contain fibre, iron, vitamin C and potassium. Apricots also contain polyphenolic compounds that benefit well-being.
Dried Apricots Can Help You Lose Weight
So long as you do not eat dried apricots in excess, these fruits can help you lose weight. They are high in calories but they also contain a lot of fibre. The fibre in dried apricots reduces hunger, limits cravings, and helps increase overall meal satisfaction. Dried apricots are a positive weight-loss snack since they fill you up without adding a lot of saturated fat.
Dried Apricots Contain Iron
Iron is beneficial for everyone, but particularly for people at risk of anaemia including pregnant women. Dried apricots increase iron levels to bring health benefits. They also contain vitamin C, which helps with the body’s iron absorption.
Dried Apricots Help With Constipation
The fibre in apricots relieves constipation by increasing the bulk of your stools and helping them progress speedily through the digestive tract. If you are suffering from constipation, a few apricots as part of your healthy diet can make all the difference.
Dried Apricots May Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Apricots contain lutein, a compound known to help improve eye health. Apricots also have zeaxanthin, which is beneficial for the eyes. These nutrients act as filters for blue light and protect the delicate tissues in the eye from damage.
Dried Apricots Can Prevent Bone Loss
There is boron in apricots, which may protect against bone loss and preserve bone density. Bone loss is a common age-associated problem. Dried apricots could help stop bone loss, which is a leading cause of bone disorders like osteoporosis.
Dried Apricots Protect the Skin
Another potent nutrient in dried apricots, beta carotene, is responsible for maintaining skin health. The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A. This vitamin has an anti-ageing effect and studies show it prevents lines and wrinkles and acts against sun damage.
Dried apricots are readily available from supermarkets and wholefood stores. Choose dried apricots from a reputable source since this is how you know you are getting good quality. If you are on a budget, Wholesale Dried Fruit suppliers are a good source of dried apricots. Restaurants also buy dried apricots in bulk to use in desserts, biscuits, and cakes. It is important, however, to consume dried apricots in moderation. Dried fruits contain sugar and can cause weight gain if you eat too many. But in balance, dried apricots provide many health benefits.