Dried apricots are prepared by drying pitted and pressed apricots naturally under the sun or by wind, so the moisture evaporates without reducing their nutritional value. The apricot kernels are also rich in potassium, fiber, iron, and some vitamins. The fiber content of dried apricots can play an important role in treating constipation. This fruit is also a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants known to strengthen eyesight.
Does Dried Apricot Cause Weight Gain?
Dried apricots are relatively high in natural sugars and calories, but they do not directly cause weight gain when eaten in moderation. In fact, their fiber content can help you feel fuller for longer and may reduce unnecessary snacking between meals. However, like any dried fruit, consuming large amounts on a regular basis can increase your daily calorie intake and contribute to weight gain over time. For most people, enjoying a small serving of dried apricots as part of a balanced diet is a healthy choice.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 241 kcal |
| Protein | 3.4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 62.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.3 g |
| Total Fat | 0.5 g |
| Potassium | 1,160 mg |
| Calcium | 55 mg |
| Iron | 2.7 mg |
| Magnesium | 32 mg |
| Phosphorus | 71 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1,096 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg |
Are dried apricots good for you?
Dried apricots contain valuable nutrients including fiber, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Studies suggest that these nutrients may be necessary and useful for pregnant women. Consuming a moderate amount of dried apricots during the day can boost weight loss. There are some other benefits of dried apricots as follow.
Dried apricots benefits
Dried apricots are yummy for chewing as a snack, as well as having benefits for your body. To know more about dries apricots, you must consider this information.
1- Dried apricot are rich in nutrients
Every 100 grams of dried apricots contain the following nutrients:
- 241 calories
- 4 g of protein
- 5 g of fat
- 63 g of carbohydrates
- 3 g of fiber
- 1160 mg of potassium
- 55 mg of calcium
- 32 mg of magnesium
- 71 mg of phosphorus
- 2 mg of selenium
- 180 mg of vitamin A
- 1 mg of vitamin C
- 10 mg of folate
2- Apricot slices help treat anemia
The iron in apricots can help treat anemia. Anemia occurs when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells (RBCs) as a result of different digestive problems. This is due to a lack of hemoglobin (an oxygen-carrying molecule in the blood). Hemoglobin deficiency occurs due to iron deficiency. Pregnant or menstruating women face higher risks of anemia. The best solution to tackle this condition is eating iron-rich foods. Meanwhile, the vitamin C in apricots increases the absorption of iron and can help to eliminate anemia. However, you can’t meet your daily iron needs through dried apricots. Half a cup of dried apricots contains about 3.5 mg of iron. You would need 10 cups of apricot kernels to meet your daily iron intake. Therefore, we suggest that you include other sources of iron in your diet, such as spinach, lentils, and beans.
3- Having a diet plan will help you lose weight
Dried apricots are high in calories and fiber, moderate consumption of which can be a part of any weight loss program and diet. 40 grams of dried apricots contain 10 grams of fiber. This nutritious fruit will make you feel full and keep you from overeating. If you want to lose weight and follow a healthy diet, you should include dried apricots in your food basket. Daily consumption of a few of these Iranian dried fruits and nuts will provide your body with essential nutrients and make you lose weight easily.
4- It is useful to consume apricot slices during pregnancy
Apricots contain iron, which can help improve blood health. A woman’s blood volume increases by 50% during pregnancy, which means she needs more iron in her diet. Pregnancy and lactation may cause metabolic changes in the body and lack of enough exercise or an unbalanced diet can often lead to constipation. Drinking enough water and eating fiber-rich foods, such as dried apricots, can alleviate digestive problems. Many pregnant women also experience anemia and similar problems during their pregnancy. Consuming dried apricots during pregnancy can help prevent anemia.
5- Eating dried apricots helps relieve constipation
Dried apricots increase the bulk of dietary fiber and accelerate its movement through the large intestine. Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems that can afflict anyone. However, you generally do not need to see a doctor to relieve constipation. Eating a few dried apricots may be all you need. This dried fruit is a natural remedy for constipation. When fiber is fermented in the colon, it produces short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, propionate, acetate, etc.). This further improves the consistency, quantity, and motility of the stool, which can help treat constipation.
6- Eating dried apricots helps with eye health
The antioxidants in dried apricots, including lutein and zeaxanthin, easily counteract free radicals in the body and eliminate their negative effects, preventing oxidative stress. Free radicals can cause age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Consuming prunes reduces the risk of developing AMD and improves your vision and eye health so that you can have a clearer vision regardless of your age. Plums also supply the body with vitamin A and beta-carotene.
7- Eating dried apricots helps with bone health
The human body needs nutrients, salts, and minerals to grow and develop a healthy bone structure, which can be obtained by consuming dried apricots. Apricots can prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of various bone diseases. When there is insufficient calcium and minerals in the bloodstream, the body draws calcium from your bones, which weakens the bones and skeleton. Consumption of dried apricots provides your body with the necessary calcium and minerals it needs. Numerous studies have associated dried apricots with bone health, especially during menopause. This is because apricots are a rich source of phenolic compounds and flavonoids that help prevent bone degeneration, and their boron content plays an important role in maintaining bone density. You can read what the properties of dried apricots are article to get more information about dried apricots.
8- Eating dried apricots can help treat diabetes
Dried fruits such as apricots have a low glycemic index (GI) and prompt a more gradual rise in blood sugar. Dried apricots have also been shown to have beneficial effects on insulin levels. Dried apricots contain a high amount of fructose as well. This substance helps to control the body’s glucose level after meals.
9- Eating dried apricots improves skin and hair health
The high levels of vitamins A and E in apricots help to reduce skin wrinkles and rejuvenate facial skin. Massaging the skin with apricot oil helps maintain the flexibility and elasticity of the skin and rejuvenates the facial skin. The high levels of vitamins C and A in apricots and apricot kernel oil have anti-inflammatory properties and help treat acne and pimples.
10- Dried apricots are rich in minerals.
Dried apricots are a good source of minerals such as potassium, iron, zinc, calcium, and manganese. Potassium is an important component of the body’s cellular fluids that helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure. These qualities make dried apricots a great food item for the elderly. The benefits of dried fruit for heart and thyroid health are enormous. The total amount of antioxidants, also called oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), in dried apricots is 1115 microbial TE/100 g. Some antioxidants, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin, act as protectors against oxygen free radicals and play an important role in preventing aging, cancer, and various diseases.
How many calories in 6 dried apricots or 100 gr?
Calories are the amount of energy that your body takes from digesting and breaking down food. Dried apricots’ calories are quite enough for having a healthy diet. In other words, there are 135 calories in 6 dried apricots that is about 100 gr, which is a good amount of calories for the body.
Are dried apricots high in iron?
Dried apricots are quite rich in iron. No matter how old you are, receiving the appropriate amount of iron is necessary for your health. Iron aids your body supply oxygen. It also helps cells to have metabolism through its role as a catalytic component of mitochondrial proteins. If you feel tired, become sick frequently, or suffer from excessive hair loss, these may be signs of a lack of iron.
How much iron in 5 dried apricots or 100 gr?
There are about 2.66 mg of iron in 5 dried apricots, which are about 100 grams. So consuming about 5 dried apricots during a day will provide some portions of iron for the body, especially as a snack between the main meals for children.
Application of dried apricots
Dried apricot slices are used to design cakes, ice creams, sweets, and jellies. Dried apricots are also used in the preparation of jams, marmalades, and syrups. Dried apricot fruits are used in the confectionery and cake industry to improve both the design and taste of cakes. Parents can use dried apricots as a healthy snack for their children. The nutrients of dried fruits and dried apricots are effective in improving learning, restoring lost energy, and increasing concentration. These delicious dried apricots can be easily stored. Just keep them in sealed containers away from sunlight in a cool place or refrigerator. The mixture of dried apricots with a variety of dried fruits is a wonderful combination for the taste of all people in different age groups.
FAQs
1. How many dried apricots should I eat per day?
A healthy daily amount is usually 4 to 8 dried apricots. Eating them in moderation helps you enjoy their benefits without consuming too much sugar or calories.
2. Are dried apricots good for constipation?
Yes, dried apricots are rich in fiber, which helps improve digestion and can relieve constipation by supporting regular bowel movements.
3. Do dried apricots help with anemia?
Dried apricots contain iron and vitamin C, which may help support healthy blood and improve iron absorption, making them useful for preventing anemia.
4. Can dried apricots help with weight loss?
In moderation, yes. Their fiber helps you feel full for longer, which can reduce overeating. However, they should still be eaten in controlled portions.
5. Are dried apricots safe for diabetics?
They can be eaten in small amounts because they have natural sugars. However, people with diabetes should monitor their intake and consult their doctor if needed.
