Dried Apricots or Fresh Apricots?
Dried apricots are a food that we consume in breakfasts, snacks, and sometimes desserts. In Turkey, which is the world leader in the production of dried apricots, dried apricots are consumed a lot, especially in snacks or to sweeten the mouth. Apricots, which come from the rose family, are a sensitive hard-core fruit, although they show small differences in taste, color and shape according to the breed. Since its sensitivity shortens the decay time, apricots are consumed by drying more after harvesting.
Nutritional Value of Dried Apricots
Dried apricots are actually obtained as a result of fresh apricots losing their juice. But this does not mean that apricots completely lose their nutritional value. It affects only the water-soluble and heat-sensitive vitamins of fresh fruit. The other nutritional values it contains are concentrated. Although the amount of water has decreased compared to fresh apricots, dried apricots also contain vitamins A, C and minerals such as iron, potassium, phosphorus and calcium, like fresh apricots. It acts like the benefits of wet apricot. 4 dried apricots have approximately the following nutritional values:
- Carbohydrate: 5 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 1,30 grams
- Vitamin A: 20 percent
- Vitamin C: 0.50 percent
- Calcium: 1.20 percent
- Sugar: 15 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Iron: 4.20 percent
Benefits of Dried Apricots
Dried apricots, like fresh apricots, make many contributions to health. The benefits of dried apricots can be elaborated as follows:
Support to Ensure Blood Clot
Vitamin K is a vitamin that stops excessive bleeding. Vitamin K, which is abundant in dried apricots, helps the blood to clot. By consuming 1 dried apricot per day, you can support the storage of vitamin K in your body.
Nourishes the Muscles
Dried apricots are one of the fruits richest in potassium. This makes dried apricots powerful in strengthening metabolism and improving organs and tissues. Potassium plays an important role in blood development and growth. It is also beneficial for protein synthesis.
Can Control Blood Pressure
This fruit, which contains 3 times more potassium than bananas, helps to lower blood pressure. It also helps to protect the body from cardiovascular diseases.
Gives Skin Shine
Dried apricot oil is beneficial for skin health. Dry apricots, which help to make the skin look smooth and shiny, revitalize the skin. The effects of dried apricots on the skin are not limited to these. Dried apricot juice can help treat itching caused by eczema, scabies, and sunburn. It is supportive in the treatment of skin problems.
May Relax the Respiratory Tract
Dried apricots can also have benefits for respiratory problems. Dried apricots can show an expectorant property. Dry apricots, which create a stimulating effect, help to relieve the pressure on the respiratory tract. It can also be effective in relieving asthma attacks.
Regulates the Heart Rhythm
Potassium, which helps maintain fluid balance, helps maintain muscle functions while regulating the heartbeat.
Can be consumed during pregnancy
Bleeding and convulsions during pregnancy are possible problems. Vaginal infections also cause problems. Consuming dried apricots can be beneficial against all these risks. Again, nursing mothers can also add dried apricots to their diet.
May Improve Blood Levels
The iron and copper content in dried apricots is beneficial in the production of hemoglobin. For this reason, it would be correct to include the consumption of dried apricots in the diet of those with anemia. You need to do this in consultation with your doctor.
Protects Eye Health
The vitamin A contained in dried apricots improves eyesight. This vitamin, which is also a powerful antioxidant, acts as a barrier for free radicals to stay away from the body. It helps to ensure that cells and tissues are healthy. Dried apricots, which contain zeaxanthin antioxidants, thus improve eye health. With its vitamin A, beta carotene and vitamin E content, dried apricots can also contribute to the prevention or alleviation of age-related eye disorders. The carotenoids in apricots help in reducing oxidative stress on the retina and lens.
Cleanses the digestive system
It is a known habit to consume dried apricots containing pectin and cellulose in constipation problems. Pectin helps maintain water levels in the body during constipation, while cellulose acts as insoluble fiber. Rich in dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble, dried apricots can have a laxative effect for the digestive system. It helps to clean up unwanted waste. Dried apricots produce an alkaline environment for the digestive system and ensure the elimination of acids. The consumption of dried apricots before a meal can speed up digestion and facilitate digestion.
Take Advantage of the Minerals in Dried Apricots
The calcium in dried apricots strengthens the bones and protects the nerves. Again, the magnesium content is a reason to consume dried apricots. Magnesium is known as a mineral that soothes anxious and stress. It can also be beneficial for insomnia and muscle cramps.
How Many Apricots to Eat per Day?
This fruit, which has 48 calories per 100 grams, should be consumed in moderation. It is known that if the dry version of the fresh fruit eaten in 1 bowl is consumed, this ratio should be half a bowl. It is important not to consume more than 4 pieces per day, especially dried apricots, which can be a good source of energy for those who do sports. Diabetics are advised to eat fresh apricots. If you have diabetes, do not eat apricots without consulting your doctor.
Is It Harmful to Eat Too Many Dried Apricots?
The benefits of dried apricots do not end with counting. However, excessive consumption of dried apricots can cause problems. The dietary fiber in apricots is concentrated when vitamins and minerals dry out. But on the other hand, its calorie increases. This can create problems with weight control. Although it is healthy, it should be consumed carefully because of the sugar it contains. Controlled consumption should be ensured so that it does not raise blood sugar.
In addition, the benefits of apricot seeds are also a matter of debate. The amygdalin substance (also known as vitamin B17 and laetrile) in apricot seeds, which is claimed to be used for cancer treatment, can have negative consequences. Excessive consumption of this substance should be avoided as it can cause symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, sweating and fainting, which can cause serious consequences. Consult your doctor before consuming apricot seeds, the benefit of which has not yet been proven in cancer treatment.
Does Apricot Weaken?
Dried apricots are a food that you can include in your diet thanks to the dietary fiber it contains. However, a claim such as “apricot weakens” is an unproven claim. Also, dried apricot calories can be a problem if you’re trying to lose weight. At this point, it will be more correct to consume fresh apricots.
