Health Benefits Of Apricots

Health Benefits
The fiber and other nutrients in apricots make them valuable for health and wellness in a variety of ways.

Aids Heart Health
Whether fresh or dried, apricots provide soluble fiber, which is a fiber that draws water into stool to help it move through the digestive tract. Eating 5 to 10 grams of soluble fiber per day can lower LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) by up to 11 points, if not more.6

Furthermore, the potassium in apricots helps reduces blood pressure.6 These two factors—along with the numerous anti-inflammatory polyphenols in apricots—offer cardiovascular benefits.

Assists Blood Sugar Control
Dried apricots are often consumed in conjunction with nuts, such as in trail mixes. Nuts slow the gastric emptying rate and release of glucose to the bloodstream due to their natural fat content.7

When nuts are combined with low-to-medium glycemic index dried fruits, including apricots, the rise and fall of blood sugar is more even.8 For people trying to avoid blood sugar fluctuations, eating dried apricots and nuts together can be a healthy snack.

Protects Eyesight
Along with other orange fruits and vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, and mango, apricots owe their rich hue to beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a form of vitamin A that’s been associated with the prevention of age-related macular degeneration.9

Age-related macular degeneration is a condition that can progress over time and lead to vision loss.9 Making a habit of consuming beta-carotene-rich fruits and vegetables may help provide protection against the disease.

May Reduce Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases
The flavonoid quercetin is found in many fruits, including apricots. Rutin, a component of quercetin, shows promise in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and prion diseases.10

While more research is needed, increasing apricot consumption could reduce the burden of certain neurological conditions. Some of the mechanisms by which they can help include genetic modulation (upregulation of beneficial genes and downregulation of harmful genes), reduction of proinflammatory cytokines, and enhanced antioxidant activity.10

May Help Prevent Cancer
Apricots contain several phytonutrients that act as antioxidants—including polyphenols, flavonoids, and beta-carotene. These can protect your cells from the day-to-day damage that may lead to cancer over time.11

It is no secret that eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is beneficial for cancer prevention.11 Apricots make a great addition to an antioxidant-rich meal plan.