Sun-dried apricots can indeed be a great snack to include in your daily diet. They are not only delicious but also offer various benefits and nutrients. It’s important to note that while dried apricots offer many benefits, they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.
Benefits of Sun Dried Apricots
Here are some key points regarding the benefits and nutrients of sun-dried apricots:
1. Rich in Minerals: Sun-dried apricots are packed with minerals like potassium, which has vasodilating properties and may help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
2. High in Vitamin A: Dried apricots have the highest concentration of vitamin A among dried fruits. Vitamin A is essential for eye health, as it helps prevent night blindness and supports overall vision health.
3. Vitamin E: Dried apricots also contain vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E enters the eye directly, protecting it from free radical damage. It is also beneficial for the skin.
4. Skin Benefits: The combination of vitamins A and E in dried apricots contributes to maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin C, also present in apricots, promotes skin strength, elasticity, collagen formation, and helps reduce wrinkles. Apricots can even be used as a natural face mask.
5. Low Glycemic Index: Apricots, whether fresh or dried, have a low glycemic index, making them suitable for individuals who need to manage their blood sugar levels, such as those with type 2 diabetes. The antioxidants and vitamin E in dried apricots can be beneficial for diabetics.
6. Fiber Content: Dried apricots are a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion by slowing down the digestion process and promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria. It can help improve overall digestive system effectiveness and assist with both constipation and diarrhea.
Sun Dried Apricot Nutrition
Dried apricots are packed with a range of beneficial nutrients, including salts, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins, which help protect the body against various ailments. In terms of their nutritional composition, apricots contain approximately 48 calories per 100 grams, with carbohydrates accounting for around 11% of the calorie content, protein comprising 1%, fat less than 1%, and water making up 86%.
Both raw and dried apricots are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, fiber, and minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron, manganese, and niacin. They also contain vitamins B and C, lycopene, and lycopene. These nutrients provide the fruit with exceptional health benefits. Drying apricots removes the majority of their water content, resulting in a higher concentration of nutrients. Dried fruits, including apricots, have similar nutritional profiles to fresh fruits, but they tend to have higher levels of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.
Sun Dried Apricot Calories
It’s important to note that although dried apricots are considered a nutritious fruit, it’s essential to consume them in moderation. The recommended daily serving size for dried apricots is around 30 grams, equivalent to approximately 3 or 4 apricots. Consuming excessive amounts can lead to digestive problems.
Unlike high glycemic index meals that cause a spike in blood sugar levels, both fresh and dried apricots help stabilize blood sugar levels after a meal. Fresh apricots contain approximately 9 grams of sugar per 100 grams, while dried apricots have a low glycemic index and are usually free of added sugar, although 100 grams of dried apricots contain about 53 grams of naturally occurring sugar.
The majority of commercially dried apricots undergo industrial drying processes that involve the use of sulfur dioxide, which gives them their vibrant orange color. Organic apricots that have not been treated with sulfur vapor tend to have a darker color and a coarser texture. Smaller apricots are often dried whole, while larger varieties are typically pitted or sliced in half.
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While California has become a significant producer of dried apricots in recent years, the province of Malatya in Turkey accounts for nearly 95% of the world’s dried apricot production. Malatya is widely recognized as the dried apricot capital of the world. The unique properties of dried apricots can be attributed to the abundance of minerals and vitamins they contain.
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