Dried Apricots: A Sweet and Nutritious Treat
Dried apricots are a delightful fruit that has been enjoyed for centuries. They are made from fresh apricots that have been dried to remove most of their water content. This process concentrates the nutrients and flavors of the fruit, making dried apricots a nutrient-rich and flavorful snack.
Nutritional Value of Dried Apricots
Dried apricots are a good source of several nutrients, including:
- Fiber: Dried apricots are a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps to regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and lower cholesterol levels.
- Antioxidants: Dried apricots are a good source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and chronic diseases.
- Vitamins: Dried apricots are a good source of several vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Vitamin A is important for vision and immune function, vitamin C is important for collagen production and immune function, and vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage.
- Minerals: Dried apricots are a good source of several minerals, including potassium, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is important for fluid balance and muscle function, iron is important for red blood cell production, and magnesium is important for bone health and muscle function.
Health Benefits of Dried Apricots
Eating dried apricots has been linked to several health benefits, including:
- Improved digestion: The fiber in dried apricots helps to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
- Reduced risk of heart disease: The antioxidants in dried apricots help to protect the heart from damage and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Improved vision: The vitamin A in dried apricots is important for vision and can help to prevent age-related macular degeneration.
- Boosted immunity: The vitamin C in dried apricots helps to boost the immune system and protect the body from infection.
- Healthy bones: The potassium and magnesium in dried apricots are important for bone health and can help to prevent osteoporosis.
How to Enjoy Dried Apricots
Dried apricots can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They can be eaten as a snack, added to trail mix, or used in baking recipes. Dried apricots also make a great addition to salads, smoothies, and yogurt parfaits.
Whether you enjoy them as a snack, in a recipe, or as an addition to a meal, dried apricots are a delicious and nutritious way to improve your health.
How many calories are in Dried Apricot?
Each 1 half of Dried Apricot contains 8.4 calories.
Dried Apricot Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 half (3.5g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 8.4 Calories |
| Protein | 0.1g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2.2g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3g |
| Sugar | 1.9g |
| Sodium | 0.0004mg |
| Potassium | 0.0407mg |
| Calcium | 0.0019mg |
| Iron | 0.0001mg |