apricot golden gem for a healthy lifestyle

If there is one fruit that has it all – flavor, charm, and a basket of health benefits, it’s the apricot. Its radiant golden-orange hue brightens up any dish or snack, but its charm goes far beyond its looks. For centuries, different cultures have celebrated apricots for being versatile and unique in taste. You may have seen them fresh at a summer market, or as dried apricots on a store shelf, but there’s so much more to this tiny little gem.
In this short read, find out all about apricots and dried apricots, and, oh just something of which inclusion in the diet makes so much sense. So sit back, relax, and let’s discuss apricots.

The Apricot – A Quick Introduction

Apricots are among those fruits that seem right out of a fairy tale-small, golden, and with that touch of velvety fuzz. They come from Asia but have spread far and wide to all the corners of the world, pleasing palates everywhere. Apricot in Hindi is ?????? (khubani), and Indians enjoy it a lot, especially with their dried fruits.
When apricots are fresh or dried, they have this great taste of sweetness tempered with a slight tang. Of course, it’s not just about the taste; they are loaded with so many goodies that can help the body work at its best. But what’s the real scoop on apricots? We have it broken down.

Why Apricots Are Good for You

Tiny little health gems, apricots are. Full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, here’s how these little golden nuggets can benefit your health:

Essential Vitamins and Minerals_filled_with

Apricots may be small but hold up more to the mark. These include much ‘A’ aka ‘retinol’, ‘C’ and ‘E’ vitamins required for good skin, fighting off infections, and good eyes too. Especially talking of Vitamin A, that’s mainly required for proper eyesight – so include apricots in the list of candies that help in keeping your vision strong!

Apricots are not without their share of benefits. For instance, they are good sources of potassium, which helps in the control of blood pressure. Therefore, if you wish your heart to be happy, apricots can be the ideal snack you have been searching for.

Apricots are your best bet to keep your digestion smooth and trouble-free. These are generally rich in dietary fiber; hence, especially for the dried apricots. Dietary fiber aids proper digestion, prevents constipation, and helps in satiety. Thus, here’s a food that can not just make your tummy happy but stop those hunger growls as well. Win-win!

Hydrating and Refreshing. While there may not be a cure for aging and keeping us young, there are antioxidants. These little fighters are abundant in apricots and help lower oxidative stress in the body. Imagine them more as little bodyguards that stop any free radical damage from attacking and wearing down cells – kind of like a natural defense against daily wear and tear.

Well, fresh apricots are almost 86% water. So, it doesn’t only make them juicy and yummy but hydrating too. Having apricots in your diet is a sneaky way to stay hydrated, and who doesn’t need that in the heat? Even if they are not having quite the water content of the fresh fruit, dried apricots still pack the same rich goodness. That’s what makes them a good snack to have.

Want glowing, youthful skin? Apricots are here to the rescue. With a huge content of Vitamin C and E, they certainly do work on skin health fairly well. Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen so that the skin remains tight and springy, while Vitamin E prevents UV damage. Think of it as skin as refreshing as a summer apricot. It’s a total dream.

Fresh vs Dried Apricots: What’s the Difference?

Fresh and dried forms of apricots are what you have surely observed. But, is one better than the other? Well, each has its perks!
Fresh apricots are very juicy and hydrating and are best enjoyed fresh, especially when in season. Unfortunately, the season is short and does not last for very long, so more often than not, we have to make do with the dried variety of apricots. Dried apricots are really nothing but fresh apricots that have been dried. It is this drying that has made them so heavily nutrient-dense.
Fiber, anti-oxidants, and potassium in each bite of dried apricots pack quite a healthy punch. So, when you have just a handful, you will find an elevation in your energy levels besides feeling satisfied over the cravings for something sweet without any added sugars. Just remember that on rehydration, apricots develop a stronger flavor and sweetness because the natural sugars within get highly concentrated during the drying process. So a few go a long way!

Ways to Add Apricots to Your Diet

So, are you inspired to incorporate apricots into your routine? Here are some very simple, mouth-watering ways to enjoy them:

1. Snacking – Take some dried apricots in your bag for an on-the-go snack when you head out of the house. Have an afternoon pick-me-up by itself or with nuts for a balanced snack.
2. Breakfast Bowls: Chop fresh or dried apricots into oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie bowls for sweet and colorful breaks.
3. Salads: Add apricot slices to a salad for a refreshing twist. The apricot’s natural sweetness will work well with vegetables drenched in a zesty vinaigrette.
4. Trail Mix: Combine dried apricots, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate well together for a homemade trail mix that will both satiate and prove healthy.
5. Cooking and Baking: Apricots, specifically when dried, are excellent partners to various baked commodities, be it muffins or cookies. The actual sweetness is just there but not overwhelming in the dish.

Why Apricots are the Ultimate Balanced Lifestyle

Life is all about balance, isn’t it? Apricots help add to that complete wellness of staying healthy. They’re very versatile and convenient to include in any dish, easy to munch on as a snack, and hold so many vitamins and minerals that they’re almost a fruit version of a multivitamin.
Apricots – whether fresh or dried – are one way to get more nutrients without the heavy calorie load if you are looking to up your nutrient intake and do not want to add a ton of calories. Whether it is heart health, digestive health, or just upping the antioxidant anti on your diet, apricots are the superhero in all of this.

A Few Fun Facts about Apricots

Everyone loves fun facts, right? Here are some tidbits that will make you even appreciate apricots a little bit more:

• They love apricots in Armenia. They even have named them a national symbol.
• It is therefore fairly robust, and it usually thrives in bad soils, which explains its extensive cultivation under varied climates.
• Some people in certain cultures use apricot kernels that are contained within the apricot stone for alleged medicinal benefits.
• But one word of caution: they do contain amygdalin, a substance that is toxic when taken in high concentrations.

Final: Let's Learn to Love Apricots

Nature’s boon is apricots, bright colored, pleasant flavored, and incredibly healthy fruits. Whether you eat them in the form of dried fruit on-the-go or fresh slices in your morning meal, these golden beauties bring a bit of sunshine to the rest of your day. They’re lovable and a simple addition to a healthy, balanced routine.
Fresh is always best, but more nutrients are concentrated in dried apricots compared to their fresh counterparts.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between fresh apricots and dried apricots?

Apricots are nicely moist to be rehydrating fruits since their fresh form contains a pretty high water percentage. Dried apricots are more nutrient-dense because the dehydration concentrates the sugars and fiber in them.

2. Are dried apricots a fruit high in sugar?

Yes, the natural sugar content is rather high in dried apricots; still, it is a much healthier snack compared to many other packaged varieties that include added sugars.

3. Can you digest apricots?

Certainly! Especially the dried variety is rich in dietary fibers that are beneficial for proper digestion and provide relief against constipation.

4. What vitamins are there in apricots?

Keep fresh apricots in the refrigerator. Dried apricots may be stored in an airtight container at a cool, dry place.