8 Health Benefits of Apricots
Oxidative stress happens when there are too many free radicals, leading to cell and tissue damage. Research has linked this process to chronic diseases, including:
Nutritional Potential: The Benefits of Soaking Dried Apricots
Due to its chewy texture and sweet taste, dried apricots are a widely consumed and healthy snack. On the other hand, soaking dried apricots in water is a little-known method that might improve their nutritional content and offer extra health advantages. In this article, we will examine dried apricots soaked in water benefits and discuss the soaking method itself.
General Nutritional Profile of Dried Apricots
Dried apricots are a great source of iron, potassium, vitamins A and E, and dietary fiber, among other important elements. Dried apricots are a practical and nutritional snack since the drying process concentrates these nutrients. Nevertheless, drying may cause some vitamins and minerals to be lost. Before eating, rehydrate dried apricots by soaking them in water; this may help refill some of the lost nutrients.
Soaking Process of Dried Apricot and its Effects
Dried apricots must be soaked for several hours or overnight, in water. The apricots are rehydrated by this procedure, which softens their texture and revives their flavor. Furthermore, soaking could aid in lowering the amount of sulfur dioxide, a preservative frequently found in dried fruit that can have negative effects on some people.
Practical Tips for Soaking Dried Apricots
Use filtered water to soak dried apricots to prevent pollutants or impurities from being absorbed. Furthermore, watch how long you soak the apricots because oversoaking could result in them getting overly mushy and soft. To avoid spoiling, keep soaking dried apricots in the refrigerator and use them within a few days.
Dried apricots are rich in iron, potassium, vitamins A and E, and fiber, but drying may cause nutrient loss. Soaking them in water softens and revives their flavor while reducing sulfur dioxide levels. Use filtered water, avoid oversoaking, and store in the fridge for freshness.
Health Benefits of Soaked Dried Apricots
Some of the soaked dried apricots benefits are mentioned here:
· Better Digestion and Gut Health
By softening the fruit and making it simpler to chew and digest, soaking dried apricots can help with digestion. Additionally, the higher water content encourages regular bowel movements and may lessen constipation symptoms.
· Improved Nutrient Absorption
Soaking dried apricots to rehydrate them can help the body absorb more vital nutrients. The fruit’s softer texture makes it easier for the digestive enzymes to break it down and absorb its nutrients.
· Control of Blood Sugar Levels
The fiber in soaked dried apricots slows down the bloodstream’s absorption of sugar, which contributes to blood sugar stabilization. Those who have diabetes or want to control their blood sugar levels may find this helpful.
· Enhanced Immune System
Dried apricots soaked in water benefits include vitamins and antioxidants, and they help to maintain healthy immune function. By soaking them in water, you may be able to increase the nutrients’ bioavailability, which can strengthen your immune system and help your body fight off infections and diseases.
· Possible Antioxidant Effects
Vitamin E and beta-carotene, two antioxidants included in dried apricots, aid in shielding cells from harm brought on by free radicals. Dried apricots that have been soaked may release more antioxidants, strengthening their ability to keep away oxidative damage.
are dried apples good for you
· Promotion of Healthy Skin
By encouraging the synthesis of collagen, lowering inflammation, and stimulating skin cell renewal, the vitamins and minerals in soaked dried apricots assist the development of healthy skin. Regularly eating dried apricots that have been soaked could preserve the flexibility of your skin.
Culinary Uses and Recipes for Soaked Dried Apricots
Dried apricots that have been soaked can be used in many savory and sweet recipes. They can be eaten as a healthy snack on their own or as an ingredient in baked goods, yogurt, oatmeal, breakfast cereals, and salads. Here are some easy dishes to try with soaking dried apricots:
- Overnight Oats with Apricots and Almonds
- Chicken Tagine with Apricot Inspired by Morocco
- Energy Balls with Walnuts and Apricots
Potential Risks and Considerations of Consuming Soaked Dried Apricots
While soaking dried apricots provides many health benefits, those who are allergic to sulfur dioxide or have sulfite sensitivity should be cautious because some dried apricots contain sulfur dioxide as a preservative. Furthermore, because of their natural sugar content, soaked dried apricots are high in calories. Therefore, moderation is essential, especially for people controlling their diabetes or limiting their calorie intake.
Dried apricots soaked in water benefits include improved digestion, better nutrient absorption, blood sugar control, boosted immunity, and potential antioxidant effects. They may also promote healthy skin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, because of their increased digestibility, potential antioxidant effects, and improved nutrient absorption, soaking dried apricots provides a lot of health benefits. People can achieve optimal dried apricots soaked in water benefits, such as improved digestion, regulated blood sugar, and immune system support. In addition, the adaptability of soaking dried apricots renders them a delightful and easy garnish for a range of culinary creations, including everything from spicy tagines to oatmeal for breakfast. For a similar boost to your meals, consider adding organic sultana raisins. To get the health benefits without suffering any negative side effects, it’s important to be aware of potential threats, such as sensitivity to sulfur dioxide and its calorie content, and to consume them in moderation.
currants vs raisins vs sultanas
High Quality Dried Apricots in Kourosh Foods Company
Kourosh Foods Company is dedicated to providing dried apricots of the highest quality, surpassing your expectations in terms of flavor, texture, and nutritional content. Our dried apricots are obtained from selected orchards and go through a drying procedure to maintain their original flavor and healthful properties. Dried apricots are a tasty and healthful snack since they are full of important vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Discover the superior quality of dried apricots from Kourosh Foods Company and improve your health right now. Call us today to place your order.
8 Health Benefits of Apricots
Bite into a ripe apricot, and your taste buds will enjoy a flavor that’s mainly sweet but also slightly tart. As a stone fruit, fresh apricots (scientific name: Prunus armeniaca) have a hard pit hidden in their center. And they’re mouth-wateringly ripe and ready to eat during the dog days of summer.
But apricots’ benefits don’t stop there. “Apricots are full of antioxidants, which help stave off chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease,” says registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, LD. “They also have nutrients that boost your eye, skin and gut health.”
Are apricots good for you?
Not only are apricots healthy, but some experts also consider them a superfood. They’re low in calories, high in fiber and, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), contain these important nutrients:
Czerwony explains how this list of nutritional MVPs benefits your health.
1. Helps prevent cancer and other chronic diseases
Beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins A, C and E all act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are natural compounds that shield your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
“Free radicals are molecules that are unstable because they’re missing an electron. They naturally occur in our bodies, but outside factors like pollution and cigarette smoke also cause them,” explains Czerwony. “Free radicals want an even number of electrons, so they steal electrons from other molecules in your body. From there, it’s a domino effect. More and more molecules become unstable, creating a situation known as oxidative stress.”
Oxidative stress happens when there are too many free radicals, leading to cell and tissue damage. Research has linked this process to chronic diseases, including:
- Cancer.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Antioxidants help prevent oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. Instead of stealing electrons from stable molecules, antioxidants take them from free radicals. This everyone-wins approach leaves both antioxidants and free radicals with the right number of electrons — stopping electron thievery, and the havoc it wreaks, in its tracks.
2. Helps vision and eye health
Apricots’ antioxidants protect your eyes as well. Studies show that vitamin A and beta-carotene, the substance your body uses to make vitamin A, are important for eye health. Beta-carotene is also what gives apricots (and carrots, another eye powerhouse) their trademark orange color.
Vitamin A and beta-carotene may help:
- Lower your risk of cataracts.
- Prevent night blindness.
- Reduce your risk of developing age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration.
- Reverse vision loss caused by vitamin A deficiency.
Vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin also work their antioxidant magic directly in your eyes. “They protect against oxidative stress that affects the cells in your eyes,” adds Czerwony.
3. Aids digestive health
A cup of apricots (155 grams) has about 3.1 grams of fiber. That gives you nearly 10% of your recommended daily amount if you’re between the ages of 19 and 30. (More, if you’re older.)
“Both soluble and insoluble fiber are gut health superstars, and apricots have both,” says Czerwony. “Insoluble fiber helps keep stool (poop) soft, so you can have more regular, productive bowel movements. Soluble fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria that inhabit your gut. Plus, fiber helps with weight management because it helps you feel fuller longer.”
Studies have also linked good gut health with:
- Better blood sugar control.
- Lower risk for obesity.
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
But be sure to eat apricots skin-on. “An apricot’s skin has most of its fiber,” shares Czerwony. “You can also up your fiber intake by eating them dried — dried apricots contain about three times more fiber than fresh ones. But don’t go wild. They also have almost six times more sugar in them.”
4. Helps maintain healthy skin
Not only do vitamins A and C protect skin cells from free radical damage, but vitamin C also helps increase the amount of collagen in your skin. Like the frame of a house, collagen gives your skin the structure it needs to be strong. “You naturally lose collagen as you age. This leads to those telltale signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles,” Czerwony says. “Vitamin C may help slow this process, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin.”
Research also shows that vitamins C and E may work together to protect your skin from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. And in a 2008 review of seven studies, researchers found that taking beta-carotene supplements for at least 10 weeks helped prevent people from getting sunburned.
Other apricot benefits
Extra credit: Apricots in your diet may also help:
- Keep you hydrated (apricots are about 86% water).
- Lower your blood pressure (you can thank potassium for that).
- Prevent liver damage (according to nonhuman studies).
- Restore electrolytes and your fluid balance after a workout (score two more for potassium and water).
How to add apricots to your diet
Fresh apricots are small, so don’t worry about overdoing it if you can’t stop at one, says Czerwony. “But if you have diabetes, be sure to pair them with a lean protein like nuts to prevent blood sugar spikes. While apricots and other fruits are a healthy source of carbs, too many can be unhealthy.”
Ditto on dried apricots, which tend to be higher in carbs and added sugars than fresh apricots. “Balance is the name of the game. Dried apricots are also higher in fiber and other nutrients than fresh apricots. So, enjoy them, but look for ones that don’t have added sugar. And pay attention to your serving size.”
Apricots are versatile. You can eat them fresh or bake them into desserts, muffins or scones. They taste great in trail mix, oatmeal, yogurt or paired with your favorite charcuterie.
“They even make a great addition to meat and poultry dishes,” suggests Czerwony. “Whether you consider yourself an apricot newbie or fan, you can’t go wrong.”
