Health Benefits and Consumption Tips for Dried Apricots

Alperen Öztürk

Plant Biotechnologist

3 min read
Health Benefits and Consumption Tips for Dried Apricots

The main benefit of dried apricots is the high amount of energy, potassium, calcium, and fiber. Apart from these substances in high amounts, their active ingredients are beneficial for diseases such as asthma, high blood pressure, anemia, and high fever.

health-benefits-apricots

Health Benefits of Dried Apricots

Dried apricot has very inconvenient and intensive processing compared to many agricultural products. Despite the challenges faced during the production phase, it has many advantages that make it worthwhile. First of all, it provides a more systematic functioning of the intestines, which experts now call the second brain of the body, regulates liver functions, satiates, rejuvenates the skin, energizes, is useful for eye health with the vitamins it contains, is a rich source of potassium, magnesium, and calcium, and protects against heart health and heart attack, which is a widespread problem for the middle-aged people. However, it is important to remember that dried apricots are not medicine and are not used directly to treat any disease. Like any other food, they should be consumed in moderation and not in excessive quantities.

Consumption Suggestions for the Dried Apricots

Meals prepared with dried and sun-dried apricots can help you break your eating routine and experience different flavors. They can be added to meals and salads as a moderately acidic element or become the main ingredient to enhance meal appearance and nutritional value.  

The minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants in the fruit have beneficial effects on preventing anemia, contributing to heart, eye, and bone health, and regulating the digestive system. However, their overconsumption of can cause some problems.  

Dried apricots accelerate intestinal transit and affect the microbial flora, especially when consumed in excess of water. To avoid this effect, which causes abdominal pain and diarrhea, a maximum of 8 dried apricots per day should be consumed. This number is 4 for children, and for infants, half or one dried apricot puree is sufficient to obtain the necessary beneficial effects.  

If you want to eat more dried apricots because of your diet, find a nut that will balance it out. For example, apricot kernels (almonds) have the opposite effect of dried apricots and balance each other out. However, overconsumption of the kernel can lead to some negative health effects. Amygdalin, which is naturally found in the bitter pip of apricots, can be converted to cyanide after consumption and cause poisoning. Therefore, adults, especially children, should consume it with caution. Patients with kidney failure should also be cautious when eating apricots.

Try cutting the sun-dried apricot in half and placing walnuts in between. These two complementary flavors will be both nutritious and an indispensable snack.  

Try eating yellow-dried apricots with the apricot's kernel. This is a very popular method in Malatya/Turkey, the home of the apricot, and the surrounding regions. You can also try roasting apricot kernels like hazelnuts.

References

https://www.memorial.com.tr/saglik-rehberi/kayisinin-faydalari

https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173941/nutrients

Further reading

Harvesting Apricot Trees – Apricot Tree Yield and Storage

Apricot Tree Information and Varieties

Apricot Soil Requirements, Soil preparation, and Planting

Nutrition Value, Health Benefits, Uses, and Interesting facts about Apricot

How to store apricots

Dehydrating Fruits and Vegetables for High-Quality Export

How to Dehydrate Tropical Fruits for Natural, Healthy Snacks