8 Awesome Apricot Benefits and Delicious Recipes

Belonging to the Rosaceae family, apricot (scientific name: Prunus armeniaca) is a nutritious and tasty fruit, with an orange color, soft pulp and thin skin. Its flavor resembles the flavors of plums and peaches.

Ariane Longo, clinical nutritionist and herbalist at the Gastro Obeso Center, explains that apricot is a fruit rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin. It also has a high content of fiber, potassium and iron.

The fruit can be consumed in both fresh and dried versions, and dried apricots are widely used in various recipes, always giving a refined touch to the dishes.

Learn more about this fruit that offers incredible health benefits and can be your ally in the kitchen!

8 health benefits of apricot

There are many advantages of consuming apricots, due to the high concentration of nutrients present in the fruit:

1. Preventing and fighting cancer: as it is an excellent source of antioxidants, apricot helps fight free radicals (which, in turn, can favor the emergence of cancer, among other diseases).

2. Improvement of the immune system: in addition to the antioxidant power, apricot can promote health as a whole and help fight various types of problems, as it contains high levels of vitamin A and C, which stimulate the immune system.

3. Eye health ally: source of vitamin A, vitamin C, carotenoids and beta-carotene, apricot, when consumed frequently, helps reduce the risk of vision problems.

4. Fight constipation: as it is rich in fiber, apricot significantly helps in the treatment of constipation.

5. Bone health ally: the fruit contains important nutrients for healthy bone growth and helps prevent age-related conditions (such as osteoporosis). With anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help prevent pain.

6. Helps in weight loss: rich in fiber, the fruit provides more satiety and, with its sweet taste (especially in the dry version), helps reduce the desire for sweets, thus being a great ally in a weight loss diet.

7. Heart friendly: apricot contains important properties for good heart health, fighting, for example, excess cholesterol and blood pressure.

8. Fight anemia: as it is a source of iron and copper, apricot significantly helps to prevent anemia.

In addition to the consumption of the fruit, apricot oil is often used as an ally of beauty: with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it contributes to skin health, fighting, for example, acne and signs of aging.

Apricot: potent ally of the slimming process

If inserted into a balanced eating plan, preferably guided by a nutritionist, apricot can offer good advantages for those who want to lose weight. The dry version is usually found more easily and is more used in weight loss diets.

“Fresh apricots, like other fruits, should be consumed in a short period, as they spoil easily. For its conservation, the ideal is that it is stored away from sunlight and at room temperature, or in glass jars with lids under refrigeration. Dried apricots, on the other hand, because they are dehydrated, have a longer shelf life and have a higher fructose value,” says Ariane.

“Because it contains a high fiber content, dried apricots provide satiety, helping with low-calorie diets. However, you cannot exaggerate and exceed the amount of 4 to 5 units per day, as each unit contains approximately 6g of carbohydrate and 23 calories”, adds the nutritionist.

“Apricots are usually indicated for intermediate snacks, preferably associated with a mix of oilseeds or in preparations with yogurts”, says Ariane. It can also be used to naturally sweeten some recipes, such as pies and cakes.

Recipes with apricot to change the menu

There are plenty of reasons to include apricots on your menu, so why not write down some ideas for dishes to prepare with the fruit?

1. Apricot and passion fruit jelly: very simple to prepare, this jelly is perfect to accompany breads, crackers or toast. You will only need apricot, passion fruit juice, apple, granulated sugar, cognac, vanilla paste and water.

2. Apricot candy with coconut: light, delicious and with an exquisite touch, this candy is great to serve at parties and celebrations. In addition to the main ingredients (apricot and coconut), you will only use sugar, water and candy molds!

3. Gorgonzola, apricot and walnut paste: a simply delicious option to serve with bread. Good tip for when you have guests at home and want to offer a neat starter before dinner! Everyone will love it!

4. Banana, apricot and chocolate cake: a healthy cake without ceasing to be tasty! It does not contain any flour and is sweetened with natural apricot sugars. But, it is essential to use a dark or semisweet chocolate in the recipe, as they have a higher cocoa content.

5. Vegan apricot cheesecake: this version is served in a cup and, in addition to being beautiful, it’s delicious! In addition, it is easy to make and a good alternative to serve on special occasions, such as Easter, Christmas, New Year.

6. Brie cheese pastry with apricot: the combination of flavors of brie cheese with apricot and thyme is divine! The recipe is easy, vegetarian. A great snack suggestion to gather friends and family.

7. Pork loin with apricot puree and spinach rice: a recipe that is very easy to make and that, if you want, you can prepare the day before and, on the day of serving, just assemble the dish. Ideal for a special family lunch.

8. Moroccan couscous with apricots and raisins: a delicious and different side dish. You will need apricots, white raisins, black raisins, onions, white wine, Moroccan couscous, water, butter, salt and ground pepper.

9. Chicken with apricot sauce: a chicken sassami recipe that gets a sophisticated touch because of the apricot. But it’s easy to make, besides being delicious and with a party flavor!

Contraindications and warnings about consumption

Ariane points out that, if consumed in excess, apricot can lead to episodes of diarrhea, due to the high fiber content (which accelerates intestinal motility). “And, because it contains a lot of carbohydrate, it can also increase the caloric value of the diet”, warns the nutritionist.

Remember that apricot can be a good ally for your health, including in a weight loss process, but for that, it must be consumed moderately and associated with a balanced diet.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.