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How Apricots are Good for Your Health
Nutrient Content
Vitamins
Excellent Source of:
- Vitamin A – 60%
- Vitamin C – 26%
Also a Source of:
- Vitamin E – 7%
- Vitamin K – 6%
- Niacin – 5%
- Riboflavin – 4%
- Vitamin B6 – 4%
Minerals
Good Source of:
- Potassium – 11%
Also a Source of:
- Copper – 6%
- Manganese – 6%
- Magnesium – 4%
- Phosphorus – 4%
Other
Good Source of:
- Fiber – 12%
Also a Source of:
- Antioxidants – Beta Carotene, Flavonoids, Lutein, Lycopene, Zeaxanthin
- Protein – 4%
*All nutritional info found at (1)

How Apricots Prevent Chronic Disease
Apricots, like many other fruits, have been found to help in the prevention of a number of chronic diseases impacting Americans.
How Apricots Prevent Cancer
- Beta Carotene: Beta carotene, which gives apricots their bright orange color, is effective in cancer prevention. Beta carotene may help prevent cancers of the breast, lung, and pancreas. (2,3,4)
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids are another class of antioxidants unique to plants that have cancer-preventive characteristics. They suppress cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and irregular cell growth while promoting apoptosis (cancer cell death). (5)
- Fiber: In many studies, it has been argued that fiber protects against cancer development when obtained through diet. Its effects have been most extensively studied on gastrointestinal cancers. (6)
How Apricots Prevent Diabetes
How Apricots Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases
- Blood Pressure: Potassium has a major role in combating high blood pressure, as it helps combat the adverse effects of salt intake on blood pressure. (10) Blood pressure is a risk factor associated with a number of other diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke. (11, 12, 13)
- Heart Disease: Daily fruit consumption has been shown to reduce heart disease risk by as much as 40%. (15) According to the American Heart Association, try to consume 4 servings a day! (16)
- Stroke: Regular fruit consumption can prevent stroke. The potassium in apricots helps lower blood pressure, which in turn reduces risk of stroke as well. (17) The fiber consumed in an apricot also helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels, which can clog up our arteries and cause a stroke by cutting off blood flow to the brain–what is known as a brain embolism. (18, 19)
Apricots Promote a Number of Health Benefits
Apricots can play an important role in preventative health, but they also promote additional health benefits.
How Apricots Promote Digestion
Apricots are a source of both soluble and insoluble fibers, which aid in digestion. (20)
How Apricots Promote Immune Health
How Apricots Promote Vision
Several components of apricots work to promote good eye health
- Vitamin A – Vitamin A, and its precursor, beta carotene, work to prevent night blindness, as our bodies convert them into rhodopsin, the pigment responsible for night vision. Vitamin A also protects against macular degeneration or vision loss. (23)
- Lutein & Zeaxanthin – These two antioxidants work to neutralize dangerous wavelengths of light and help maintain healthy eye cells. (24)
How Apricots Promote Weight Loss
Apricots are low in calories and high in fiber, so they help to fill you up for a more extended period and may prevent overeating as a result.
Concerns With Apricots
Try to avoid consuming a lot of apricot kernels, or seeds, as over consumption may lead to cyanide poisoning. (25)