Apricots: The Unexpected Summer Superfood

Summer is here, and that means fresh, seasonal treats are back in the spotlight. Among the tastiest is the apricot, a stone fruit bursting with flavor and health benefits. Beyond its juicy sweetness, this fruit offers a range of advantages. Here’s a look at why you shouldn’t skip apricots this season.

Fiber Powerhouse

Apricots stand out due to their high fiber content, both soluble and insoluble. According to nutritionist Itziar Digón, this is advantageous. “They are good for intestinal transit,” she notes, “and they also feed our microbiota.”

Nutritionist Laura Parada adds that apricots aid digestion and promote intestinal motility. This can alleviate unpleasant digestive issues, such as constipation, particularly in their dried form.

Foods rich in fiber provide potential advantages, especially in minimizing bloating. Be mindful of the quantity, since too much fiber can cause abdominal bloating.

Beat the Bloat and Boost Your Brain

Besides fiber, apricots help reduce bloating because they are a source of potassium, which acts as a diuretic, improving fluid retention, notes Parada. The natural acids present, such as malic and citric acid, also aid digestion and nutrient absorption. However, these acids decrease as the fruit ripens.

The gut microbiota benefits from the fiber in apricots, which is good for the brain, says pharmacist and Well-feeling Club founder Irache Alonso. “When we consume fiber-rich foods, our intestinal microbiota ferments, releasing short-chain fatty acids,” she says. “Those acids reduce neuroinflammation and help with emotional balance and prevent neurodegenerative disorders.”

Sweetness and Skin Benefits

Digón says that a whole apricot usually has about 20 calories. Eating three apricots is only equal to one serving of fruit. Apricots are low in calories because they are high in water and have modest carbohydrates.

Additionally, apricots are low in fructose, which makes them a good option for those with intestinal inflammation.

Beauty Benefits

Apricots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, which is beneficial for the skin. Dermatologists often recommend them. Dr. Mar Mira of Clínica Mira + Cueto includes them in her antioxidant-rich food plans, noting that apricots are a main source of pro-vitamin A, which is essential for the skin.

Dr. María José Crispín of Clínica Menorca highlights the high beta-carotene content, stating that the natural pigments and antioxidants support melanin production. This makes apricots useful for preparing the skin for sun exposure. Eating fiber-rich foods like apricots is associated with a 12% reduction in bloating, according to recent studies (National Institutes of Health, 2017).

A Summer Essential

With all these health benefits, it’s easy to see why apricots are the ultimate summer fruit. From improved digestion to glowing skin, adding apricots to your diet is a delicious way to boost your health this season.