The apricot may be small, but it is powerful when we talk about advantages for the organism. Under the heading Food of the Month, nutritionist Lillian Barros makes known the various advantages of consuming this fruit. Know them and see how to consume and conserve.
© Shutterstock
28/07/2026
by
The nutritional profile doesn't end here and there are more advantages you can get. “Also add betacarotene, precursor of vitamin A, important for vision, skin and immune system; vitamin C, with antioxidant action and important for the formation of collagen; potassium, which contributes to the regulation of blood pressure and muscle function; and phenolic and carotenoid compounds, which help to protect cells from oxidative stress.”
Thus, regular consumption of this fruit can bring several advantages to the organism, as Lillian Barros explains. “ Regular consumption of apricots can contribute to promoting a balanced diet with low caloric value; protect cells from early aging thanks to antioxidants; promote ocular health due to beta-carotene and lutein; improve intestinal transit by fiber content; support cardiovascular health, thanks to potassium and antioxidants; and contribute to a healthy skin, as it provides important nutrients for the production of collagen and protection against the damage of free radicals.”
How to Choose and Recipe Tips
The nutritionist reveals that the apricots can be eaten to the natural, with yogurt and dried fruits, with natural yogurt and dried fruits, in oatmeal, salads, smoothies, homemade jams with low sugar, grilled as accompaniment of lean meats, healthy desserts, fruit skewers, but also with fresh cheese, curly cheese or cottage cheese.
When choosing them, take into account those with a uniform color between yellow and orange and a pleasant aroma. Still count on “little compromise to touch without being soft and smooth skin and without dark spots or signs of mold”. Leave a big tip. “A more intense coloration usually indicates a higher concentration of carotenoids.”
They can remain at room temperature when they are still green. More mature, they can be stored in a refrigerator and consumed between two and four days. In this case, “they should be removed from the cold about 20 to 30 minutes before consuming to recover aroma and flavor”.
Aperce: Is the skin beneficial?
Some people prefer skin removal, but the nutritionist reveals that it is best to leave it anyway. “ Whenever possible the skin should be consumed, after well washed. The bark concentrates part of the fiber, antioxidants and phenolic compounds. Fibre helps in satiety, blood glucose control and good bowel function.”
Attention should be paid to the consumption of the dehydrated version, which in Portugal is often called dry apricot. “Consuming only the dehydrated version makes you forget that you have much more concentrated sugar.
This is also a fruit that can help in weight loss since it is low calorie, rich in water, fiber and very satiating. Still, Lillian Barros leaves a recommendation.
“ However, no food in itself loses weight. Weight loss always results from a balanced eating pattern associated with a healthy lifestyle.”