Getting enough iron in your diet each day is essential for a healthy gastrointestinal system, preventing anemia, keeping a stable body temperature, and several other bodily functions.
Luckily, many common foods are rich in iron, including some fruits.
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Are Apricots High or Low in Iron?
Apricots are a good source of iron and don't contain too many calories. Including them in a balanced diet can help prevent iron deficiency or treat anemia.
They're also a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and copper. Apricots are also loaded with antioxidants, which help prevent several chronic conditions.
How Much Iron Is in Apricots?
One cup of halved apricots contains 0.6 mg of iron, about 4% of the recommended daily intake. This serving contains just 74 calories, which is an excellent calorie-nutrient ratio.
Dried fruit usually contains a lot more iron, but fresh apricots are one of the few exceptions.
Can You Get Enough Iron from Apricots?
A one-cup serving of apricots contains 27% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which improves iron absorption.
Eating foods containing both nutrients, like apricots, means your body gets more of the iron available.
Fresh produce like apricots are important to any healthy diet, as iron from natural sources is easier for your body to absorb and use than iron supplements.
Can Eating Apricots Help Prevent Anemia?
Apricots and apricot products are good sources of iron. So, adding them to your diet can certainly help prevent iron deficiency anemia.
Apricots also contain a good amount of copper, which maintains healthy blood vessels and helps prevent cardiovascular disease. Like vitamin C, it also aids iron absorption, further decreasing your risk of anemia.
Is Apricot Juice High in Iron?
One cup of apricot juice contains about 1 mg of iron, which is around 5% of the recommended daily intake. This makes apricot juice one of the best juices you can drink to boost your iron intake.
Apricot juice and nectar are also loaded with nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and copper. These are crucial for bodily functions such as blood flow and pressure.
Are Canned Apricots High in Iron?
One cup of canned apricots contains 1.2 mg of iron, about 7% of the recommended daily intake. Adding some apricots canned in light syrup or water to your diet could further boost your iron intake without adding too many calories.
Apricots preserved this way are also higher in fiber, vitamin A, and potassium, and their lower calorie count reduces your risk of diabetes or gaining weight.
Are Dried Apricots High in Iron?
Dried apricots are an excellent source of iron, with half a cup containing about 1.7 mg of iron, 7% of the recommended daily intake.
Besides iron, dried fruits like apricots contain a lot of potassium, copper, and manganese, which are all important nutrients for the health of your cardiovascular system and bones.
Dried apricots are also high in fiber and vitamin A. Fiber helps keep your digestive system healthy, and vitamin A protects your eyes from damage.
Conclusion
Apricots are a good source of iron and come with very few calories.
Eating them also increases your intake of vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and several powerful antioxidants.
Sources: Nutrition Data, Research Gate, PMC, and National Library of Medicine