The apricot is a stone fruit, smaller than a peach, yellowish in color. Its virtues have been recognized for 4,000 years. Believed to have originated in China, the apricot was first introduced to Europe during the time of Alexander the Great,...
Americans are encouraged to eat one to two cups of fruit everyday. Dried fruits like apricots are a good source of fiber and can be included in a healthful diet as a fruit serving. These fruits can provide lots of vitamins and minerals, but...
People should eat at least two cups of fresh fruit each day, according to a 2008 article in "The New York Times." Dried fruit, such as dried apricots, can make it easier to meet these goals since it can be kept in the pantry for snacking or use in...
Soy nuts are made from the dry-roasted mature seeds of the soybean plant. Like dried apricots, soy nuts are a handy and portable snack that provides several key nutrients to your diet. Both soy nuts and dried apricots are suitable for consumption...
Fruit in general provides a good source of dietary fiber. Figs specifically make MayoClinic.com's list of high-fiber fruits. Both figs and dried apricots can help you meet your recommended fruit quota of 1 1/2 cups to 2 cups daily. Keep in mind...
Apricots, and all fruits in their natural states, are not glutenous. Products made with apricots, such as baked goods, syrups and other processed products, may contain gluten as one of the additional ingredients. Canned and dried apricots are only...
Vitamins are essential for life and help to regulate all the metabolic processes that happen within you. Dried fruits do not usually contain vitamins D or K and due to the drying process these fruit products only provide small amounts of vitamin...
Many people grow up snacking on raisins handed to them by their moms as a healthy option over sugary snacks. Raisins and other dried fruits are sweet and chewy, making for a suitable substitute to candy. If you have ever questioned the nutritional...
Electrolytes are essential chemical substances that are necessary for the metabolism of all the cells in your body. Electrolytes include potassium and sodium. It is very important that you maintain the balance of these electrolytes in your body...
Baking a homemade apricot cake with a gourmet filling is relatively simple and makes a good treat. This preparation uses apricot preserves to infuse apricot flavor into the batter. When you slice into the apricot cake, you get a burst of fruit in...
High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases your risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, but you may be able to lower your numbers by improving your diet. Apricots may be beneficial because they contain some essential nutrients for...
The Syrians call small, rice-shaped pasta "lissan al assfour," or "bird's tongues," because of their oval shape. This pasta is called "orzo" in the United States. Orzo is used in recipes all over the Middle East, and it can be prepared in a...
Dried fruit is often referred to as "nature's candy." It is naturally sweet with a satisfying texture and just the right amount of chewiness. Dried fruit has many concentrated nutritional benefits in the form of important fiber and minerals. It is...
If you don't like or can't eat wheat or corn, you don't have to miss out on stuffing. You can make your familiar stuffing recipe with a combination of wild and white rice instead of bread or cornbread crumbs. Wild rice isn't related to rice; it's...
Whether your goal is to lose weight or simply live a healthier lifestyle, snacking on healthy foods is essential to your overall health. Healthy snacks help ensure that your body receives the necessary nutrients and prevent you from binge eating...
A long-time tradition in Germany, serving pork chops and sauerkraut on New Year's Eve is believed to bring blessings and good luck throughout the coming year. Typically made from cast-iron or enamel, Dutch ovens are designed to be used on top of...
Apricots may come in a small package but provide a good amount of fiber, vitamin A, potassium and carotenoids for their size. Fresh, dried or as a delicious jam, the musky flavor of apricots appeals to those who enjoy brandy or fruit flavored...
Store-bought cereals often contain excessive sugar, which can lead to health problems over time. According to MayoClinic.com, consuming too much sugar may cause tooth decay, poor nutrition, weight gain and a high level of triglycerides in the...
Even though veal is a more tender meat than its mature counterpart, the shoulder area still contains a lot of connective tissue and may be tougher than the rest. Veal shoulder does well with a slow-cooking method such as roasting or braising,...
Because the dehydration process removes the moisture from fruit, dried fruits are a more concentrated source of carbohydrates, fiber and some other essential nutrients than fresh fruits. However, dehydration may degrade some of the vitamins that...
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common causes of stretch marks are pregnancy, medication, weight gain and certain medical conditions like Marfan syndrome and Cushing's disease. Stretch marks generally appear reddish or brown, and often look...
Fruit may have a starring place in your daily diet because it is a healthy way to get many of the key vitamins and minerals you need for good health. One mineral present in fruit is potassium. Potassium is an essential nutrient because it plays a...
Potassium is an essential mineral necessary for the proper functioning of the kidneys, cardiovascular system, digestion, muscular contractions and the skeletal system. Potassium can be found in fruits and vegetables as well as in members of the...
Fruit and nuts are compatible foods that go well together in many snacks and dishes. Both are beneficial to your health; fruit contains fiber and a plethora of vitamins and minerals, and it is also a sweet alternative to processed sugary snacks....
Purchasing pre-packaged protein bars and shakes can put a dent in your budget. Many of these bars and shakes contain added supplements, preservatives and sugar. Make these products at home to save money and to make sure they contain only natural...
Dried fruits -- fruit with a moisture content of less than 20 percent -- retain all the nutrients of fresh fruit, but contain more sugar and calories per ounce. However, dried fruits don't have to torpedo your weight-control strategy; they are...
Citric acid is a weak acid that adds a mild sour flavor to fruits. Most commonly associated with citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes and oranges, citric acid is found in smaller concentrations in other fruits and vegetables. Though not a citrus...
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that supports the immune system, aids in cell growth and, in conjunction with vitamin E, functions as an antioxidant to protect cells from free radical damage. The recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, for...
Potassium is a trace mineral necessary to balance the sodium level in your body at the cellular level. Reducing your sodium intake to help control hypertension may result in an imbalance that you can correct by eating potassium-rich foods. If you...