Benefits of Apricots

Tasty apricots boost energy, protect the eyes and heart

If you were to check with NASA, they would tell you that apricots have been on the menu for astronauts in flight on many occasions including Apollo 15's trip to the moon. They are included in puddings and snack bars as quick sources of energy. 

In ages past, Chinese brides ate apricots to increase fertility. They didn't know why it did, but we now know that apricots are high in a mineral needed for the production of sex hormones.

Many of apricots' health benefits come from their high levels of carotenoids including alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene. The body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A, which has many healing qualities. It's a powerful antioxidant that protects the eyes from macular degeneration and greatly reduces the risk of getting cataracts.

Apricots protect your heart. Whether you eat this velvety fruit by hand or include it in recipes, you'll get plenty of lycopene, an important heart protector that fights formation of cholesterol, the bad kind. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture say lycopene is one of the strongest antioxidants.

Tasty apricots are high in fiber. That means eating them can help you lose weight, control high blood sugar, and lower cholesterol levels. Fiber is essential for keeping digestion regular. 

To get the most from apricots, buy them when they are still slightly firm. Once they are soft, healthful compounds begin to break down. Avoid those with green spots, because apricots don't ripen after they leave the tree. Pick yellow or orange fruits.

Apricot Breakfast Treat

Spread 3/4 C of low-fat granola without raisins into a glass serving bowl. Top with 1 C nonfat plain or lightly sweetened vanilla yogurt. 

Pit and thinly slice eight apricots and spread over the yogurt. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Then top by sprinkling with 1/4 C of granola. 

Doctor's Book of Food Remedies (Rodale).