✅Promotes clear skin.
✅Helps protect eye health
✅Promotes bowel regularity
✅Protects against free-radical damage
Native to eastern Asia, apricots were cultivated by the Chinese for thousands of years before they reached the rest of the world.Low in calories yet high in fiber and many key vitamins, apricots can be eaten fresh or dried, and the leaves and kernels can all be used.
Medicinally, they can help improve digestion, promote clear skin, and protect vision.
What is it good For?
Eye and skin health
Its high beta-carotene content is beneficial for aging eyes. Studies also show a regular high intake of nutrients such as vitamins C and E,zinc, and copper - all found in apricots - can reduce the risk of macular degeneration by 25 percent. They are also good for maintaining healthy skin.
Digestive health
Its high fiber content aids bowel regularity, which can help prevent constipation and even bowel cancer.
Anticancer effects
Its antioxidants can protect against free-radical damage linked to cancer and other diseases. The kernels also contain vitamin B17 (laetrile), shown in laboratory studies to kill cancer cells.
How do i get the best from it?
Eat fresh and dried.
Both are rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and E, and other key nutrients.Buy dried apricots without added sulfites.
Apricot kernel.
The seed inside the stone is edible.As well as its anticancer properties, it helps remove toxins and strengthens the body's defenses against disease.
Kernel oil.
Use the oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamins A, C, and E, for cooking and salad dressings.
How do i use it?
Lightly poached.
Poach fresh apricots in light syrup of 1 part honey and 3 parts water. Add 6 crushed cardamom pods and 1/2 vanilla bean, and simmer until just tender.
Pickled apricots.
Japanese umeboshi, or pickled plums, are actually apricots. Eaten with rice, they stimulate digestion and prevent nausea, including nausea from hangovers 😉
