“The Apricot is said to contribute to the longevity of the . . .”

In this week’s A-Z email of Everyday Foods we are talking about the delicious, nutritionally-filled Apricot.

The Apricot is said to have originated from China and its history dates back thousands of years.  Apricots then spread throughout Europe, America and are now grown around the world.  In Australia Apricots are commonly grown in South Australia but other States such as Tasmania, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria grow apricots, but to a lesser degree.

The Hunza, a tribe living in the Himalayan Mountains, are known to live into their 100’s and some say the secret to their longevity is eating apricots and apricot seeds, one of the most precious foods that make up their diet.  Within the Hunza Tribe, some Western civilisation health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer etc do not exist.  It must also be noted that the Hunza do not eat processed foods; use only natural pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers.

The fruit, kernels, oils and flowers of the Apricot have been used in medicine throughout time, especially in Chinese Medicine.  Apricot Kernel Oil is a favourite carrier oil in Aromatherapy applications as it is so beneficial for the skin.  Also many cancer sufferers have reported gaining great healing benefits from eating apricot kernels daily, of course under specific treatment.

This delightful fruit is laden with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and many B Group Vitamins, iron, fibre, potassium, copper, magnesium and beta-carotene.
Here are some benefits our body may gain from eating Apricots regularly:

• May help control blood pressure
• May help rid our bodies of bad cholesterol
• Relieves constipation
• Aids digestion
• May slow anti-aging
• May protect the heart against disease
• Great for eyesight
• May reduce the risk of some types of stomach & intestinal cancers
• The fresh juice can help skin conditions such as eczema, sunburn and dry itchy spots.

The Apricot season in Australia is from late spring and through the summer months.  To keep up your Apricot intake during other times of the year, you can purchase dried apricots, but please make sure they are naturally dried and do not contain the preservative sulphur dioxide or other additives.  Upon drying, the nutrients of the apricot become more concentrated.  Just a few a day is all you need.

Until Next Time,

Dedicated to Improving Your Wellbeing, Committed To Helping You Achieve Abundance,