Connie Raines

Health Benefits of the Amazing Apricot



Posted: Tuesday, October 18, 2011

by Connie Raines
Connies Herbalife Biz

The Many Health Benefits of the Amazing Apricot

Apricots are small, golden-orange fruits with velvety skin and flesh, not too juicy but definitely smooth and sweet. Some think of the flavor as being somewhere between a plum and a peach.

The apricot is a fantastic fruit which is loaded with health benefits. Whether fresh or dried, eating apricots will help you fight the effects of aging, prevent heart disease, protect your eyesight and ward off cancer. Apricots contain phytochemicals called carotenoids which are compounds that give red, orange and yellow colors to fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids are antioxidants that help your body prevent heart disease by reducing the LDL in the blood. Another powerful antioxidant, lycopene is one of the carotenoids found in apricots. This fantastic fruit is also loaded with beta carotene, Vitamin A, iron, dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and several B Vitamins.

Heart--- The amazing carotenoid, lycopene protects the heart by reducing the blood levels of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL=bad cholesterol). LDL causes the formation of plaque in blood vessels, which can cause a number of heart diseases. Eating dried apricots as a snack can pump up your levels of potassium, magnesium and copper. These important nutrients help control blood pressure, and prevent heart disease.

Cancer Prevention---Lycopene helps in fighting breast, prostate, and several other cancers. The beta-carotene in apricots reduces the risk of some types of stomach and intestinal cancers. To get these benefits, experts suggest getting at least 5 mg. of beta-carotine each day. That's equal to about 6 fresh apricots.

Vitamin A--- Apricots are a good source of Vitamin A which is essential for good eye health. This can guard against macular degeneration, which is the biggestr cause of age-related blindness. Apricots is also important for cataract prevention.

Iron---Apricots are high in iron, which can help to treat anemia because it helps to produce hemoglobin. This can benefit women with heavy menstrual periods and are a good choice for pregnant women as a natural source of dietary iron.

Fiber---Apricots are an excellent source of fiber which has the health benefit of preventing constipation and digestive conditions such as diverticulosis. As few as five dried apricots can give you up to 3 grams of fiber. This will help to flush the bad cholesterol out of your system before it has a chance to clog up your arteries. Apricots can relieve acidity in the stomach and calm down flatulence.

Apricots are easy to work into your diet. You can buy them fresh at the produce department. When eaten in moderation, dried apricots are a compact, convenient form of nutrition and a great snack. Just keep them in your desk at work, in your gym bag or your car. Serve fresh apricots on your green salad when they are in season. Enjoy!
Connie Raines, R.N. and Independant Herbalife Distributor. Her goal is to equip people with useful information which will inspire and empower them to live a healthy lifestyle. May GOD bless you as you walk the path that leads to good health and longer life! Visit her website at http://FeelingGreat.HerbalHub.com. Learn how to achieve your goals for successful weight loss, increased energy, and overall good health from a great tasting, clinically proven weight loss program! See the Results, visit today for your good health.
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