Compared to common fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, and pears, apricots get no play. (Don’t be ashamed though, I’m just as guilty of overlooking these fruits.)

The fact remains however, apricots are just as healthy and versatile as those fruits, if not more so.

Not only are they healthy, apricots are also very low in calories. There are only about 50 calories in three apricots. That’s right just THREE!

Like many fruits, there are a few different kinds of apricots. Usually though, you’ll only find one or two different kinds at your neighborhood market.

Fortunately, every apricot has the same health benefits so you would only have to make your choice based on taste not its benefit.

Here are some of the benefits I could find…

Video Overview

Cancer Prevention
Apricots have powerful antioxidants that aid in protecting the body from free radical activity and damage to cells and DNA.

Also, apricot seeds fight cancer due to their laetrile (aka B17) content.

High In Antioxidants

They are great sources of vitamins A and C, providing 20% of one’s daily value per serving.

Heart Health
Studies show that the beta carotene found in apricots play a positive role in cardiovascular health and heart disease prevention. They also help prevent oxidation to LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and detoxify the blood.

High In Fiber
The high fiber content in apricots could be vital in colon health. It’s great for digestion, helps balance metabolism, and aids in maintaining a healthy body weight.

Eye Health
The vitamin A and carotenoids in apricots help strengthen the eyes.

Anemia
Apricots contain a good amount of iron and copper, both of which may help in the formation of hemoglobin.

Skin Health
Rubbing apricot oil on the skin may help calm the symptoms of ailments such as eczema and scabies.

Weight Loss
As I mentioned before, apricots are a low calorie, nutrient rich food source and because of that, they are great fruits to add to a weight loss plan.

I don’t know about you, but I plan to go out and buy some as soon as I can.

As usual, eating fruits and veggies as raw as possible is the best way to go so here are a few apricot smoothie recipes for you to try.

Apricot-Strawberry Smoothie
2-4 apricots
1 apple
½ cup strawberries
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1 whole carrot
1/2 – 1 cup water

Apricot-Ginger Smoothie
2-4 apricots
1 apple
1 small stalk celery
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1 tbs ginger (to taste)
1/2 cup water

Apricot-Peach Smoothie
2 apricots
1 peach
1 whole carrot (optional)
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1/2 cup water

Apricot-Banana Smoothie
2-4 apricots
1 whole banana
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1/2 cup water

Thanks for reading you guys! If you try any of these smoothies, have a recipe of your own, or would just like to say HI, feel free.

Below are some of our top picks for  Dried Appricots that are so yummy you gotta give them a try!

Herbalia Dried Apricots

Oh! Nuts Dried Turkish Apricots

Dried Apricot Fruit Snack by Fuel by Nature

The post SuperFood: A – Apricots appeared first on Always Eat Good.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”… Well, apples can…

Video Overview

1. Aid in getting you whiter, healthier teeth

2. Help you avoid Alzheimer’s

3. Protect against Parkinson’s

4. Curb many kinds of caners

5. Decrease your  risk of diabetes

6. Reduce cholesterol

7. Get a healthier heart

8. Prevent gallstones

9. Beat diarrhea and constipation

10. Neutralize irritable bowel syndrome

11. Avert hemorrhoids

12. Control  your weight

13. Detoxify your liver

14. Boost your immune system

15. Prevent cataracts

Eating them raw is the best way to get the full benefits that they provide. Here are a few simple apple smoothies you can make…

Apple-Lemon
2 apples
1/2 lemon juiced
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1 whole carrot
1/2 cup of water

Apple-Grape
1 apple
1 cup red grapes
1 whole carrot
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1/2 cup water

Apple-Pear-Banana
1 apple
1 banana
1 pear
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1 stalk of celery
1/2 – 1 cup water

Apple-Blueberry
1 apple
1 cup blueberries
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
¼ avocado
1/2 cup water

Apple Green
2 apples
2 cups fresh baby spinach (or other leafy green)
1 celery stalk (optional)
1/2 cup water

Making Smoothies are super quick and easy, especially if you have the perfect smoothie maker! Our all time favorite Nutribullet Blender does a fantastic job!

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, the Magic Bullet Blender performs and delivers, at a lesser price.

The post SuperFood: A – Apple appeared first on Always Eat Good.