Apricots

Today we are going to talk about apricots.  Why apricots since they are in season from May to September depending on your region?

Private Home Health Care is preparing you plus you can get them dried all year round.

Apricots are a stone fruit, so they have a pit like peaches and plums.  They do have their own unique flavor between sweet and tart.  

In addition to a great taste you’ll find many good nutrients in apricots.  Some people actually call them a superfood!

When you eat a fresh apricot you’ll get beta-carotene, potassium and vitamins A, C and E.  It also has lutein that is good for eye health and fiber.  All that in a small apricot.

All those good nutrients and fiber make you want to have a fresh apricot doesn’t it?

Right now we are in the middle of winter so fresh apricots for those of us in the northeast are not an option.  What to do?  Look for dried apricots which are available in grocery stores.

If you eat dried apricots you’ll still get benefits.  The fiber, potassium and vitamin A are still beneficial.  You’ll also get polyphenols that are plant compounds that can have a biological effect on your body.

Additionally, dried apricots can help to keep your blood sugar levels down by offsetting carbohydrates consumed.  Their GI levels have a low glycemic index which significantly lowers blood sugar levels.

For now, dried apricots are a great fruit to add to your diet.  When the spring comes, look to eat as many apricots as you can.  Your body will appreciate it.

Photo by Markus Spiske