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Apricots are amongst the sexiest of fruits. Tactile, its skin soft and velvety, the apricot boasts a sunset-orange color that reminds us of hot, sunny places. The aroma is beautifully perfumed and the taste of the fresh, ripe fruit is sweet, its texture moist and soft on the tongue. Luscious!

That such a wonderful food can also be good for your health is one of life's little bonuses!

Whether you eat them fresh or dried, or even if you join the growing number of people putting your faith in the cancer-healing powers of its kernels, the apricot is a difficult fruit to beat and many nations have extolled its virtues.

In olden days the Chinese ascribed it a romantic and sensual nature that could arouse the libido.

At www.mountainvoices.org/Testimo ny.asp%3Fid=581.html you can read a Pakistani woman's personal testimony describing how people from the Hunza region used apricots as a medicine. The fruit was used as a remedy against the plague and the kernels were applied in bandages to heal open wounds.

These Hunza people are renowned for living healthily into their nineties or longer and the population has a negligible cancer-rate. Part of their mineral-rich diet are their apricots, that are allowed to dry on the tree, taking on a crinklier and browner appearance than we are used to seeing. Not so sexy perhaps but very beneficial to them!

The Hunzas also have a role to play in a current dispute about the health benefits of apricot kernels. They remove the kernels and use them in a variety of ways: ground and roasted, use the oil for cooking and as a facial lotion.

Apricot kernels are rich in Vitamin B17 which is thought by many to have significant anti-cancer properties.

However, recently a controversy has arisen over the safe use of apricot kernels. Some countries' Food Agencies have warned that over-consumption can lead to illness as a result of the cyanide present in the kernels. Now, cyanide in food is nothing new - it is present in a number of foods, including strawberries. And who hasn't occasionally over-indulged in strawberries?

However, despite the controversy, many still put their trust in apricot kernels. For instance, see www.regenerativenutrition.com/ content.asp?id=79 for details on their health benefits.

Even if you decide that the kernels are not for you because of the controversy, nobody has any doubts over the health benefits of the flesh of the fruit, either fresh or dried.

These are the facts-
- apricots provide fiber to assist in healthy digestion and digestive function;
- apricots contain high levels of potassium which helps maintain an adequate blood pressure;
- apricots are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant with significant health promoting properties such as fighting cancer cells and lowering the risk from heart disease, strokes and cataracts.

So, you know it makes sense! When you feel those hunger pangs in the middle of the day don't reach for the high sugar, high fat and high salt snack option! You could do much better with some fresh, juicy apricots or, if you can't source them, a handy sized packet of dried ones to chew on and help you through to the next meal.

Sumptuous flavor and a boost to your health all in one! That's the apricot!

Learn more about this author, Alex Tours.
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