by Jaye Lynne

Created on: May 13, 2008   Last Updated: June 16, 2008

It's morning and the first hint of light is peeking through your bedroom window. "Wake up!" it says. "Five more minutes of sleep" you say. I have a reason for you to hop out of bed, a bowl of apricot halves, and you can even add a teaspoon of cream.

Originating from China apricots are still considered an aphrodisiac in many countries. Travel and trade introduced them to Northern Europe and the New World, first to Mexico, then, to the California missions. And today, California is the main producer of this vitamin rich fruit.

As part of the Rosaceae family, apricots are cousins to the apple, pear, strawberry, peach and rose. They are rich in the phytochemical beta-carotene as well as being a good source of potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plant foods that work together with nutrients and fiber to protect the body from disease. To get the maximum health benefits it's better to eat the fruit rather then supplement by pill or powder. Beta-carotene is credited with slowing the aging process, improving lung capacity and function, and preventing diabetic complications. As it converts to vitamin A, beta carotene is also said to prevent some cancers. you can go to USDA Nutritional Database and check out all the nutrient values of apricots, from fresh to jam.

Apricots also have lycopene which research has shown is heart friendly. Add to this fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, silicon, phosphorus, and Vitamin C and you have an impressive tasty fruit. It might interest you to know the Hunza people, in the Himalayas, who are known for their extemely long and healthy lifespans, use both fresh and dried apricot as a diet staple.

Apricots are versatile, too. You can eat them alone or add them to cereal, salads, even stir fry meals. Almonds complement them well I often pack sliced apricot and almonds and carry them for my 3pm pick me up. You can find dried apricots on-line, even in the off season (the season being May through July in the U.S.) The drying process doesn't affect the nutrients; it only removes the water, making dried apricots a nutrient dense snack. Just watch for any added sulfur or preservatives often added to dried fruits.

And now back to that breakfast. As you eat each juicy, delicious bite of your fresh apricots, you know you are treating your body to a smorgasbord of health inducing phytochemicals, nutrients and fiber. Who says eating healthy can't be yummy too?

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