Ah, apricots. We all love to eat them. Whether it’s as is or in a delicious meal or dessert, apricots are one of those fun fruits that we love to enjoy. If you’re an avid apricot fan, you may be excited to know that apricots can now contribute to your anti-aging regimen as well! Find out what qualifies apricots to be included as the latest ingredient in the anti-aging world.

Carotenoids. This potent antioxidant is what makes the apricot so special. How? For one, carotenoids are antioxidants that work to prevent heart disease, protect against certain types of cancers and can even reduce bad cholesterol levels. For many years, the apricot has been used by the inhabitants of the Himalayas as well as in traditional Chinese medicine to assist in detoxifying, preventing dehydration and regenerating body fluids.

Even the very kernel of the apricot is nutritious. It contains several healthy properties that have been proven to benefit the human body by alleviating coughs and toning the respiratory system. Some people actually eat the kernel for these very reasons. However, the tip of the kernel contains highly concentrated levels of a substance called laetrile. When consumed, laetrile can upset the stomach. The best way to consume the kernel of an apricot is to cut off the tip of the seeds and limit yourself to no more than five a day. Additionally, apricots provide rich amounts of vitamins A and C, fiber, iron, potassium and other antioxidants.

The potassium in apricots is responsible for controlling blood pressure and preventing heart disease. Fiber keeps the arteries from becoming clogged. The consumption of apricots in a daily diet has also been shown to improve eyesight, especially in older individuals. As if that weren’t enough, the power of dried apricots makes for an abundant source of lycopene, the specific carotenoid that fights against breast cancer and prostate cancer. Those who are susceptible to these two forms of cancer should include 30 dried apricots a day into their daily diets.

Consuming apricots daily can lead to a longer, healthier life. Apricots alone can fight just about any age-related disease including memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and Age-Related Macula Degeneration (ARMD), which is a type of eye disease.

The next time you need a new way to enjoy apricots, try the following recipe for an apricot pasta salad:

·    Cook a 4 ounce bag of corkscrew pasta, drain and set aside to cool.

·    Combine your pasta with six fresh apricots that have been cut into quarters, along with segments of cooked chicken breast, two small zucchinis, one red bell pepper, and one tablespoon of freshly chopped basil or two teaspoons of apricot basil dressing.

Not only are apricots great for anti-aging purposes when digested, they are also helpful in skincare form. Apricot kernel oil can be purchased online or at any specialty store. This type of oil holds very high and potent levels of vitamin E, which is quickly absorbed into the skin upon application so the antioxidant properties go to work right away.

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