The Amazing Apricot!
Day 15 of The 30 Day Raw Vegan Fruit Project

Raw Vegan Fruit Project:

The fantastic fruit for Day 15 is the awesome and amazing APRICOT!

Let me share some trivia tidbits and nutritional information about this amazing fruit:

-They were originally grown in China and have been around for more than 4,000 years!

-In Latin Ap*ricot means "precious," which some think it's because it ripens earlier in the summer than other fruits.

-They are an excellent source of:

Vitamins A, C, E,

potassium and iron

beta-carotene

riboflavin (B2) and niacin (B3)

calcium

phosphorous

fiber

lycopene

-Because of the beta-carotene, ap*ricots may help protect your eyes from macular degeneration. A new study also suggests beta-carotene may help delay brain aging and prevent effects of Alzheimer's disease.(Getting beta-carotene from foods such as ap*ricots is the way to go since beta-carotene supplements haven't shown the same benefits as eating the natural fruit.)

-2-3 ap*ricots will give you nearly 50% of your daily value of Vitamin A. When apricots are ripe, the Vitamin A content doubles!

-Ap*ricots are a good source of lycopene -- lycopene has powerful antioxidant properties. Studies show that people who eat a lot of lycopene have a lower risk of developing heart disease and may have a lowered risk of certain types of cancer.

-Both the beta-carotene and lycopene help protect our LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which then helps protect against heart disease.

-Ap*ricots are a good source of lycopene -- lycopene has powerful antioxidant properties. Studies show that people who eat a lot of lycopene have a lower risk of developing heart disease and may have a lowered risk of certain types of cancer.

-Ap*ricot kernels have a high content of vitamin B17 (laetrile) that has been shown to help prevent cancer.

-The small but essential amount of copper in ap*ricots makes the iron available to the body. Eating lots of apricot can increase the production of hemoglobin in the body.

-Eat an ap*ricot before a meal to aid digestion, because it has an alkaline reaction in the digestive system.

-The cellulose and pectin in ap*ricots are a gentle laxative and can help treat constipation.

-Blend some agave and ap*ricots with some water and drink to cool fevers.

Alrighty, that's it for the Ap*ricot information, now it's time for your LOW FAT, RAW VEGAN RECIPE!

CHERRY-FILLED APRICOTS

This dish is quite savory, yet sweet and tart at the same time. These are a colorful, delicious addition or center to any raw vegan meal you're planning. This recipe contains right around 350 calories.

Ingredients

4 ap*ricots, pitted and halved (you'll have 8 halves)

3/4-1 cup sweet cherries, pitted and finely chopped

1/2-1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

8-10 leaves of fresh lavender or rosemary, finely chopped

pinch of salt

pepper to taste

Preparation:

Toss everything but the apricots into a bowl and stir gently until it all seems well mixed (you could use a food processor for this if you'd rather). Spoon about one teaspoon-sized dollop into each "hollow" of the apricot halves. And that's that--you're on your way to a mouthful of pure deliciousness!

Eat lots of apricots! Eat tons of raw fruit!

Be Vegan, Be Vibrant!

Go to The 30 Day Raw Vegan Fruit Project Home page for the apricot and more!

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