Eye Food Apricot
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| Apricot |
THE APRICOT tree is is famous for being one of the most traveled trees known. Its origin is in the north of China,where it is still found wild.
It was taken to Greece by Alexander the Great on the return from his conquests in India. From Greece it passed to Rome,from where its cultivation spread throughout the Mediterranean region. In the 18th Century it was taken to North America,where it acclimated to California and states along journey does not end here. American astronauts took it to the moon on one of their space journeys.
Its attractive orange color, its pleasant aroma,and its delicious sweetness have made the apricot one of the favorite fruits of the summer seasons. Dried apricot and marmalade allow this pleasure to last through the winter,as well.
PROPERTIES AND INDICATIONS: The fact that the apricot has a low calorie content (about 48 k cal/100g) makes it an excellent part of weight-loss diet. It is particular in alkalizing effect because of its richness in alkaline mineral salts. It is particularly noted for its low sodium content and its high levels of potassium. It contains various trace elements of great physiological importance, such as manganese,fluorine,cobalt,and boron. It is rich in sugars (fructose and glucose).
Dried apricots are an important source of protein (up to 5%). They also are an important source of iron,one of their principal minerals.
However; the most important component of apricot,whether fresh or dried, is beta-carotene or provitamin A. This component provides most of its therapeutic value,which are the following:
- Diseases of the eyes: Consumption of apricot maintains vision in good condition and gives the sparkle and beauty to the eyes that are characteristics of good health. This is not due exclusively to the action of provitamin A, but also to the combined action of other vitamins and mineral that accompany it.
Apricots are recommended in case of conjunctival dryness, chronic irritation or itching of the conjunctiva, loss of visual acuity due to retina atrophy, and night blindness.
The best results are obtained by following an apricot treatment regime.
- Anemia (due to lack of iron): The iron content of fresh apricot is not significant, whereas it is in the dried fruit. For reasons that are not well understood, the result achieved through their use in the treatment of anemia are far superior to those that would be expected given their low proportion of iron. This may be because of the presence of other substances in apricots that facilitate the absorption of iron. Jean Valnet, an outstanding French physician who dedicated his life to the study of phytotherapy and diet therapy,quotes previous experiences of Leclerc stating that it has been experimentally proven that apricot treatment provides result similar to those of beef liver in cases of anemia due to loss of blood.
The amounts of provitamin A and iron found in apricots are actually quite small compared to the large does that pharmaceutical preparations may contain. In spite of this, the reults obtained from regular consumption of this fruit are superior to those to be expected from their content of iron and provitamin A.
This is one of the most surprising facts in nutrition science. It has been scientifically explained only in the last few years. The happy combination of vitamins, minerals, and other chemical substance present in natural foods enhances their action. The results obtained by the use of natural whole foods are superior to those obtained by their isolated and purified components as found in pharmaceutical preparations.
- Disorders of the skin and mucosa: due to their content of provitamin A. Apricot increase resistence to infections. They are recommended for Chronic Pharyngitis,sinusitis, and eczema.
- Nervous disorders: Dr Valnet points out the apricot's properties of maintaining equilibrium within the nervous system and recommends it in case of asthenia,depression,nervousness,and lack of appetite. These effects are attributed to the apricot's richness in trace elements.
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| Dried Apricot |
- Digestive disorders: Fresh,ripe apricots are slightly astringent,while dried apricots are laxative.
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