Apricots is on the A-List for Improving Dull and Aging Skin

All vitamins are sold in supplement form, and vitamin A is no exception. However, it’s very possible to get all the vitamin A you need from certain foods, such as the apricot.

Apricots, with their ample supply of vitamin A, can be blended into a cream to moisturize and revitalize dull skin. They soften the skin, too. Look for creams containing apricot oil or simply add 1 tablespoon of apricot oil to 1 cup of your favorite skin cream.

There are a number of products offered by various brands, such as NOW Foods, Life-Flo, Aura Cacia, Jason Naturals and Earth Science which offer various skin care products made with apricot oil. I purchase all of my natural healthcare products from iherb.com, which is a discount warehouse (offers free shipping), and by using the coupon code, BER298, one can save money during check-out.

Now, when it comes to aging skin, vitamin A is one of a group of substances known as retinoids, which are the main ingredients in many anti-aging prescription drugs, such as tretinoin (Retin-A). To get nearly the same protection without the high cost of the drugs, just fill your plate with beta-carotene-rich foods, such as cantaloupe, carrots, and apricots.

Now, if you ever need a pick-me-up, this smoothie using apricots might just be the ticket to getting re-energized. By using a triple dose of apricots in the following recipe is one terrific source of beta-carotene, and a terrific way to feel refresh yourself, whether it’s after a jogging or working out.

The ingredients for this smoothie are 4 pitted, dried, apricots, 2 fresh apricots (cut in half and pitted) and ¾ cup of apricot nectar along with 2 ice cubes. Immerse the dried apricots in hot water for 15 minutes or until plump. Drain, and combine the apricots with the rest of the ingredients in a blender and whip until smooth. This recipe only yields one serving.

Here’s another smoothie using apricots and peaches, but its more for cooling off during the hot summer and as hot as it has been, making this smoothie can sure come in handy! Mmm….after trying this peach and apricot freeze, it’s like an instant vacation. The ingredients needed for this smoothie are ¼ cup of apricot freeze, 1 large peach (pitted and sliced), 2 large apricots (pitted and halved) t tablespoon apricot preserves and 1 cup of vanilla frozen yogurt.

Now, if you are unable to get apricot preserves in your local area, you can purchase them from iherb.com. There are several brands, such as Bonne Maman, Chantaine from France, and Crofters Organic. (Coupon code BER 298) The directions for making this concoction is to begin with placing the nectar, peach, and apricots in a blender, and blend on-high until smooth. Then add the preserves and frozen yogurt, and blend for 20 seconds or more. This recipe yields 2 servings.

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional. As with any suggestion concerning food or medicine, speak with a notable professional to learn more.