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Thursday, 1 November 2018

14 Remarkable Health Benefits Of Nectarine, (Prunus persica)

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Nectarine,( Prunus persica), smooth-skinned peach of the family Rosaceae that grow throughout the warmer temperate regions of both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. A genetic variant of common peaches, the nectarine was most likely domesticated in China more than 4,000 years ago. From here they were likely grown in Greece, Persia, and Italy. The Spanish are credited with introducing nectarines to the Americas. The New Gazette describes nectarines being grown in Jamaica, Long Island New York in 1768.

Occasionally a peach tree will bear nectarines, and it is impossible to know if a nectarine seed will grow into a peach tree or a nectarine tree. For this reason, nectarine branches are often grafted onto peach trees to guarantee a crop of nectarines.  There are two categories of nectarines- freestone and clingstone. The freestone is easily separated from the centre stone or pit of the fruit, while the clingstone varieties usually leave flesh attached to the pit. There is an in-between type as well, referred to as the ''semi-freestone''. As you might guess, the pit on this one isn't quite as hard to remove as the clingstone but harder than the freestone. Generally, as the semi-freestone fruit ripens, the pit comes off more easily.  Peach seeds may occasionally grow into trees that bear nectarines, and nectarines seeds may grow into trees that bear either nectarines or peaches. It is not possible to know which fruit will grow on trees grown from nectarine seeds. so nectarine branches are grafted onto peach trees to guarantee a crop of nectarines. In appearance, a nectarine tree is the same as the peach tree, and are virtually indistinguishable from one another. Tree size and shape, leaves, and even buds look the same. 

Nectarine fruit can be coloured white,  orange, yellow, or red and the pulp also exhibits these colourations. Nectarine colours are brighter than those seen in peaches. because the fuzz on the peach tends to dilute the bright colour of the skin below. Their yellow flesh has a noticeable pink tinge, with a distinct aroma and a more pronounced flavour.   One Chinese emperor so loved the nectarine that he and his people referred to them as the ''nectar of the gods'' The word 'nectarine means ''sweet as nectar.'' and this is very likely the obvious origin of the name.  Peaches with white flesh typically are very sweet with little acidy, while yellow-fleshed peaches typically have an acidic tang coupled with sweetness, though this also varies greatly. Both colours often have some red on their skin. Low-acid white-fleshed peaches are the most popular kinds in China, Japan, and neighbouring Asian countries, while Europeans and North Americans have historically favoured the acidic, yellow-fleshed cultivars.  

The tree of this fruit has a short life, and have bright green leaves and grows up to 7m (23ft)  tall and wide.
However, when pruned properly, trees are usually 3-4m (10-13ft) tall and wide. The leaves are lanceolate, 7-16cm (2.8-6.3 in) long, 2-3cm (0.79-1.18 in) broad,  pinnately veined. The flowers are produced in early spring before the leaves; they are solitary or paired, 2.5-3 cm diameter, pink, with five petals. The single, large seed is red-brown, oval shaped, approximately 1.3-2cm long, and is surrounded by a wood-like husk.

Popular uses for peaches and nectarines include fresh eating sugared, and with cream. They are also used in ice cream, pies, cobbler, and shortcake. In addition, peaches and nectarine are used for jam, jelly preserves, and mix with fruit desserts.
The nectarine is loaded with health benefits, such as antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin C beta-carotene, Potassium and fibre.

14 Remarkable Health Benefits Of Nectarines


1. Improve Vision 


Nectarines contain lutein, an important nutrient which encourages eye health and reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Various investigative studies have shown that lutein is also an extremely powerful antioxidant which helps in reducing the risk of nuclear cataract. In addition to this, beta-carotene present in the fruit encourages the synthesis of vitamin A, contributes to maintaining healthy eyesight, and prevents diseases like blindness and xeropthalmia.

2.Boost Immunity

The inclusion of drupes such as nectarines aids in enhancing the immune defence mechanism of the body. An abundance of antioxidants such as vitamin C, zinc and other protective phenolic components in the fruit increase body's ability to fight various infections by promoting the synthesis of antibodies. These defending components reduce the risk and intensity of diseases such as malaria and common cold and lead to a speedy recovery of wounds and other illnesses.

3. Prevent Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is the deficiency of potassium in the body, which may degrade the muscular health and may cause cardiac arrhythmia Nectarines to contain potassium, which is essential for proper nerve and cellular function, and the functioning of muscles. Potassium present in stone fruits such as nectarine helps in proteins synthesis, maintain electrolyte balance, optimally utilize carbohydrates, and support metabolic processes.

4.Beta- Carotene

Fruits and vegetables with bright red, orange and yellow colours often contain a good amount of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that turns into vitamin A in the body. if you do not consume enough beta-carotene, you may become deficient in vitamin A, which can lead to abnormal bone development, reproductive disorders and, in severe cases, death. Beta-carotene also supports healthy eyes and may prevent diseases like macular degeneration. One cup of fresh nectarines supplies 214 mcg of beta-carotene.

5. Vitamin C

The vitamin C in fruits and vegetables, including nectarines, is considered an important antioxidant that helps promote good health and may also have the power to protect your body from certain illnesses and diseases. California Peaches, Plums and Nectarines reports that vitamin C in nectarines may protect molecules from being damaged by free radicals and other chemicals that cause cellular changes. Vitamin C may also protect you from toxins and pollutants that cause illness. One cup of nectarines has 7.7mg of this important antioxidant.

6. Lutein

Lutein is a nutrient that has been receiving more attention because of its health-protective benefits. According to the lutein Information Board, your body uses lutein to support healthy eyes and skin. Lutein is also considered an important antioxidant because it helps destroy the presence of free radicals in your body, which may decrease your risk of chronic diseases like cancer. Most humans do not get enough lutein in their diet but adding nectarines can help you increase how much you consume. A 1-cup serving of fresh nectarine contains 186 mg of lutein.

7. Potassium And Minerals

One medium-size nectarine contains 285 milligrams of potassium, an important mineral for overall body health and function. Potassium is a mineral that is necessary for electrical and cellular functions in the body. It plays a role in metabolism, regulates pH balance, assists with protein synthesis and helps with the digestion of carbohydrates. It also contains smaller but useful quantities of copper, phosphorous, manganese and zinc.

8. Prevent Cancer

Nectarines contain chlorogenic acid, which helps in the prevention of various tumours and cancer such as colon cancer. Chlorogenic which inhibit the proliferation of colon carcinogenesis. Research studies have also presented qualitative evidence regarding the role of beta-carotene present in the Rosaceae botanical group which also includes nectarines in providing protection against lung cancer.

9. Improve Cardiac Health

Regular consumption of stone fruits such as nectarines may prove beneficial in maintaining cardiovascular health attributing to the presence of heart-friendly antioxidants. Chlorogenic acid and anthocyanins present in nectarines exert inhibitory action against the oxidation of LDL(bad ) cholesterol, prevents hardening of arteries and encourages proper circulation of human platelets. Flavonoids found in nectarines may help in preventing the rise in the aggregation of platelets and reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

10. Lose Weight  Fast

Research suggests that increasing your intake of fruits like nectarines could help you lose weight. In fact, several studies have found that fruit consumption is linked to a lower body weight and greater weight loss. Swapping out high-calories snacks and sweets nectarines can help slash the number of calories you consume and keep your waistline under control. Fibre travels slowly through the digestive tract, helping you stay fuller for longer to decrease appetite, curb cravings and promote weight loss.

11. Strengthens The Immune System

Nectarines also contain fibre, which can act as a prebiotic to provide food for the beneficial gut bacteria. Fostering a healthy gut flora has been shown to enhance immune health and may even help prevent disease. Moreover, nectarines are high in antioxidants that may also protect immune cells from damage and keep your immune system working effectively. Nectarines contain several health-promoting compounds that could help give your immune system a boost and ward off infections. A review of  30 studies shows that vitamin C helped reduce the severity and duration of colds.

12.Cellular Health

Nectarines contain phosphorus, an essential mineral which plays an important role in the normal functioning of cells and tissues. Phosphorus in the fruit helps in cellular maintenance and repair. In addition to this, iron present in the fruit helps in the formation of haemoglobin in red blood cells and majorly contributes to general growth and development.

13. Enhance Skin Health

According to Oregon State University, the vitamin can prevent potential UV damage. Nectarines are great sources of vitamin C, vitamin C also plays a role in the synthesis of collagen, the protein essential for the skin. This protein is an important part of the connective tissue that holds the skin, ligaments,  tendons, bones, blood vessels and cartilage together. It combats skin ageing, accelerates wounding healing, and heals dry skin. And helps in keeping the tissues toned up and maintains the youthfulness of the skin.

14 Food For Pregnancy

Vitamin and mineral content in juicy nectarines is highly beneficial for you and your unborn baby. Eating nectarine during pregnancy helps in preventing the risk of birth defects in your fetus. The mineral, vitamin, and folate content in the fruit minimize the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in an unborn baby. Also, consumption of the fruit promotes fetal health. Nectarines are a great source of fibre and vitamin C, which contributes to the appropriate growth and development of your fetus. The nutrient content in the fruit helps in the development of muscles and blood vessels of your unborn baby. Also, the potassium content in nectarines prevents muscle cramps and boosts your energy levels during pregnancy.


     













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