Nectarines and Their Role for Your Health
Contents
Nectarines were originally grown in China, but nowadays, they are produced in the entire world. The major producers are China, the United States, Italy, Greece and India. Nectarines are similar to peaches, but you can differentiate them from the second class of fruits by the fact that they have no fuzz. Also, nectarines have a smooth skin and they are smaller. What most people don’t know is that nectarines come in over 100 varieties. They can be consumed raw or used in ice creams, jams, tarts, jellies, pies and salads. Nectarines are rich in vitamin C and A, potassium, phosphorus, iron and numerous other healthy nutrients and they can offer numerous benefits.
The Antioxidant Power
Nectarines are rich in antioxidants and they can combat the harmful free radicals that appear after you have exposed yourself to the sunlight. During the summer, you can eat lots of nectarines so as to prevent the UVA rays from damaging your skin. At the same time, the antioxidants in the nectarines can prevent various diseases caused by the free radicals’ actions. Moreover, these powerful antioxidants will be transformed into vitamin A when they enter the body.
Promotes Digestion
If you suffer from constipation, you can start eating nectarines. They are rich in potassium and fiber and they can regulate the pH balance and improve the metabolism. Nectarines will also help you digest the carbohydrates and will support the photosynthesis.
Collagen Production
Nectarines contain vitamin C and this nutrient is extremely essential in strengthening the tissues. At the same time, it aids the formation of collagen, the protein that speeds up the healing and holds the tissues together. The ascorbic acid in the nectarines is also beneficial in combating the infections and boosting the immune system. Last, but not least, the collagen strengthened by the nectarines will produce the ligaments, skin, tendons, tissues and scars and will repair the bones and the cartilage.
Fights Cancer
Nectarines contain bioflavonoids and carotenoids. These two powerful antioxidants will help your body prevent the cancer and will diminish the cellular damage caused by the oxygen burning. The vitamin C and vitamin A in the nectarines are also effective in preventing cancer. By consuming nectarines on a regular basis, you can also prevent oral cancer.
Promotes Weight Loss
Nectarines contain very few calories and, as a result, they are excellent for those who are on a diet and want to lose some extra pounds. 100 grams of nectarines have 44 calories and they are free of saturated fats. These fruits will also help you manage hunger due to their fiber content.
Healthy Heart
Nectarines will also promote the health of your heart. They are rich in fiber and potassium, 2 nutrients that are essential for the normal functioning of the heart. These delicious fruits will keep the cholesterol levels under control and will also stimulate the gut health.
Lowers the Blood Pressure
The nectarines are rich in potassium and can help you manage your blood pressure. The potassium balances the sodium effect and improves the blood pressure. However, people who suffer from kidney diseases and the elderly people should restrain from consuming foods rich in potassium, including nectarines.
