Nectarines

Juicy Trivia

Nectarine, a member of the rose family thought to have originated in China over 4,000 years ago. From China they spread across Asia where they were cultivated in ancient Persia, Greece and Rome. Appearing in Britain during the late 16th century.

The nectarine is a genetic variation of the peach. The trees for both the nectarine and the peach are virtually the same. For those interested in biology:

When peaches are crossed or self-pollinated, the seeds that carry the recessive allele for smooth skin are thought to be responsible for the nectarine fruits, while the dominant allele will be peaches.

Jason Says...

This delicious summer juicy fruit is a member of the peach family. It blends well with other fruits such as mango to make a yummy smoothie. Nectarines are anti-cancer health promoters.

Juice or Smoothie?

Juice and Smoothie: Nectarines make a wonderful, but expensive juice so you might prefer to opt for blending. Peel the skin and remove the stone.

Juicy Benefits

Can help with stomach disorders, a general health promoter and natural energizer

Nectarines help to boost the immune system, are rich in antioxidants, they help to maintain electrolyte balance in the body, and cardiovascular health, can protect skin against damage and UV rays, can help lower neural tube defects, and reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Lutein helps reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

John Heinerman tells us in his book ‘Heinemann's Encyclopaedia of Healing Juices’ that nectarines are good for those suffering with Crohn’s disease, it does this by minimising and soothing inflammation in the ileum and colon.

Due to their vitamin C and folate content nectarines are a good food for expectant mothers, as the folate content can help reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida, as well as contributing to the overall health of the mother as well as baby. The vitamin C content helps with the growth and development of muscles, teeth and blood vessels of the growing baby.

Top tip: Nectarines should be ripened in a fruit bowl at room temperature. If over ripe, place in the fridge.

Vitamins, Minerals and Extras

Vitamins A, B1 thiamin, B2 riboflavin, B3 niacin, B4 choline, B5
pantothenic acid, B6 pyridoxine, B9 folate, C, beta-carotene and
folic acid. E, K, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, Iron, phosphorus, potassium, copper, chromium, selenium, sodium,
cryptoxanthin, lutein-zeaxanthin.

Research

A study published in ‘Free Radical Biology and Medicine journal’ led by Olga Boyd, was carried out to investigate the effect of nectarine, on health and lifespan in flies. The findings suggest that nectarine promotes longevity and health span partly through modulating glucose metabolism and reducing oxidative damage. This study is the first to show lifespan extension by nectarine in an animal model, and provides a foundation for future research and development for nectarine as an effective intervention to promote lifespan and health span in mammals, including humans.

A study, presented at the American Chemical Society in
Philadelphia has shown that stone fruits including nectarines have bioactive compounds that can potentially fight metabolic syndrome, the study indicates that these fruits, have anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties and may also reduce the oxidation of bad cholesterol LDL which is associated to cardiovascular disease.

References

Read More
www.nutritiondata.self.com
www.britannica.com
www.organicfacts.net
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.sciencedaily.com
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Disclaimer

Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.

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