10 Surprising Health Benefits Of Nectarines

Nectarine (Prunus persica) is a fruit that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The fruit resembles peach fruit, but one can spot the difference between the two through their skin and flavour. Nectarines possess innumerable health benefits which we are going to discuss in the article.

Nectarines are packed full of nutrients and antioxidants ^[1] and they are of two types - freestone and clingstone. The freestone nectarines have pits that can be easily removed and they are easier to eat. The clingstone nectarines have pits that are harder to remove and are mostly used in cooking and canning.

Nectarines are nutrient-dense and low-calorie fruits which come in a variety of colours such as white, yellow, pink and red.

Nutritional Value Of Nectarines

100 g of nectarines contain 87.59 g water, 44 kcal energy and they also contain

• 1.06 g protein
• 0.32 g fat
• 10.55 g carbohydrate
• 1.7 g fibre
• 7.89 g sugar
• 6 mg calcium
• 0.28 mg iron
• 9 mg magnesium
• 26 mg phosphorus
• 201 mg potassium
• 0.17 mg zinc
• 0.086 mg copper
• 0.054 mg manganese
• 5.4 mg vitamin C
• 0.034 mg thiamine
• 0.027 mg riboflavin
• 1.125 mg niacin
• 0.185 mg pantothenic acid
• 0.025 mg vitamin B6
• 5 mcg folate
• 332 IU vitamin A
• 0.77 mg vitamin E
• 2.2 mcg vitamin K

Health Benefits Of Nectarines

1. Help in weight loss

Nectarines are rich in fibre and low in calories which make them an excellent fruit for losing weight. An increase fibre intake helps you to stay fuller for longer which in turn aids in reducing appetite and curb cravings, thus promoting weight loss ^[2] .

2. Prevent cancer

Nectarines have the potent ability to kill cancer cells. According to a study published in the journal Food Chemistry, the polyphenols in nectarines inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells without affecting the healthy cells ^[3] .

Another study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that nectarines can lower the risk of lung cancer in men ^[4] .

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3. Promote heart health

The fibre content in nectarines has been shown to decrease bad cholesterol, a risk factor of heart disease ^[5] . In addition, a higher intake of polyphenols found in fruits like nectarines has been linked to lower levels of triglycerides and increased levels of good cholesterol ^[6] .

Also, nectarines are a good source of potassium, an important mineral that helps reduce blood pressure which is known to cause stroke and heart disease.

4. Improve blood sugar levels

Due to their high fibre content, nectarines can help regulate blood sugar levels. Fibre aids in slow absorption of sugar in the bloodstream and prevents a spike in blood sugar, thus reducing the risk of diabetes ^[7] .

5. Encourage better digestion

As nectarines are a good source of fibre, consuming them will help support digestive health. It acts as a prebiotic by providing food to the healthy gut bacteria in the stomach, which further aids in better digestion and nutrient absorption ^[8] .

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6. Boost immunity

The vitamin C content in nectarines helps in boosting the immune system and ward off infections ^[9] . In addition, these fruits are rich in antioxidants which may also protect the immune cells from damage and keep the immune system working in proper condition ^[10] .

7. Enhance eye health

Nectarines are an excellent source of vitamin A, an important nutrient that is required for normal vision. According to a study, nectarines contain carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are known to play a major role in preventing eye disease ^[11] .

8. Reduce neural tube defect risk

The presence of folate in nectarines can help in reducing the risk of neural tube defect. It is a group of serious birth defects that affect a baby's brain, skull and spinal cord. Consuming nectarines during pregnancy will help contribute to the overall health of the mother and baby ^[12] .

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9. Prevent anaemia

Consumption of nectarines can help prevent the risk of anaemia. It is because these fruits contain iron, which is required by the body to produce haemoglobin to help produce more red blood cells. Less red blood cells contribute to a higher risk of anaemia ^[13] .

10. Promote skin health

Nectarines are packed with beneficial antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin A which can fight against free radicals that cause oxidative stress leading to skin ageing, wrinkles, acne, dark spots and so on. These antioxidants help in healthy cell production, protects the skin from infections and smoothens wrinkles, to name a few.

Difference Between Nectarines And Peaches ^[14]

Nectarines and peaches belong to the Rosaceae family and they have minimal differences in appearance, taste and nutrition. The only difference between a nectarine and peach is their skin and flavour.

Peaches have fuzzy skin with delicate flesh on the inside, while nectarines have thin, smooth skin with slightly firmer flesh.

Side Effects Of Nectarines

In some people, nectarines can cause mild allergies like swelling in the mouth and throat, stomach pain, running nose and diarrhoea. The pits of nectarines contain cyanide, which upon consumption may result in cyanide poisoning.

Recipe Of Nectarine Salsa ^[15]

Ingredients:

• 4 nectarines pitted and diced
• 1 small diced onion
• 2 jalapeno diced peppers
• ½ bunch chopped cilantro
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp pepper

Method:

• In a bowl, add all the ingredients and toss them well.
• Cover the bowl with a foil and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavours to blend.