benefits of nectarine

Cutting or peeling a nectarine releases an enzyme that causes darkening of flesh. The fruit might not look a bit appetising but this does not alter its nutritional value in any way. You can also slow the discolouration by dipping the nectarine in acidic solution like cedar vinegar.

Nectarineshave a wonderful antioxidant power with a good amount of polyphenols, vitamin C content and carotenoids such as betacarotene and cryptoxanthin. The skin of the nectarine fruit has a higher concentration of such components as compared to the pulp so, just wash the fruit properly and eat unpeeled. These protective antioxidants exert free radical scavenging activities and assist in neutralizing the damaging effects of oxygen free molecules.

Nectarinesmay prove useful in condition of obesity and its associated complications. Research studies have shown that stone fruits such as nectarines contains bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins, catechin,chlorogenic acidand quercitin derivatives which have the potential to combat obesity related medical conditions like diabetes and cardiac disorders. The antiobesity and antidiabetic qualities may work against the metabolic syndrome and decrease the oxidation of bad cholesterol which is implicated in obesity related heart diseases.

Nectarinescontainslutein, an important nutrient which encourages eye health and helps reduce the risk of disease likeagerelated macular degeneration. Various investigative researches have shown thatluteinis also an extremely powerful antioxidant which also helps in reducing the risk of nuclear cataract. Lutein dwells in the macular pigment of the eye and assists in protecting the retinal tissues from the damage caused by oxidative stress and highwavelength light.

Nectarines containspotassiumwhich is essential for proper nerve and cellular function.Potassiumpresent in stone fruits such as nectarine helps in proteins synthesis, functioning of the muscles, maintain electrolyte balance, and optimally utilize carbohydrates and supports metabolic processes. Deficit of potassium in the body may lead to disorders like hypokalemia which may degrade the muscular health and may cause cardiac arrthymia.

Nectarines may prove beneficial in maintainingcardiovascularhealth attributing to the presence of heart friendly antioxidants. Chlorogenic acid and anthocyanins present in nectarines exert inhibitory action against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, prevents hardening of arteries and encourages proper circulation of human platelets. Flavonoids found in nectarines may help in preventing rise in the aggregation of platelets and reduce the risk of development of atherosclerosis.

Nectarines contain chlorogenic acid, a natural compound which has multiple health benefits including prevention of various tumors and cancer such as colon cancer. Chlorogenic acid as suggested bystudiespossesses chemopreventive properties which inhibit the proliferation of colon carcinogenesis. Research studies have also presented qualitative evidence regarding the role of betacarotene present in the Rosaceae botanical group which also includes nectarines in providing protection againstlung cancer.

Inclusion of drupes such as nectarines aids in enhancing the immune defense mechanism of the body. Abundance of antioxidants such asvitamin C, zinc and other protective phenolic components in nectarines increase body

Nectarine contributes productively in the skin care. Antioxidative components such as vitamin C,luteinandbeta carotenefound in nectarines take up the credit for such defensive effect. Betacarotene, which is a precursor ofvitamin A,is instrumental in exerting protective action against the skin damage caused by the exposure to UV radiations.Vitamin Ccontributes in collagen synthesis, helps in keeping the tissues toned up and maintains the youthfulness of the skin. In addition to this, research study has advocated the photoprotective effect ofluteinpresent in nectarines in guarding the skin from free radical damage and UVinduced erythema.

Nectarines especially the folate content which helps in reducing the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida and also contributes in overall health of the mother and the baby. Abundance of potassium assists in preventing muscle cramps and keeps up the energy levels by building up the proteins. Fiber keeps up the digestive health and vitamin C content contributes in the proper growth and development of the muscles, teeth and blood vessels of the growing baby. So, next time you feel hungry just grab a nectarine and feel enriched.