benefits of nectarine

Nectarines are similar to peaches but have a smooth skin. Eating nectarines is a healthy way to include many vitamins and minerals in your diet, and a mediumsized nectarine only has 60 calories. Choose a firm nectarine for a nutritious snack, or serve them sliced with a drizzle of honey for a nutrientpacked dessert.Nectarines are similar to plums or peaches, but they are orange or orangered in color when ripe and have a smooth firm skin. They are slightly larger than plums, and about the same size as mature peaches.

Nectarinesare delicious fruit which belong to the Rosaceae family just as plums and peaches. In fact, they are quite similar to peaches in appearance except for the lack of fuzziness on the nectarine skin which is there in peaches. Nectarines grown in warmer temperate region and are also referred to as stone fruits or drupes as they enclose a hard seed inside their outer juicy flesh.

Nectarines are a fruit, and they are closely related to the peach. The fruit grows on trees, and it originated in China. It has a large inedible seed in the middle, and the whole fruit is covered by a smooth skin. This skin can be eaten, and it is one of the most nutritious parts of the fruit.

Nectarinesare a luscious nutrientdense and low calorie fruit which brings a variety of healthy components to our diet. It offers an impressive array of powerful antioxidants andphenolic compoundsalong with dietary fiber. Vitamin wealth of nectarines include vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (alphatocopherol) and vitamin K (phylloquinone) . Nectarines are excellent sources of potassium and other minerals such as phosphorous, magnesium and calcium without any harmful cholesterol.

The nutrition of nectarines might be similar to peaches but nectarine contains much more minerals and vitamins than them. Elements like iron, phosphorus, potassium etc are abundant in Nectarine and Vitamin A and C are present in double the amounts as compared to peaches. Nectarines contain small but healthy concentration of antioxidants. It is good in niacin, pantothenic acid, thiamine, and pyridoxine. It also contains magnesium, folic acid, iron and Vitamin K in moderate amounts.

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

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 the 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 7.7 mg of this important antioxidant.

Lutein is a nutrient that has been receiving more attention because of its healthprotective 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 1cup serving of fresh nectarines contains 186 mcg of lutein.

The most significant nutrients that nectarines offer, they also supply a wide range of other vitamins and minerals you need to eat each day. A 1cup serving of nectarines supplies 2.4 g of fiber and 1.5 g of protein. A serving of nectarine will also provide 9 mg of calcium, 13 mg of magnesium and 287 mg of potassium. Nectarines also contain iron, folic acid, vitamin K, as well as naturally occurring sugars that help provide energy.

The bright orangered color of nectarines is due to its high betacarotene content. Betacarotene is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage from free radicals. Betacarotene is also converted by the body into vitamin A, although the body will not convert more betacarotene into vitamin A than is necessary. Vitamin A helps build and maintain healthy skin, teeth, bone tissue, soft tissue and mucus membranes.