Indeed, the season of sunshine, flip-flops, and lazy days by the pool is upon us and so is the time of numerous juicy fruits just waiting to be devoured. Among these delightful summer treats, nectarines stand out as one of the stars of the show. With their smooth skin, sweet aroma, and succulent flesh, nectarines are a beloved favourite during the warmer months. These delightful stone fruits are not only a treat for the taste buds but also pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. So, as we bask in the warmth of summer, let's dive into the world of nectarines and discover why they're the perfect addition to your seasonal fruit bowl.
Also Read: Nectarines: Nutrition, Health Benefits And Uses Of This Summer Fruit
What Are Nectarines?
Nectarines are a type of fruit closely related to peaches, with a similar appearance and flavour. The main difference between the two is that nectarines have smooth skin, while peaches have fuzzy skin. Like peaches, nectarines are juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavour, making them a popular choice for snacking, baking, and adding to fruit salads.
Also Read: Ice Apple: Summer Fruit That’s Bursting With Goodness
Nutritional Content Of Nectarines
Nectarines are an excellent source of nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and lutein, which stimulate the immune system, boost eyesight, improve skin health, and reduce the risk of illness. Nectarines are high in fibre, which improves digestion and feeds gut bacteria, hence maintaining the gut microbiota and combating digestive disorders such as stomach and colon cancer. The benefits of lutein may reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. This nutrient-dense stone fruit contains few calories and has a low glycemic index of 40, making it suitable for diabetics. Aside from that, they contain significant levels of copper, which plays an important function in energy metabolism and keeps you active and energised throughout the day.
Incorporating nectarines into your summer diet can offer a myriad of health benefits. Enjoy them fresh as a standalone snack, or elevate fruit salads with their juicy sweetness. For a delightful twist, grill nectarine halves and serve with yoghurt or ice cream for a delectable dessert. Blend them into smoothies for a refreshing beverage, or chop them up and add to salsa for a unique burst of flavour.
Foray through this infographic and embrace the bounty of summer by indulging in this juicy fruit and reaping its many health incentives.
(This article is reviewed by M Sowmya Binu Health & Nutrition Expert)
Author Profile
Soumita Basu:
Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.
References:
1. Health benefits of peach, nectarine and plumsAugust 2009 Acta Horticulturae 841(841):267-273
DOI:10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.841.32
Authors: David H. Byrne, Giuliana D Noratto, Luis Cisneros-Zevallos, W. Porter and Márcia Vizzotto
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285947162_Health_benefits_of_peach_nectarine_and_plums
2. Chemical and nutritional evaluation of major genotypes of nectarine (Prunus persica var nectarina) grown in the North-Western Himalayas
Authors: Smruthi Jayarajan,1 R. R. Sharma,corresponding author1 S. Sethi,1 S. Saha,2 V. K. Sharma,3 and Surinder Singh4
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6706499/
