Nectarines

Nectarines are really amazing fruits, in colloquial Bulgarian the name naked peach is also used. They were first mentioned in an English book in 1616.

Several centuries later, scientists began to study this phenomenon and came to the conclusion that it was from this period that peach trees began to self-pollinate.

Sometimes their flowering did not go as it should and some fruits became smooth instead of being covered with moss. This process was called classical mutation.

The mutants – nectarines appeared quite by chance – in one season they could ripen on a peach tree, and the next on another.

Nectarine fruits of the early varieties ripen earlier than all other stone fruits, which has made them very popular among hobby gardeners.

These fruits are more resistant to diseases and pests than peaches.

Nectarines – nutritional value

Nectarines are similar in chemical properties and biological characteristics to the common peach. These fruits taste sweeter than peaches and at the same time are more dietary.

Provitamin A in nectarines is 2 times more, they are also superior to peaches in terms of potassium, phosphorus (100 mg per gram of fruit), iron (2.4 mg also per 100 grams) and ascorbic acid (54 mg). Their calorie content is 267 kilocalories per 100 grams.

Beneficial properties

Nectarines contain glucose, fructose, sucrose, organic acids – mainly citric and malic, vitamin C, P-active polyphenols, pectin substances, and also compounds of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, iron, sodium, sulfur and silicon.

All these substances determine their healing and prophylactic properties. They also enhance the secretion of the digestive glands, thus ensuring better digestion of hard-to-digest and fatty foods.

And the insoluble ballast substances in naked peaches are necessary for normal intestinal functions and also prevent the development of gastrointestinal diseases.

Soluble vegetable fibers, in turn, positively affect the cardiovascular system and also reduce blood cholesterol levels.

The high content in nectarines of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, have a beneficial effect on the skin, preventing it from sagging and forming wrinkles, retaining moisture in its cells, preventing the development of cancers and improving the metabolism of the substances in them. These fruits are a source of “quick” energy for the human body.

Pectin compounds contained in nectarines inhibit the activity of harmful microorganisms.

For anemia and heart rhythm disorders, increased stomach acidity and constipation, it is useful to drink a quarter cup of nectarine juice 15 minutes before a meal.

Consumption of these fruits helps to prevent hypertension and atherosclerosis, as they contribute to the removal of excess amounts of sodium and, accordingly, fluids from the body.

The seeds of some varieties of nectarines, which are contained in the stones, are sweet and can be used like almonds, and are also similar to them in biochemical composition.

In pharmacology, the oil of nectarine species with bitter seeds is used in the production of medicines and ointments.

From the pits of these fruits, it is possible to produce activated carbon, and the wood is suitable for making various souvenirs, as it can be polished very well.

Contraindications

Nectarine juice is not recommended for people suffering from diabetes and those prone to obesity and allergic reactions.