Where did nectarine come from? How is it different from a peach? For what diseases is it possible and necessary to eat these fruits, and for which - is it strictly forbidden? Nectarine is considered to be an unpeeled or bare-fruited peach that has a high palatability. The homeland of the fruit is China. Today nectarines are grown in Greece, Italy, Tunisia and other warm countries. Ripe nectarine fruits are not protected from external influences and are stored worse than peaches. However, in appearance they look brighter and more ripe in comparison with the same peaches due to the absence of a gun on the peel. But the pulp of the fruit will taste slightly bitter to you and will differ in a peculiar almond smell.
Interesting Facts:
- The name "nectarine" comes from the Greek word for "drink that the gods drink." However, in China it is called so - "food of the gods" - and is considered a symbol of longevity.
- An interesting pattern: nectarines can grow on peach trees, but ordinary peaches can grow on nectarine trees.
- It is curious that the most beautiful and tasty fruits are located closer to the trunk or soil surface. Hence the conclusion: they are best cultivated in small forms (like shrubs) or used to cover hedges and low walls.
Nectarine composition: vitamins and calories
In terms of chemical and biological composition, nectarine is close to peach. It contains sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, pectin substances, silicon, citric and malic acids, glucose, sucrose and fructose, vitamin C. Compared to peach, it contains 2 times more provitamin A, it contains more iron, phosphorus and potassium.
Caloric content of nectarine
per 100 g of product is 48 kcal:
- Proteins - 0.9 g
- Fat - 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates - 11, 8 g
Useful properties of nectarine:
- Its beneficial properties are very effective in hypertension and atherosclerosis, as it removes sodium and fluid from the body.
- Fatty foods are easy to digest, as it increases the secretion of the digestive glands.
- Prevent the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin, as this fruit is able to retain moisture in the cells.
- Prevent the development of cancer and ensure the normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Its benefit is that it can stop the activity of harmful microorganisms due to the content of pectin compounds.
- With violations of the cardiovascular system, anemia, constipation and increased acidity of the stomach. To do this, it is enough to drink 1/4 of a glass of nectarine juice 15 minutes before meals.
- Reduce blood cholesterol levels, since the soluble fiber of these fruits has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.
Video about nectarine: benefits
Start watching the video from 17:30.
Where else has nectarine found its use?
In pharmacology: bitterly nuclear varieties of nectarine are used to prepare a fatty oil that serves as a solvent in the manufacture of medicines and ointments. And the shell of nectarine seeds is used in the manufacture of activated carbon.
In the industry: crafts and souvenirs are made from wood, as it has a beautiful texture and is easy to polish.
In cosmetology: cosmetic masks made of nectarine make the skin clean and velvety, tone and saturate it with vitamins, smooth wrinkles and even out color. Combine the pulp of one ripe fruit with a tablespoon of starch and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin seed oil. Then apply the mask on your face for 5 minutes and rinse with warm water. It is enough to use this mask twice a week. Or you can just put slices of nectarine on your cleansed face and wait calmly - this will make your skin look fresher.
Harm of nectarine and contraindications
Nectarine juice should not be taken by people with diabetes.
Peach and nectarine seeds contain hydrocyanic acid - a strong poison. And in some, they can cause allergies due to the protein content in their skins.
However, canned and peeled fruits are quite safe. Dried fruits, jams and candied fruits are prepared from their fruits. They can also be frozen whole and prepared as pastes and slices in sugar syrup.
And most importantly, the fruits are low in calories, so even if you eat a couple of them, it will definitely not harm your figure.
