IMAGINE THAT LAST MONTH was the first time I ever ate a nectarine. It was very delicious but I will never trade it for a ripe Bajan golden apple or a small bag of Caribbean tamarinds.
However, as I continued to consume that firm, red juicy nectarine, I wondered what its health benefits were.
As a trained food and nutrition educator, I immediately focused on fibre and the orange colour which shows the presence of vitamin A. I later discovered that nectarines also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins B1, B2, B3, C and E, copper, zinc, folate, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. It is highly recommended that readers conduct research on the importance of vitamins and minerals to the body. This knowledge will arm you with information about which of these elements must be included more in your diet and which are water soluble.
Nectarines provide many health benefits. On the web page organicfacts.net, it has been revealed that “nectarines contain lutein, an important nutrient which encourages eye health and helps reduce the risk of disease like age-related macular degeneration”.
It added: “Various investigative researches have shown that lutein is also an extremely powerful antioxidant which also helps in reducing the risk of nuclear cataract.”
Nectarines can also assist those who are obese and want to reduce their weight. They also assist with nerve function and cellular functions. Nectarines can also keep muscle tissue strong, aid digestion, promote low cholesterol and prevent cancer. On the web page stylecraze.com, “one medium nectarine contains around 285 mg of potassium. Potassium aids in blood pressure control by balancing the effect of sodium”. There are other health benefits of nectarines and I am imploring readers to conduct research to be further educated.
I have also discovered that combining nectarine with bay leaf is very relaxing.
Jazzy Juice – Add two cups of boiled water to two large bay leaves and let it steep. When cooled, strain the liquid into a blender and add 1/2 tbsp lime juice. Then add a 1/2 cup of chopped nectarine and blend for three minutes. Finally, add ice and serve cold.
Fruit Melody – You can also dice nectarines, mangoes and watermelon. Add this combination to 1 tbsp flaxseed and 1 tspp chopped almonds. These are also suitable for people who want to be slimmer.
Finally, let us focus on celebrating with Barbadian-grown fruit. Please ensure that you include them in your meals. This list should include tamarinds, golden apples, dunks, gooseberries and sugar apples.
• Annette Maynard-Watson, a teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted via silentdoctors@gmail.com or by telephone 250-6450.
DISCLAIMER: It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific claims for any products. Any attempts to diagnose or treat real illness should come under the direction of your health care provider.