02/01/2019
Stone Fruit
Sweet and juicy stone fruit is a perfect addition to breakfast, kids' lunch, and is the ideal snack to carry along to work for an afternoon pick up! A recent study present at the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia found that stone fruits contain bioactive compounds that may be a useful dietary tool against metabolic syndrome and help fight off obesity and resulting diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study found that the mixture of bioactive compounds found in stone fruit have anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties! They are also believed to reduce the bad cholesterol which is associated to cardiovascular disease. We all have our favorites, but the goodness of all these fruits are worth a place on the table! Cherries- Rich in potassium, cherries reduce the risk of hypertension and stoke, and support healthy blood pressure.
- A 2012 study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that patients with gout who consumed cherries for a two-day period had a 35% lower risk of gout attacks compared to patients who did not.
- Cherries contain fiber, vitamin C, anthocyanins and cartenoids – all of which have been linked to cancer prevention.
- Boost your melatonin intake with a cup of cherry juice and increase your total sleep time!
- Peaches are a good source of lycopene and lutein – phytochemicals that offer protection against heart disease, macular degeneration, and cancer.
- The fiber, potassium, vitamin C and choline content in peaches all support heart health.
- Peaches have carotenoids, which protect the eyes from the harmful effects of sunlight, and help against eye conditions such as cataracts and night blindness.
- Two small peaches have slightly more potassium than a medium banana which supports nerve and muscle function and reduces kidney-related diseases.
- The high content of iron in apricot makes it an excellent food for anyone suffering from anemia.
- An excellent source of vitamin A and carotenes -- known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision. Vitamin A is also important for maintaining healthy mucus membranes, skin and immune functions.
- A good source of vitamin C, plums help build healthy tissue and maintain a healthy immune system while increasing iron absorption.
- Two plums contain one tenth of your daily vitamin K requirement for strong bones. Research shows that low levels of vitamin K is accompanied by increased risk of osteoarthritis in hands and knees.
- The bright orange-red color of nectarines is due to its high beta-carotene content which helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Beta-carotene is also converted by the body into vitamin A. Remember, the body will not convert more beta-carotene into vitamin A than is necessary. Vitamin A helps build and maintain healthy skin, teeth, bone tissue, soft tissue and mucus membranes.
- Nectarines skin provides insoluble fiber that helps prevent constipation.
