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NECTARINES Benefits
The name nectarine comes from the Greek word nektar, which is the drink of the gods in Greek and Roman mythology. Nectarines are sweeter than peaches from which they are originally cultivated, and slightly more nutritious. One fresh nectarine contains almost enough vitamin C to meet the average daily adult requirement. Vitamin C, which helps the body to absorb iron efficiently and maintain the body’s immune system, is also vital to the production of collagen, which is an important component of skin. Collagen helps to build scar tissue over wounds - an essential part of the healing process. Nectarines have smoother skin than peaches, with none of the ‘fur’ that some people find unpalatable. The flesh, which tends to be firmer and may be pink, yellow or white, is often more intensely flavoured than that of a peach. Nectarines contain slightly more energy - 150 kilojoules in an average nectarine compared with the 125 kilojoules in a peach of similar size. |