Peaches and Nectarines: They’re So Healthy | NDR.de – Guide

Small, flat, large or round. Regardless of whether they have smooth or fluffy skin: peaches and nectarines are popular in Germany. About four kilograms are consumed per capita per year. This means that fruits are more popular than, for example, pears or cherries.

Peaches: low calorie, high Vitamin B3

With about 40 kilocalories per 100 grams and a water content of about 90 percent, peaches and nectarines are an easy summer treat. In addition to selenium, zinc and magnesium, peaches contain a large amount of niacin (vitamin B3). Our muscles and skin, but above all our nerves, need niacin to be able to repair themselves. In addition, our body uses vitamin B3 to produce mood-enhancing substances in the brain. Peaches calm the nerves and give a good mood. A large amount of vitamin C also strengthens the immune system. A large amount of polyphenols also has a positive effect on health – they have an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Nectarines are a good source of potassium

Nectarines are peach mutants. This means that they were not specially bred, but arose from the peach as a quirk of nature and were then cultivated. They are as good as peaches, especially for our heart: since nectarines are rich in potassium, a good 200 milligrams per 100 grams of pulp. It is much more than, for example, apples or pears. Potassium controls the work of our heart, because as an electrolyte it, for example, regulates the voltage of cells. Potassium also lowers blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of stroke.

Peach kernel oil is good for the skin

Peach kernel oil is very popular in the cosmetics industry because it is rich in linoleic acid. It can relieve skin irritation and reduce inflammation. In addition, the oil is high in oleic acid: oleic acid is one of the omega-9 fatty acids and can also reduce mild skin irritation. Only those with very oily skin should be careful, as oleic acid can aggravate skin problems.

Tips for buying peaches and nectarines

Peaches should smell nice and not be hard. Because it is usually not possible to finish at home. In most cases, the fruit turns brown and becomes mushy inside. Ripe peaches can be stored in the fruit drawer of the refrigerator for about three days.

For several years now, fruit from Germany has also been sold in July. For example, fruit is grown in Altes Land near Hamburg. They go directly to the market. Imported fruits, on the contrary, must be picked unripe, otherwise they will not withstand transportation to Germany.

Peach nectar and preserves, available year-round, are no substitute for fresh fruit. 100 milliliters of peach nectar contains up to twelve grams of sugar (four sugar cubes), 100 grams of canned peaches even 18 grams of sugar (six sugar cubes). And also: many vitamins are lost during processing, so canned peaches and nectar are really just sweets. In addition, neither the fruit nor the juices have a typical peach taste.

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