{"id":161749,"date":"2023-06-26T02:15:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-26T09:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/?p=161749"},"modified":"2023-06-23T11:17:17","modified_gmt":"2023-06-23T18:17:17","slug":"5-stone-fruits-and-their-health-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/articles\/5-stone-fruits-and-their-health-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Stone Fruits And Their Health Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
The warm months of summer invite some of the best produce that you rarely get to see: stone fruits. Peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, and cherries are now in season, offering different juicy and flavorful varieties. Stone fruits are naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, so they pack a one-two punch combo of nutrition and delicious flavor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A stone fruit, or a drupe, is a type of fruit that contains a large pit (stone) in the center. Belonging to the Prunus genus <\/em>family, stone fruits<\/strong> typically have thin skin and soft flesh. Unlike other fruits, stone fruits stop ripening after you pick them, which is why their season is very narrow. Because different varieties ripen at different times, you can occasionally find different stone fruits throughout the year. Summer, however, is when you can find the freshest varieties, especially at local farmers markets. Continue reading to learn about five of the most popular stone fruits and their health benefits<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Juicy, scrumptious, and packing an impressive amount of flavor for their size, plums are rich in anti-inflammatory properties<\/a> and phenolic compounds, such as kaempferol and proanthocyanidins. Phenolic compounds help protect your cells against free radical damage, reducing your risk of chronic illnesses. Several studies indicate that prunes (dried plums) may increase bone mineral density, reduce blood pressure<\/a>, and relieve constipation. Don\u2019t eat too many prunes at once, though. You can enjoy fresh plums on their own, in salads, in oatmeal, in smoothies, or in fruit salads.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cherries are not always available, so people snatch them up when they hit grocery shelves in the summer<\/a>. They offer a sweetly tart flavor profile and a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. Cherries are naturally rich in manganese, vitamins B6 & K, copper, magnesium, and several antioxidants<\/a>, including procyanidins, flavonols, and anthocyanins. One 28-week study found that people who ate just under two cups of cherries per day significantly reduced markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein and interleukin 18. Having high levels of these inflammatory markers can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Other studies note that cherries may help regulate blood sugar<\/a>, reduce post-exercise muscle soreness, and improve sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the apricot you select, you may experience a tart or incredibly sweet flavor. Ideally, you should have a mixture of tart and sweet in every bite. Apricots offer impressive amounts of several B vitamins<\/a>, in addition to vitamins E and K. They are also great sources of beta-carotene, a carotenoid that the body converts to vitamin A<\/a>. That carotenoid is the reason why apricots are their signature vibrant orange color. Several animal studies indicated that the high concentration<\/a> of beta-carotene protected cells against oxidative damage. A study with 1,300 people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) found that the group that ate apricots daily experienced improved digestion and fewer GERD symptoms.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nPlums<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cherries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Apricots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Peaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n