Nectarines and peaches are excellent sources of nutrients, particularly vitamin A<\/a>, vitamin C<\/a>, potassium<\/a>, niacin<\/a>, magnesium<\/a>, and phosphorus<\/a>.<\/p>\n They also contain high levels of the carotenoids<\/a> beta-carotene<\/a>, lutein<\/a>, and zeaxanthin<\/a>, and are high in dietary fiber.<\/p>\n Health Benefits Peaches and nectarines are excellent sources of dietary fiber. A 2023 meta-analysis examined the association between increased dietary fiber and several important markers of health, including:\n<\/p>\n The analysis concluded by finding an overall association between high dietary fiber intake and a lower risk of overall mortality (including diseases impacted by the markers above). This finding further supports regular consumption of foods high in dietary fiber.\n<\/p>\n 2. Improve Cognition <\/p>\n A systematic review of levels of carotenoids in the blood, which peaches and nectarines contain high levels of, found some limited association between lower levels and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease <\/a>and mild cognitive impairment.\n<\/p>\n Another meta-analysis supported these findings, but only with respect to blood levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, not beta-carotene.\n<\/p>\n More research is needed to determine what impact, if any, carotenoids have on improved cognition.\n<\/p>\n 3. Support Eye Health <\/p>\n A systematic review and meta-analysis of recent research found an association between the consumption of beta-carotene and a decreased progression of age-related macular degeneration<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n This analysis also found a positive relationship between increased lutein and zeaxanthin intake and improved visual acuity.\n<\/p>\n While more studies are needed, there is promising evidence to support the positive effects of carotenoid consumption and improved eye health.\n<\/p>\n 4. Provide Antioxidants <\/p>\n Oxidative stress is considered to be an essential underlying factor contributing to several common illnesses, including type 2 diabetes<\/a>, cardiovascular disease<\/a>, and some types of cancer.\n<\/p>\n A recent meta-analysis reviewed studies examined the relationship between increased dietary levels of antioxidants, including carotenoids and vitamin C, and the risk of all-cause mortality (including the diseases mentioned above).\n<\/p>\n This review found that increased dietary and blood levels of antioxidants decreased overall mortality risk. This relationship was also dose-dependent, meaning that higher levels of antioxidant consumption showed further decreased risk.\n<\/p>\n This emphasizes the already large body of research demonstrating the benefits of consuming foods high in antioxidants, such as peaches and nectarines.\n<\/p>\n How They Differ in Taste and Texture <\/p>\n Nectarines and peaches are visually different not only in size but also in the texture of their skin. The skin of peaches is uniformly fuzzy, while the skin of nectarines is smooth.<\/p>\n Varietal differences and ripeness levels in peaches and nectarines can influence taste and texture. It is important to try several varieties to determine your preferences.\n<\/p>\n Are Nectarines and Peaches Seasonal Fruit? <\/p>\n Peaches and nectarines have been cultivated for growth in a wide variety of climates and regions across the globe. China is the largest producer of nectarines and peaches, followed by Spain, Italy, and the United States.\n<\/p>\n Due to the number of areas suitable for growth worldwide, nectarines and peaches can be found in grocery stores throughout the year. However, the peak harvest time worldwide for nectarine and peach is June, July, and August.\n<\/p>\n You may also enjoy exploring local markets and orchards for freshly grown nectarines and peaches when in season.\n<\/p>\n How to Choose a Nectarine or Peach <\/p>\n Selecting ripe and flavorful nectarines and peaches at the grocery store or farmers market can be determined by four primary factors, as follows:\n<\/p>\n Properly store unripened nectarines and peaches in a dry place and away from direct sunlight. Once ripened, move them to the refrigerator’s fruit drawer.\n<\/p>\n You can also store unripened peaches and nectarines in the refrigerator to slow the ripening process. These methods will prolong shelf life and maintain optimal flavor and texture.\n<\/p>\n Key Takeaways <\/p>\n Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process<\/a> to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.<\/p>\n Petruccelli R, Bonetti A, Ciaccheri L, et al. Evaluation of the fruit quality and phytochemical compounds in peach and nectarine cultivars.\u00a0<\/a>Plants (Basel). 2023;12(8):1618. doi:10.3390\/plants12081618<\/p>\n<\/li>\n USDA Food Data Central. Nectarines<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n USDA Food Data Central. Peaches<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Yao F, Ma J, Cui Y, et al. Dietary intake of total vegetable, fruit, cereal, soluble and insoluble fiber and risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies<\/a>.\u00a0Front Nutr. 2023;10:1153165. Published 2023 Oct 3. doi:10.3389\/fnut.2023.1153165<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Wang L, Zhao T, Zhu X, et al. Low blood carotenoid status in dementia and mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.<\/a>\u00a0BMC Geriatr. 2023;23(1):195. Published 2023 Mar 30. doi:10.1186\/s12877-023-03900-7<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Qu M, Shi H, Wang K, et al. The associations of plasma\/serum carotenoids with Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.<\/a>\u00a0J Alzheimers Dis. 2021;82(3):1055-1066. doi:10.3233\/JAD-210384<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Li SS, Wang HH, Zhang D. Efficacy of different nutrients in age-related macular degeneration: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.<\/a>\u00a0Semin Ophthalmol. 2022;37(4):515-523. doi:10.1080\/08820538.2021.2022165<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Vizzotto M, Porter W, Byrne D, et al. Polyphenols of selected peach and plum genotypes reduce cell viability and inhibit proliferation of breast cancer cells while not affecting normal cells. <\/a>Food Chemistry. 2014;164:363-370. doi:10.1016\/j.foodchem.2014.05.060<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Jayedi A, Rashidy-Pour A, Parohan M, et al. Dietary antioxidants, circulating antioxidant concentrations, total antioxidant capacity, and risk of all-cause mortality: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective observational studies.<\/a>\u00a0Adv Nutr. 2018;9(6):701-716. doi:10.1093\/advances\/nmy040<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Cirilli M, Bassi D, Ciacciulli A. Sugars in peach fruit: a breeding perspective.<\/a>\u00a0Hortic Res. 2016;3:15067. doi:10.1038\/hortres.2015.67<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Kim HJ, Park KK, Chung WY, et al. Protective effect of white-fleshed peach (Prunus persica\u00a0(L.) Batsch) on chronic nicotine-induced toxicity.<\/a>\u00a0J Cancer Prev. 2017;22(1):22-32. doi:10.15430\/JCP.2017.22.1.22<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ali \u0130, \u0130brahim B. Yield and quality performance of some peach varieties grown under SANLIURFA ecological conditions.<\/a> African Journal of Agricultural Research. 2018;13(2):47-53. doi:10.5897\/ajar2017.12590<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Scalisi A, Pelliccia D, O’Connell MG. Maturity prediction in yellow peach (Prunus persica\u00a0L.) cultivars using a fluorescence spectrometer.<\/a>\u00a0Sensors (Basel). 2020;20(22):6555. Published 2020 Nov 17. doi:10.3390\/s20226555<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Delgado C, Crisosto GM, Heymann H, et al. Determining the primary drivers of liking to predict consumers’ acceptance of fresh nectarines and peaches.<\/a> J Food Sci. 2013 Apr;78(4):S605-14. doi: 10.1111\/1750-3841.12063.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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