Latest news with #ValerieAgyeman
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Stone fruit season begins in the US: What are the health benefits?
Summertime is here and so is the hoard of fresh and juicy fruits that are not only delicious in taste but bring in a lot of health for the body. Stone fruits are the season's seasonal produce that will now be available in the markets. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These naturally sweet treats are worth being included in your diet for more reasons than just their taste and season. What are stone fruits and do they have any health benefits, let's find out below. What are stone fruits? Image credits: Getty Images According to the University of Florida's Horticultural Sciences Department, stone fruits are fruits with edible flesh on the outside and a stone often called a pit, that protects a seed on the inside. These fruits which are also called drupes include peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums and apricots. According to a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the demand for these fruits has been on the rise globally and in the U.S. Do stone fruits have any health benefits? Image credits: Getty Images Various types of stone fruits offer numerous health benefits. According to health dietitian and nutritionist Valerie Agyeman, peaches and nectarines are a great source of Vitamin C and fiber. Regular consumption of peaches has also been linked to improved heart health, digestion, weight loss, immunity and protection against diseases including heart diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's and some types of cancer. Additionally, a related the consumption of these fruits with lower prevalence of diabetes, overweight or general obesity, lower risk of estrogen receptor-negative tumours and cardiovascular protection. If you are looking to improve your gut health then plums and apricots should have a more regular part in your diet. "Their fiber content can help keep things moving along in the digestive tract," said Agyeman to USA TODAY. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While a cup of plums has 2.1gm of fiber, a cup of apricots has 2.5gm of the nutrient. Another common stone fruit is the cherry which has already seen its days of fame among people with the tart cherry juice trend advocated for good sleep. The fruit itself is also enough with its content of natural melatonin. Along with eating them alone, you could make them a part of some interesting breakfast recipes by pouring in some Greek yogurt, garnishing some cottage cheese over them, or adding them to oats, salads and baked treats.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
It's stone fruit season! A dietitian's favorite ways to eat them this summer
It's stone fruit season! A dietitian's favorite ways to eat them this summer Show Caption Hide Caption How to pit peaches properly This is how to easily pit and cut peaches. Problem Solved, USA TODAY Summertime means the re-emergence of plenty of fun things: trips to the beach or pool, outdoor brunches and cookouts with family and friends. It also brings us new in-season fruit to enjoy during those aforementioned gatherings. Stone fruits are among the summertime seasonal produce that's now available. And demand for many types of them are on the rise both globally and in the U.S., according to a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "Stone fruit season is my favorite," says women's health dietitian and nutritionist Valerie Agyeman. Here's what to know about stone fruits, including their nutritional value and some tasty ways to enjoy them this summer. Heads up: People with sensitive stomachs avoid eating cherries. Here's why. What is stone fruit? Stone fruits, which are also called drupes, are fruits with edible flesh on the outside and a stone, often referred to as the pit, that protects a seed inside, according to University of Florida's Horticultural Sciences Department. Common types of stone fruit include peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums and apricots. Are peaches good for you? Nutrition experts break down healthy fruit options. Is stone fruit good for you? Research has shown various types of stone fruits offer a number of different health benefits. Looking to boost your digestion, skin health and immunity? The vitamin C and fiber in peaches and nectarines are a great way to do that, Agyeman says. Regular peach consumption has also been linked to heart health, digestion, weight loss, immunity and protection against issues including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and some kinds of cancer. Those looking to improve their gut health could try to incorporate more plums and apricots, she adds, noting that "their fiber content can help keep things moving along in the digestive tract." A 1-cup serving of plums contains about 2.1 grams of fiber, while a cup of apricots contains about 2.5. That fiber also helps the fruit feel more filling. And if you're on TikTok, you may be familiar with the concept that tart cherry juice may be good for sleep; Eating straight-up cherries has a similar effect, thanks to their natural melatonin. Aside from eating these fruits as-is, Agyeman offers a few ideas to incorporate stone fruits into snacks or meals that'll leave you feeling satiated. "I love slicing fresh peaches and nectarines over Greek yogurt or cottage cheese," she says. "Grilled plums with cinnamon make such a simple but sweet treat. And I'll toss cherries into salads with goat cheese and arugula. Apricots are also amazing on oatmeal or as a grab-and-go snack."
