Enjoy Peaches and Nectarines whilst they are in season and give your fertility and health a boost with their fantastic nutritional properties
Peaches originated in China and then spread to Asia, the Mediterranean and Europe. The Spanish introduced peaches to Mexico where they were found as early as 1600. Over the centuries, peaches have always been considered an uplifting and rejuvenating fruit. They contain important anti-inflammatory anthocyanins along with some other phenolic compounds that work together to help combat Metabolic Syndrome- a group of risk factors that can lead to diabetes and heart disease, and so are often used in weight management programs.
In relation to fertility, peaches and nectarines contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A (any orange or yellow fruits or veg – think beta- carotene!) and which helps to produce the female sex hormones (oestrogen and progesterone). These hormones are important for ovulation and for the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Beta-carotene is the plant-based precursor to vitamin A. It helps to protect from conditions related to oestrogen dominance in women and men, such as, breast cysts, heavy menstrual bleeding, obesity, stress to name a few! A wholefood, nutrient dense diet can help to rectify this situation. Peaches and nectarines are also rich in selenium along with vitamin C which are important re egg and sperm quality. Try to buy organic peaches and nectarines if possible – if you can’t in either case always remember to wash your fruit before consuming.
Other health benefits of enjoying peaches
- Skin health- important source of vitamin C which helps in the production of collagen. Peaches also contain antioxidants such as lutein which helps maintain healthy eyes and skin
- As a diuretic-due to the fact that they are rich in magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, they help to remove excess water from the body.
- Low in calories and contain no fat.
Enjoy….
- On their own raw
- With yoghurt/fromage frais
- Make into a sorbet
- In salads
- Cook with chicken
- In smoothies
Peaches and cream fertility smoothie
Serves 1
2 Peaches- stone removed
1 Banana
1/4 Cup organic natural yoghurt
Sprinkle of chia seeds
A little water and ice as required
Place into a blender/juicer until smooth and enjoy! Peaches also combine well with raspberries in a smoothie.
Tasty BBQ Chicken and peaches
Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)
How to make:
- Coat the chicken with 2oz of butter and then make a sauce using 2 large tablespoons of honey, 2 level tablespoons of English mustard, 2 tablespoons of Worcester sauce, 8 tablespoons of vinegar along with 1/2 teaspoon of chilli (optional).
- Mix the sauce ingredients together and pour it over the chicken and chop some fresh oregano over the top.
- Place into a preheated oven at 190 degrees and cook for roughly an hour and a half (depending on the size of your chicken).
- Add 3 fresh peaches (destoned or halved) 15 minutes before removing the chicken from the oven – if you don’t have fresh use tinned if that is what you have in.
Fresh peach sorbet
Ingredients (makes 6 servings)
- 6 ripe peaches (destoned and sliced)
- 1/2 cup runny honey (or stevia)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Over low heat in a saucepan, heat the peaches, honey, and water until all mixed smoothly
- Place the peach mixture and lemon juice into a food processor or blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Freeze the peach puree in an ice-cream tub and enjoy!