Sunday Sweetbess - What's So Sweet About Summer Stone Fruit (And why ya need some)

 Peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, mangoes, pluots, cherries - ALL the summer "stone" fruits that make for great jams and tarts and, at the peak of ripeness, scream summer!! Why is that?  The antioxidant Vitamin C (Can you say "Sunshine) is found in rich supply in stone fruits.  Vitamin C is the powerhouse of building a strong immune system and potentially reducing the impact and duration of summer colds (because #aintnobodygotnottimefadat). 

And here's a benefit we can all truly appreciate as we age:  Stone fruit is typically (when fresh) low in calories and high in fiber, per serving.  High fiber foods move through the body slower, and increased fiber helps you feel full longer.  If you "feel" full you won't be reaching for that treat that simply ain't servin' you or your goals well. The fiber in stone fruit is also beneficial for managing blood sugar, blood pressure and helping to keep cholesterol levels in check.  

Stone fruits are loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols that have been studied to learn their potential to maintain and preserve vision.  Years ago when it was confirmed that I, too, had inherited Retinitis Pigmentosa, I was scared.  I remember asking the specialist for his perspective on eating fruits and veggies and he said "Well, it can't hurt."  RP is a degenerative eye disease for which there is currently no cure.  But I eat all the veggies, I maintain normal to low blood pressure and blood sugar, I work hard to address strength and weight issues. I don't smoke and rarely drink alcohol.  Others in my family have much greater progression of this disease and, thankfully, to date, I can still see, drive, and live a full, productive life with marginal progression from year to year.  If indulging in delicious stone fruit in the summer helps, um, yeah, count ME in!

One word of caution while we're talking benefits - these fruits, when fresh, are typically lower in calorie than other, not-as-beneficial snacks.  Dried, however, and the sugar content per serving is dramatically increased.  (Think raisins vs. grapes).  Eat food whole and fresh.  While I love an occasional dried apricot or piece of dried mango, dried fruits are an OCCASIONAL treat that will jack your macros and hijack your weight if we're not careful.  Eat in moderation.  

Here's to healthy summer snacking and enjoying the sweeness of stone fruits while we have them. It is always more affordable to eat fruits and veggies in season - so get ya stone fruits while we can!  Sending you #wisdomfromthewell with GREAT love! A2


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