Can warding off obesity-related conditions be something as simple as munching on plums, nectarines and peaches? Well, professionals from Texas AgriLife Research think so. According to the team, these fruits fall into the category of stone fruits, which they believe could work against metabolic syndrome.
The scientists found that stone fruits contain phenolic compounds that function in tandem with each other to prevent metabolic syndrome. According to the team, the metabolic conditions accompanying obesity, such as heart disease and diabetes need to be tackled.
“In recent years obesity has become a major concern in society due to the health problems associated to it. In the U.S., statistics show that around 30 percent of the population is overweight or obese, and these cases are increasing every year in alarming numbers,†commented Cisneros-Zevallos, who also is an associate professor at Texas A&M University.
Basically, the results of the analysis suggested that the phenolic constituents of these fruits apparently carried anti-obesity, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, they seemed to inhibit the oxidation of bad cholesterol which is a major cause of heart disease.
This analysis that will be presented at the American Chemical Society showed that stone fruits could be regarded as weapons against obesity-related inflammation and cardiovascular risks. Many studies have shown that diet and lifestyle modifications hold the keys to good health. Fruits in general have many health benefits, while plums, peaches and nectarines seemingly contain specific ingredients required to combat inflammation.
The phenolic compounds mentioned above regulate the expression of different genes and proteins to restrain metabolic diseases.