Jun 20, 2012

Study shows stone fruits can help thwart obesity

Peaches, plums and nectarines have bioactive compounds that can potentially ward off obesity-related diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to new studies by Texas AgriLife Research.

The findings, which will be presented at the 244th American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition in Philadelphia this August, showed that compounds in stone fruits could be a weapon against “metabolic syndrome” in which obesity and inflammation lead to serious health issues.

While acknowledging that lifestyle, genetic predisposition and diet play a major role in obesity, AgriLife Research food scientist and Texas A&M associate professor Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos said metabolic syndrome is a major concern.

“Our studies have shown that stone fruits – peaches, plums and nectarines – have bioactive compounds that can potentially fight the syndrome,” Cisneros-Zevallos said. “Our work indicates that phenolic compounds present in these fruits have anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties in different cell lines and may also reduce the oxidation of bad cholesterol LDL, which is associated to cardiovascular disease.”

The studies are funded by the California Tree Fruit Agreement, The California Plum Board, the California Grape and Tree Fruit League and the Texas Department of Agriculture.