Peaches: benefits and harms to the body?

The benefits of peaches for the body are great, and it is difficult to overestimate them. Delicious and fragrant fruit not only cheers up but is also known for its rich vitamin and mineral composition. Who doesn’t love juicy fresh peaches with tender flesh and sweet flavor? With the onset of the season, many other fruits fade into the background, and preference is given to fragrant fruits that perfectly quench thirst.

The birthplace of the fruit is China. Not so long ago, scientists found out that it was there that the first peach trees grew. In Europe, fluffy fruits became widespread thanks to the Persians, hence the “Persian plum.”

The plant is thermophilic, but today peach trees are cultivated not only in the tropics. Due to its wonderful taste qualities, the fluffy fruit has spread worldwide, and its cultivation area has expanded significantly: now, you can find peach trees even in Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova. The largest number of peaches is grown in his homeland.

The Chinese consider it a symbol of good luck and longevity. Also, the most favorable climate for it is India, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Syria. Peaches from Asia are the sweetest, and fruits from America and Europe taste sour.

Composition and Calories

The high fiber and dietary fiber content are valued, contributing to good digestion and proper bowel function.

100 g of the product contains:

• fat – only 0.3 g;
• proteins – 0.9 g;
• carbohydrates – 9.5 g.

The product’s calorie content is small – about 40 kcal per 100 grams, which nutritionists love very much.

The pulp of a ripe peach contains:

• pectin,
• carotene,
• essential oils,
• vitamins,
• minerals,
• acid,
• fiber.

Content of vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamins of the B, C, E, K, PP, and K groups,
• potassium,
• magnesium,
• selenium,
• copper,
• manganese,
• iron,
• zinc,
• phosphorus,
• sodium.

Benefits of peaches for the human body

The fruit of the peach tree has many beneficial properties, which include:

• strengthening immunity;
• improvement of the gastrointestinal tract;
• normalization of metabolic processes;
• removal of toxins from the body;
• positive influence on the circulatory system’s operation;
• improvement of the brain and memory;
• increase in hemoglobin levels, prevention of anemia;
• anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties;
• regulation of cholesterol and blood pressure;
• improvement of bone and cartilage tissue.

An interesting fact: due to the content of magnesium, the peach affects mood and increases stress resistance, which is why it is called the fruit of tranquility.

Benefits for women

Due to its valuable composition, peach helps prevent various diseases of the female body and is not in vain considered the “elixir of youth and beauty.” The juicy pulp is well digested, so pregnant and lactating women can eat it. They help to cope with the manifestations of toxicosis and prevent the occurrence of seizures and the development of anemia. Peach is a real storehouse of nutrients both for a woman’s health and for the proper development of the fetus, so it is very beneficial to include it in the diet.

Folic acid contributes to the normal formation of the placenta and the unborn child’s nervous system. Potassium strengthens the nervous system of the mother and baby. Pectin and fiber contained in peaches prevent weight gain and are a good prevention of constipation. In addition, sweet fruits remove excess fluid from the expectant mother’s body, preventing swelling.

The anti-aging fruit contains zeaxanthin and lutein. It helps with skin damage from excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. The use of peaches by the fair sex promotes regeneration at the cellular and tissue levels and helps maintain the beauty and youthfulness of the skin, hair, and nails.

Benefits for men

Peach fruits contain zinc, which favorably affects the functioning of the prostate gland and the hormonal system and benefits the body of a man. Regular use cleanses toxins and removes excess fluid, preventing urolithiasis and gout.

Are peaches good for kids?

Despite the presence of potential allergens, the value of the sweet fruit is quite high, so it is introduced into complementary foods from the age of eight months in the form of puree.

The high content of nutrients contributes to the development of strong immunity in the child. Vegetable fiber improves the functioning of the digestive system and cleanses the gastrointestinal tract. Peach has a mild laxative effect and is useful for constipation in children.

The beneficial properties do not end there:

• Iron and folic acid prevent the development of anemia.
• B vitamins improve the psycho-emotional background of the child.
• Reduce stress levels; vitamin C normalizes the cardiovascular system and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.

With the obvious benefits of the presence of vitamins and trace elements in the composition, combined with a delicate taste, one should not forget preventive measures.

For a child, the daily norm is up to two fruits without individual intolerance, allergies, and diabetes.

Medicinal properties of peaches and their use in medicine

Currently, peach components are used as an oil base to manufacture some medicines. Fruit seed oil is used in pharmaceuticals to dissolve water-insoluble substances.

Extracts of fruits and leaves are part of dietary supplements and preparations for maintaining health in cardiovascular diseases, digestive problems, respiratory diseases, endocrine disorders, anemia, sleep disorders, and increased fatigue.

Peach oil treats skin diseases: eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Traditional medicine about the benefits of peach

Traditional medicine confirms the health benefits of peaches and is replete with recipes from the seeds, fruits, flowers, and leaves of wonderful fruit.

A decoction of the leaves of the peach tree is used as an anti-febrile and anti-cold remedy, and the fruit juice is used to improve digestion and quench thirst. The flowers are valued for their laxative and diuretic properties.

• The list of problems for which drugs based on peach components are used is diverse: cardiovascular diseases;
• hemorrhoids;
• diseases of the urinary tract;
• rheumatism;
• headache;
• skin diseases, etc.

Peaches in Ayurveda

By nature, the peach is not too hot and has a sweet taste and a sharp vipak. Vipak in Ayurvedic medicine is the effect that food has after digestion. Each product has its vipak: sweet, sour, or spicy, which gives a certain effect on the balance of doshas (individual constitutions) and tissue nutrition. Peach has a calming effect on Vata dosha and, in small amounts, does not excite Kapha dosha, but in excess, it can contribute to the accumulation of mucus in the lungs.

Peach juice is useful for symptoms of Vata dosha arousal: dry mouth, palpitations, and fatigue. A glass of juice with a pinch of rock salt, sugar, and ten drops of lemon juice can be taken up to three times a day. Using such a drink will improve the condition of the Vata dosha that has gone out of balance.

Ayurveda mentions peach as a product that strengthens the body, gives strength, is quickly digested, and is generally good for eating in reasonable quantities.

The benefits of peaches for weight loss

You can eat your favorite delicacy while on a diet: peaches remove excess water, cleanse the intestines well, and have a diuretic and laxative effect. A large amount of water and organic acids speed up metabolism and help fight against body fat.

Use in cosmetology

The fruit pulp is used externally, adding to cosmetic masks. Due to the high moisture content, vitamins, and antioxidants, the peach component gives the skin softness, radiance, and elasticity. The organic acids included in the composition are used in cosmetic peels and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Contraindications and harm

Despite all the advantages, not everyone can take this product without restrictions. Namely, persons suffering from:

• diabetes mellitus;
• diseases of the stomach with high acidity;
• pancreatitis;
• obese.

It is better to consult with your doctor. You will also have to remove this tasty fruit from the diet with individual intolerance or allergies.

When eating peaches and fruits, you must remember that they cannot be combined with other products; when fruits are mixed with carbohydrates or dairy products, fermentation in the intestines increases. Eating peaches at night is also not healthy. The best option would be to make a separate meal in the morning.

How to choose ripe and high-quality peaches that will benefit the body

To enjoy the wonderful taste and get all the health benefits of a peach, choose elastic velvety fruits with smooth skin, without defects, dents, and darkening. Do not buy fruit wrapped in plastic wrap or closed containers. In this form, they are deprived of air access and stored poorly. Besides, you will be unable to touch them and appreciate the smell. It is better to give preference to fruits sold by weight.

In the case of overripe fruits, they will be very soft – it is better to refuse such a purchase; hard ones are unripe, plucked from the tree green, and also not very good for consumption. The color of the skin should be natural; too bright coloring or the presence of purple streaks is a sign of over-treatment with chemicals. In fruits with dark spots, the process of decay has already begun, and they are not suitable for food. Pay attention to the smell – it should be fresh and pleasant. The peaches are most likely underripe or treated with chemicals if the natural aroma is completely absent.

Storing peaches at home

Fresh, high-quality fruits, without dents or damage, can be stored for up to several days at room temperature. To extend the shelf life, you can put them in the refrigerator. A paper bag will keep it looking fresh longer, and plastic bags will rot, so avoid this type of fruit packaging if possible. To avoid spoilage, ripe, juicy fruits should not be stored together with unripe ones.

Using a brush, peaches should be washed immediately before use under warm running water. Washed fruit is not subject to storage!

Popular varieties of peaches

There are wide varieties of juicy fruit that differ in skin color, pulp, taste, and aroma. The flesh can be white, yellow, orange, or pink. The most tender is considered white, like the Lodz variety. The bright yellow flesh of the narinji variety, the skin of the representative of this variety is also amber yellow, grows in the Caucasus. The fig peach is now becoming very popular due to its delicate and sweet taste; its appearance is distinguished by its flattened shape from the poles.

All varieties of peaches are united by a composition that is healthy and rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

How and with what is it better to eat peaches

Remember that mixing fruits with other foods is bad for the body, so the best way to eat fresh peaches is as a separate meal.

Juicy, fragrant peaches can also be the basis for making smoothies and fruit salads.

Smoothie with peach

Flavored smoothie with a creamy texture – a delicious drink made from fresh fruits and water or plant-based milk. Take two peaches, one kiwi, and one banana, cut into small pieces, then put in a blender bowl, add water and beat until smooth. A healthy snack is ready!

Fruit salad with peaches

This salad with ripe peaches is just a storehouse of vitamins on your plate. You can cook a simple and healthy dish of peaches and other fruits in the summer. Required: 2 peaches, three apricots, one pear, one kiwi, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Fruit cut into cubes, pour lemon juice, and sprinkle with cinnamon.

As you can see, the benefits of peaches are great for both children and adults, but on the condition that you choose, store and use them correctly!

Bon appetit, and stay healthy!