According to Megan Ware of Medical News Today, the fuzzy fruit known as a peach or Prunus persica is a native of northwest China. They also belong to the stone fruit family, which implies that they have a single huge center seed that is surrounded by flesh. The inside flesh of peaches might be white, yellow, or orange in hue. Peaches are connected to plums, apricots, cherries, and almonds, claims Alina Petre of Healthline. Because its flesh is encircled by a shell that contains an edible seed, they are referred to as drupes or stone fruit. They can be consumed on their own or combined with various foods. Peaches are very nourishing and may have a host of health advantages, such as better digestion, smoother skin, and allergy relief.
No nutrient is present in peaches in substantial quantities. However, a cup of diced peaches has 11.1 mg of vitamin C in addition to meeting part of the daily requirements for potassium, fiber, and iron. According to US Department of Agriculture recommendations, this amount of vitamin C corresponds to 12.33% of an adult male's RDA and 14.80% of an adult female's RDA (USDA). In addition, antioxidants are abundant in them. According to Alina Petre, antioxidants are healthy plant chemicals that prevent oxidative damage and shield your body from illness and aging.
Alina Petre added that peaches might support a healthy digestive system. About 2 grams of fiber, half of which is soluble fiber and the other half is insoluble, are present in one medium-sized fruit. According to Megan Ware, it may aid in maintaining the health of the skin. According to research, vitamin C consumption can enhance both the skin's appearance and health. This potent antioxidant is essential for the production of collagen. Collagen serves as the skin's support structure, aiding in the healing of wounds and boosting skin tensile strength. Regular fruit consumption, which includes peaches, may improve heart health. Peaches may reduce heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol. More research on humans is however required. Peaches, like most fruits, contain healthy plant components that might provide some protection against several malignancies. Carotenoids and caffeic acid, two antioxidants with anticancer effects, are particularly abundant in peach skin and meat. Additionally, peaches may lessen the sensitivity of your immune system to allergens, easing allergic reactions. However, additional research is required, especially on humans.
Peaches are simple to find and can be included in your diet in a variety of ways, which is one advantage of eating them. They are simple to include in both warm and cold meals and can be eaten raw, roasted, grilled, broiled, or sautéed. Fresh peaches, for example, are a wonderful, nutrient-rich snack that can be enjoyed on its own or topped with yogurt and a few nuts, according to Alina Petre. Peaches can be used in salads or substantial chickpea curry. They are a common addition to many sweets and give the salsa a surprising twist. Lastly, peaches can be lightly crushed to flavor water or combined into a smoothie. Overall, it's a fruit you should definitely include in your diet.
ZDS DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND
References:
- The health benefits of peaches
Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.D., Nutrition — Written by Megan Ware, RDN, L.D. on November 12, 2019
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/274620
- 10 Surprising Health Benefits and Uses of Peaches
Written by Alina Petre, MS, RD (NL) on January 17, 2019
