As with many stone fruits, peaches originated in China. It is in the Rosaceae, or Rose, family. From China this delectable fruit spread to Persia where it was widely cultivated.
Botanica Name: Prunus persica
More than 300 varieties of peaches grow and flourish in the United States, and over 2,000 varieties globally, although the fruit is native to China. Peaches are classified in three groups: freestone, clingstone and semi-freestone. According to region their nomenclature like peach, yellow peaches, white peaches, Freestone Peaches, clingstone peaches, donut peaches, Nectarines etc Peaches are naturally low in fat and calories as well as salt and cholesterol.
Peaches are a good source of soluble fiber, which is known to lower cholesterol. These fruit are also a good source of Folate, vitamin C and the antioxidants Lutein and Zeaxanthin, that are known to detoxify the body. which can lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Nutritional Profile
Health Benefits
Promote brain health and reduce stress
Peaches are often referred to as the ‘Fruit of Calmness’ in Hungary. Because peaches contain magnesium , which helps prevent stress and anxiety in the body and aids in keeping the nervous system calm.
Peaches are good sources of folate and bioactive compounds that have been shown to decrease neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. It has also been shown to decrease the risk of macular degeneration.
Several Studies shows that peach extracts exert beneficial effects on the central cholinergic system. Components present in peaches avert the cholinergic system from degenerating and thus prevent various disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
As per a report published, peaches is healthy stress-reliever that helps reduce anxiety.
A research study conducted on children, has suggested that the intake of magnesium-rich foods along with vitamin B6 has favorable effects in the treatment of central nervous system hyperexcitability.
MAIN THING
: In Ayurvedic therapy consumption of peaches is beneficial for balancing the nervous system, reduce stress, Prevents various disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and promotes brain health .
Anemia occurs due to the deficiency of iron. Anemia can also occur with low levels of vitamin C.The iron in peaches is required for red blood cell formation and to carry oxygen from our lungs and throughout our bodies. The vitamin C might helps the absorption of iron in the body.
MAIN THING: Peaches, being rich in both iron and vitamin C are excellent foods to combat anemia.
Healthy digestion
Digestion is the core function that our body performs in order for us to survive and fight off diseases. A good digestive system ensures your body is absorbing nutrients properly from the food you intake.
The dietary fiber in peaches and alkaline content helps regulate and improve digestion, which protects the gut from health complications such as diarrhea, hemorrhoids, ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders.
It also helps in eliminating and cleansing the toxic waste from the intestines and preventing the body from contracting various abdominal disorders, including stomach cancer.
Due to its laxative properties, peaches also aid in the dissolution of kidneys and bladder stones.
MAIN THING: Peaches are good source of dietary fiber to your diet which absorbs water and helps in preventing stomach disorders, irregular bowel movements and Prevent colon cancer
Immunity is the body’s army against germs, diseases, infections and free radicals.
Peaches are rich in ascorbic acid and zinc, help the body maintain a strong and healthy immune system. Vitamin C helps combat seasonal viruses and infections that generally weaken your immunity. Both zinc and vitamin C affect collagen healing, and subsequently wound healing. Zinc and vitamin C also have antioxidant properties, which can help fight infections.
Peaches also slow down the process of cellular degeneration as it contains vitamin C, magnesium and zinc.
Peaches are rich sources of vitamin A, a nutrient that helps regulate the immune system.
MAIN THING: The antioxidants in peaches, such as, vitamin C, zinc and vitamin A are required for the normal functioning of the immune system.
Bad eating habits often lead to obesity that invites to many diseases, which is detrimental to your health.
Peaches are rich in dietary fiber, which helps the body stay fuller for longer and the great taste is sure to satisfy any cravings that you may have and also contain Bioactive compounds the has ability to inhibit obesity-related disorders.
A research study has suggested that the presence of phenolic compounds in peaches have anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity properties which help in fighting metabolic syndromes that can lead to serious health concerns.
MAIN THING: Peaches are good sources of fiber and bioactive components that promotes satiety and contributes to weight loss.
Skin care
The antioxidant vitamin C found in peaches, can reduce wrinkles, improve overall skin texture and help to fight skin damage caused by the sun and pollution and also plays a vital role in the formation of collagen, the support system of your skin.
Peaches possess health-boosting flavonoids that has Anti-aging properties. The flavonoids in peaches protect the skin from erythema.
Peaches are a great source of zinc, which also has anti-aging properties. Also, zinc interferes with the aging process of male reproductive organs, by boosting the levels of testosterone in the body.
Peaches are rich in vitamin A, which promotes skin health and also adds color to your complexion. Peaches either eaten or put on the skin have been shown to be a great natural moisturizer. The peach is in the almond family and often the oils of the peach can be used to make cosmetics
MAIN THING: Antioxidant Vitamin C, Vitamin A found in Peaches that effective in treating skin issues both externally as well as internally and Zinc and flavonoids that helps slow down the aging process.
Healthy bones & teeth
Peaches contain phosphorus, which along with other minerals, helps in strengthening bones and teeth, and maintaining and repairing the bodily tissues. It also aids in the prevention of some bone diseases, like decalcification, which can lead to osteoporosis.
The vitamin C in peaches, apart from having numerous other benefits, also helps build bones and teeth.
The vitamin A in peaches also helps in promoting the health of bones and teeth.
MAIN THING: Phosphorus Along with calcium, Vitamin C and Vitamin A content presence in peaches plays an important role in the strengthening of jaw bones and gums, which helps in keeping the teeth intact.
Beta-carotene plays an important role in maintaining healthy eyesight and preventing various eye diseases like xerophthalmia and blindness. Phytonutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin in fruits that protecting the macula, ultimately preventing the incidence of age-related macular degeneration.
Many studies suggested that lutein and zeaxanthin reside in the macular pigment of the eye and help in protecting the retina from age-related macular degeneration. An investigative research study has shown that carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, present in peaches have positive effects associated with a reduced prevalence of nuclear cataract.
Several Studies have linked the lutein and zeaxanthin found in peaches to reduced risk of nuclear cataracts. Zeaxanthin also helps slow down the macular degeneration process in the eye that occurs due to age.
MAIN THING: Peaches have biochemicals like Beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the tissues in the eye from both external and internal damage.
Prevent hypokalemia
Lack of potassium in the body is called Hypokalemia, which causes irregular heartbeat and weak muscles.
Peaches contain potassium which is vital for proper nerve signaling and cellular functioning of the body. The potassium from the peaches helps the body in utilizing carbohydrates for energy, regulating muscular tissue and maintaining electrolyte balance.
In one study involving more than 12,000 adults, Those who consumed 4,069 mg of potassium per day had a 37% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and 49% of ischemic heart disease, respectively, compared with those who took 1,793 mg/day.
MAIN THING: A Peach include in diet that helps to prevents Hypokalemia and lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cholesterol is often the reason for chronic illnesses such as hypertension, blood pressure, and diabetes. Peaches, being rich in fiber, help scrape excess cholesterol from your arteries, providing a spacious pathway for the flow of blood and oxygenation.
A study has shown that the anthocyanins, chlorogenic acids, quercetin derivatives, and catechins compounds present in the peel and pulp of peaches that help in maintaining lower levels of LDL or bad cholesterol and stimulating HDL or good cholesterol that aids in reducing the risk of developing diseases related to the heart and maintaining an optimal cardiovascular health.
According to a study, replacing sugary drinks with fresh peach juice, rich in polyphenols, can help lower the cardiovascular risk factors.
MAIN THING: Peaches contain a unique combination of bioactive compounds like phenols that lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cancer
Being rich in antioxidants Vitamin C in peach act as a powerful antioxidant, which helps your body to get rid of harmful free radicals that lead to cancer. The phenolic acids, procyanidins, anthocyanins and the flavonoid quercetin Found in Peach helps to protects against cancer.
A study was conducted on peach, found that phenolic acids, procyanidins, anthocyanins and the flavonoid quercetin in peach extracts effectively inhibit the proliferation of certain breast cancer cell lines.
Many Studies shows that Peaches possess antitumor and anti-cancer properties, that help in fighting various types of cancers such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer.
MAIN THING: Due to Antioxidants vitamin C and Other Bioactive compound found in peach helps to prevent proliferation and progression of various types of cancerous cells.
Other uses of the peach tree
Kernels: Treatment of menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and other conditions including blood stasis, asthma, and cough and also beneficial in the treatment of acute appendicitis and dyspnea and they promote healthy blood circulation.
Bark: Effective in the treatment of jaundice and dropsy.
Leaf: They possess detoxifying, laxative, and diuretic properties, and are also effective in treating abdominal worms and in the healing of wounds. Beneficial for the treatment of cough, bronchitis, and abdominal disorders and also used in green-colored dyes manufacture
Flowers: Help in constipation and edema
Safety Profile
Peach is Safe in food amounts.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Peach is Safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women when taken in food amounts.
Selection
Firm, fuzzy skins that yield to gentle pressure when ripe, Choose that peaches.
Unripe peaches Store in paper bag. Ripe peaches store at room temperature for use within 1-2 days.