fun fact: Peach is good for digestion and it has a diuretic effect – you can eat these fruits to cleanse your kidneys and bladder.
Introduction
A sweet tropical treat, peach is a popular source of vitamins and minerals. Peaches, scientifically known as Prunus persica, originated in China and now widely-cultivated across the globe. Like apples, peaches may be eaten raw. They are also good addition to salads, cocktails, and desserts. Peach makes a delicious and healthy snack option. Here’s why.
It is low in calories. As a matter of fact, the United States Department of Agriculture suggested that for every 100 grams of peach, there are only 39 calories. Plus, it does not contain any cholesterol.
Peaches provide energy for the body through its macronutrients. They carry 0.91g of protein, 0.25g of fat, and 9.54g of carbohydrates. These macronutrients, once digested, are converted into glucose or sugar that fuel organs, muscles, and tissues of the body. Peach is also a good source of dietary fiber, which normalizes bowel movement and at the same time controls hunger.
In terms of vitamins, peaches hold significant amount of vitamins A, C, E, K, and B complex. One hundred grams of peach make up 11% of the daily-recommended allowance of vitamin A. In addition, it contains beta-carotene that our body converts into vitamin A to improve the vision, while maintaining the health of skin and the mucus membrane.
The 11% DRA of vitamin C also helps strengthen the resistance of the body against infectious substances. Both vitamins A and C act as antioxidant, which fights off harmful free radicals that damage and destroy the body.
It comes with 4% DRA of potassium, an electrolyte involved in muscle control and maintenance of blood pressure.
For minerals, peaches are particularly high in copper, which also has anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Copper is essential for growth and development especially to maintain a healthy brain. It also allows the cells to communicate with each other while maintaining the integrity of the blood vessels and the heart.
Copper significantly interacts with iron and zinc to perform its functions in the body. Iron is important to manufacture hemoglobin and myoglobin that transport oxygen in the blood. Zinc, meanwhile, plays a significant role in cell division, tissue repair, metabolism of carbohydrates, and in wound healing.
Other essential minerals found in peaches include magnesium, manganese, calcium, and phosphorus. Another noteworthy feature of peach is fluoride, an essential mineral to prevent dental cavities and to normalize mineralization of bones.
The Amazing Health Benefits of Peach
Rich Source of Fiber
Eating one whole peach will provide your body up to 3 grams of fiber. Fiber plays essential role in our body. It regulates digestion and bowel movement as well as helps the heart to be in its best condition. It is important to eat fibrous food every day so that the digestive process is regulated. Fiber assures proper breakdown of food intake thus well absorbing their nutrients. Nutrients are what keep our body going. If the body gets sufficient nutrients it needs, it tends to become stronger and less exposed to sickness. Fiber also clears the digestive tract for smooth digestive processing. Consuming foods rich in fiber just like peaches will regulate bowel movement and prevent digestive issues like constipation.
Promotes Weight Loss
Because of its richness in fiber, regular consumption of peach effectively helps in losing weight. In addition, peach is very low in calories and contains no fats. Associating peach in your diet plan will surely yield effective and fast weight loss results. It is better to opt having peach for snacks and meals than having unhealthy and high-fat processed foods. It is not only delicious it is also very safe and nutritious. You can also make peach a substitute to satisfy you craving for sweets. Instead of eating chocolates, baked goods, and the likes, eating peach will fulfill your sweet tooth at the same time help you in managing your weight. You can also use peach as a main ingredient for salad and desserts.
Protects you from Cancer
Peaches are very abundant in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is among the strongest antioxidants that optimizes the body on a cellular level. Cancer is primarily caused by free radicals and Vitamin C is able to eliminate their formation. It is very important to fill in the daily Vitamin C requirement because this antioxidant makes the body able to fight off illnesses. This vitamin sets up the body’s defense against irregularities, free radical formation being one of them. With adequate amount of Vitamin C, risks of having cancer are reduced. Foods rich in fiber also decrease exposure to colorectal cancer. In addition, studies have shown that the extract of peaches is virtually aggressive in killing breast cancer cells.
Beautifies the Skin
Because peaches have high amounts of Vitamin C its consumption stimulates production of collagen. Collagen is responsible for the structure of the skin. If high levels of collagen are produced in the body, the skin becomes firm and flexible. This results to a younger looking and revitalized skin. Vitamin C also functions as an antioxidant which prevents damages in the skin caused by pollution and extreme heat of the sun. If you want your skin to always look beautiful even as you age, consumption of peaches can help you with that.
Stabilizes Heart Condition
Peach contains Vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and choline that all works together to achieve a healthy heart. Generally, the key to a healthy heart is to engage in a high potassium and low sodium diet. It is vital to eat foods rich in potassium as much as possible. Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common causes of death for the longest time. It is important to put much significance observing a strict diet for the stability of the heart’s condition. Studies have shown that consumption of peach daily reduce chances of heart ailments up to 50%.
Alleviates Stress
Compounds found in peach are proven to have calming effects. In fact, peaches are recommended to those who have anxiety and stress management issues. Eating peach regularly will allow you to think clearly and able to focus. In fact, this fruits is called the “Fruit of Calmness”. If you are having a hard time managing stress and maintaining focus, having a peach daily is of much help.
Relieves Gout and Rheumatism
Those who suffer from gout and rheumatism will experience better conditions after consumption of peach. Peaches have light laxative and diuretic effects that combat these disorders.
Good for the Bones and Teeth
Peaches are infused with fluoride that is an essential component of the bones and teeth. Flouride avoids bone dysfunction as well as dental caries. Eating peaches always is of much contribution to the overall health of your bones and teeth. To make them strong and healthy, consuming peach regularly can help.
Rich in Vitamin A
Vitamin A is also an important vitamin to have a completely healthy body. First and foremost, Vitamin A is good for the eyes. It helps in having a clearer vision through the years. Vitamin A also helps in maintaining the health of your skin. Lastly, eating foods rich in Vitamin A combats cancer specifically lung and oral cancer.
Cleanses the Kidney
Because of its high antioxidant properties, eating peach removes toxins from the kidney. It is essential to remove toxins in the body to avoid their harsh effects. A lot of countries already use peach tea to detoxify and cleanse the kidney from harmful chemicals.