Summer is a time of warmth, sun and the juiciest fruits. July is the month of fragrant peaches, the season of which is very short, since this fruit cannot be stored for a long time, unlike, for example, watermelon or apples. And therefore – have time to enjoy it and stock up on health for the winter.
Peaches are famous mainly for their delicious taste, but they have a number of other health benefits. The fruit is an ideal choice for those with diabetes. In addition, peaches are high in vitamins and minerals, from copper to vitamin C.
Due to the presence of vitamins, peaches are a good preventive measure against infectious and colds.
Peaches are good for digestion
Peaches are beneficial for optimal digestive function. This is because they contain a lot of fiber – about 10% of the body’s daily needs. This not only promotes gastrointestinal health, but also helps the gut microbiome stay balanced: peaches are high in prebiotics. So a peach or two a day (especially if you substitute them for desserts) is a great contribution to the health of the digestive system.
Peaches are good for the skin
Peaches contain a lot of beta-carotene (it gives sunny fruits their bright color) and vitamin C. These substances are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Beta-carotene (the body converts it into vitamin A) maintains skin tone, helps it glow, and also protects against the damaging effects of the sun (i.e. photoaging). Vitamin C, in turn, participates in the production of collagen and improves elasticity – thanks to it, the skin does not sag.
Peaches are good for eye health
Peaches contain lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that protect the retina and lens of the eye. Their health lowers the chances of developing cataracts and macular degeneration, common visual impairments. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in other plant foods as well.
Peaches help maintain healthy blood pressure
Peaches are beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure. This property provides them with a high content of potassium – an important electrolyte. It works like a natural diuretic and helps remove excess fluid from the body. Thanks to this, excess load is removed from the blood vessels and the heart. Foods high in potassium also help relieve puffiness.
Peaches help maintain optimal weight
Peaches help you maintain a healthy weight and shed unwanted pounds. A cup of chopped pulp contains about 60 calories, a lot of water (85%, remember!) And fiber. That is, peaches are low in calories and leave a feeling of satiety for a long time. All this makes them an excellent product for those who have set the goal of achieving and maintaining optimal weight.
In addition, it has been found that peaches contain certain compounds – phytonutrientswhich can provide unique health benefits to those who eat them as they act as antioxidants. Consumption of peach, enriched with powerful biologically active compounds, significantly reduces oxidative stress in the body.
The phytonutrients in peach have been found to have anti-cancer properties and prevent cell growth from becoming cancerous. The other polyphenols in this fruit help reduce inflammation and prevent or reduce oxidative stress caused by toxins and free radicals.
A 2014 in vivo study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found phenolic compounds in peach to be effective in inhibiting the growth and metastasis of MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells, with the study authors suggesting that either a daily intake of two or three peaches, or dietary supplements containing peach polyphenol extract may be effective in reducing the spread of breast cancer after the patient’s initial diagnosis.
In addition, a 2010 study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology showed that peach polyphenols have proven effective in killing breast cancer cells without negatively affecting healthy cells.
So while peaches can be eaten just because they taste delicious, realizing that you get healthier with every bite of juicy pulp makes them especially appealing.
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