Peach is a fruit that, in addition to being very beautiful and tasty, is rich in vitamins and nutrients, and thus brings several health benefits.
The peach is one of the most beautiful and delicious fruits there is. It is possible to find the fruit in different qualities, the most common being yellow and white peach. It is a very juicy stone fruit that brings several health benefits.
Of Chinese origin, the peach is the fruit of the peach tree, which belongs to the rosacea family. It is a fruit that has a velvety texture and a very specific flavor. It is found in any supermarket all year round, mainly in canned form. But the harvest period runs from November to January, when it is easier to find fresh fruit. This is precisely why it is a little more expensive than other more common fruits, such as apples and bananas, for example.
Rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, this fruit has many qualities that are very good for the body in general. Therefore, today we will learn more about peach and its various benefits.
The peach
Like nectarines and plums, peaches are a type of stone fruit. Therefore, its pulp involves a large seed. The peach has different qualities, with pulp and skin of different colors, it is possible to find the fruit with white, yellow or orange pulp.
But, regardless of the quality, it is a fruit rich in fiber and vitamins such as A and C that help the intestines function properly. It is also a source of minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium, and antioxidant substances, which is why it brings many health benefits.
Being a low-calorie fruit, it is a great option for a snack between main meals. Even more so for those who are in the process of losing weight.
Benefits of peach
In addition to being very tasty, peaches bring many health benefits and are therefore worth including in your diet.
Good for the intestine
Because it contains a lot of water and fiber in its composition, peach helps with bowel function. In this way, fiber contributes to giving more volume to the stool and helping with evacuation. In other words, it is highly recommended for those who suffer from constipation.
Improves immunity
As it is a source of many vitamins, including complex B and C, consuming peaches regularly contributes to increased immunity. These vitamins and nutrients help strengthen the body and increase antibodies. In this way, preventing various diseases, such as flu and colds.
Good for vision
Peach also contributes to good vision. This is because it is rich in vitamin A, which improves vision and contributes to healthy retinal aging. Furthermore, it also contributes to the hydration of the ocular surface.
Healthy skin
That famous expression “peach skin” is no coincidence. In addition to referring to the fruit’s smooth and beautiful skin, peach is actually very good for the skin.
This is due to its antioxidants, vitamins and beta-carotene, which protect the skin from damage caused by daily aggressions, such as sunlight, for example. And vitamin C promotes greater skin elasticity, preventing sagging and premature aging. Furthermore, the fruit’s high concentration of water helps keep the skin hydrated.
Prevention of diseases
Rich in potassium, a nutrient that contributes to sodium balance in the body, peach is also very good for maintaining blood pressure. This is one of the main risk factors for possible heart problems. And more than that, as it also contains polyphenols with antioxidant action, the fruit has been linked to a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases.
Help with weight loss
With a large amount of fiber that increases the feeling of satiety, peach is also low in calories and all of this helps in the weight loss process. Therefore, including fruit in snacks helps reduce the consumption of other higher-calorie foods. And because it has a sweet flavor, it is a good option to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Blood glucose control
Despite being a very sweet fruit, peach is recommended for those with diabetes. This is because in addition to having a low calorie content, the fruit also contains many antioxidants, fiber and vimines. And these fibers help control blood sugar. However, in these cases, fruit consumption should be moderate.
Good for pregnant women
Folic acid is one of the most important nutrients for pregnant women, and peach has a good amount of this nutrient. Furthermore, as it helps with intestinal function, it becomes even more important during pregnancy, when there is a reduction in intestinal motility. In other words, the difficulty in having a bowel movement, which causes constipation.
Anti-inflammatory action
Peach has several bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids. These compounds have anti-inflammatory action and this helps reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. In this way, it reduces the body’s inflammatory response, consequently eradicating the production of free radicals that can be harmful.
Reduces the risk of cancer
Studies already show that substances such as polyphenols can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. And peach contains a good amount of polyphenols. Research with women with breast cancer showed that some of these fruit compounds reduced the risk of metastasis, that is, the proliferation of cancer to other cells. Peach has also been proven to be very effective in limiting the growth of skin tumors.
Consumption
The best way to consume peaches is natural and with the skin. This way, it is possible to absorb all the nutrients from the fruit. That’s why it’s very important to clean it. As it is a low-calorie fruit, the ideal is to consume one fruit a day.
However, it is possible to use peach in several different recipes. For example, pies, cakes, jellies, jams, juices, creams, etc. Furthermore, it can be used to make smoothies, smoothies, ice cream and even drinks.
When choosing the fruit, it is important to observe its skin, which must be firm and free of marks. The ideal is to store the peach in the refrigerator.
However, the most consumed form of the fruit is the peach in syrup. However, canned peaches do not have the same nutrients as natural fruit, in addition to having much more sugar and preservatives. In fact, peaches in syrup have a high calorie content.
Contraindications
However, despite being a fruit rich in several nutrients and bringing many health benefits, there are some risks regarding its consumption. For example, people with hypersensitivity to fruit proteins may experience allergies after consuming them. Therefore, peaches should be avoided by people who have a digestive system sensitive to these substances.
In the case of those who have diabetes, despite being indicated, its consumption should be moderate. Because the fruit contains fructose, and excessive consumption can be harmful. For these people, the ideal is to consume only the natural fruit, and not the peach in syrup, which has even more sugar.
Anyway, what did you think of this article? In fact, take the opportunity to also check out the benefits of blackberries.
Sources: Beauty and Health World Education Live Well
Featured image: PAHO
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