Peach: 10 properties and health benefits
One of the favorite fruits of summer is the peach. And is that any type of fruit at this time of year is refreshing and revitalizing, but the Peach (or peach, in some countries) also has properties that provide important nutrients to the organism.
The peach is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C and E. In addition, it has a high fiber content and is made up of a good proportion of water. It is also rich in carotenes, minerals such as phosphorus and iron among others, and antioxidants.
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Know the benefits of eating peach
All the compounds in peach have benefits in various areas of the body. It is best to take advantage of the harvest season of this fruit, but if you can find peaches at your trusted greengrocer at another time of year, it is well worth including them in our feeding.
Like most fruits in season, the peach can be eaten by the whole family. In children and pregnant women it is particularly optimal for its nutritional properties. We list here the most important properties and benefits of peaches.
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1. Care your skin
The peach is a fruit that helps to have a healthy and young skin. Because it contains vitamin C and antioxidants, peaches help fight free radicals that cause cellular aging, especially in the skin.
Also, this fruit helps in the production of collagen. This offers elasticity to the skin, in this way it looks younger and more radiant. Another benefit for the skin is its high water content, which provides hydration and makes the skin appear smoother.
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2. Protects heart health
The compounds of the peach make it an excellent aid to take care of the heart. This fruit contains potassium, sodium, vitamin C and fiber. All of these nutrients together are good for the heart.
One of the main reasons is that the peach contains sodium and potassium in just the right amount so as not to exceed the recommended amounts and thereby regulate blood pressure. Although it must be remembered that this does not replace any treatment, its consumption is an ally in this objective of taking care of our cardiovascular health.
3. Against fluid retention
Peach works as a natural mild diuretic. Its potassium content is the one that acts against fluid retention that produces swelling due to the excessive accumulation of fluids in the body's tissues.
Although it is important for the body to stay hydrated and with a sufficient amount of water, we must also take care that fluids are not being retained. This could cause various affectations or even be a symptom of a condition related to the kidneys.
4. Helps with good visual health
The beta carotenes contained in peaches are converted into vitamin A in the body. This vitamin, as is well known, is what helps to strengthen all organs related to sight.
For this reason, it is recommended that children consume vitamin A regularly, to minimize or delay the appearance of myopia or to protect the eyes from some viral diseases that can affect the view.
5. Anticancer
Among the foods that are considered anticancer is the peach. Although there are still no conclusive and definitive studies, it is known that vitamin C and antioxidants could be allies in reducing the risk of developing some types of cancer.
This is due to its ability to inhibit cell damage caused by free radicals, which is a precedent to the development of cancer. That is the reason why the peach is considered to be an anti-cancer fruit.
6. Laxative
The fiber content of peaches helps fight episodes of constipation. If it is a sporadic and mild event, eating this fruit along with enough water will help improve intestinal transit.
If, on the other hand, it is a chronic constipation, together with the treatment that the doctor indicates, you can add to the diet the consumption of this fruit, which thanks to its fiber will also help the better absorption of the nutrients.
7. Control diabetes
The peach is an excellent ally in the fight against diabetes. Among its best known properties and benefits is that of helping patients with this disease to control blood sugar levels.
Even many people who suffer from this condition have incorporated peach extract into their daily diet. This has helped them control sugar and insulin levels, providing well-being to the patient.
8. To lose weight
The peach, like many fruits, are ideal to include in diets to lose weight. In particular, this fruit helps in this purpose due to its fiber and potassium content, which help improve intestinal transit and prevent fluid retention.
In addition to being added to other ingredients to complete the daily diet, the peach works very good as a snack, in addition to helping to satisfy hunger and anxiety, its vitamins provide Energy. In any case, its consumption should be moderate, since it contains high levels of fructose, the sugar found in fruits.
9. Supports urinary tract health
One of the properties and health benefits of peaches is that of help prevent certain disorders in the urinary tract. To prevent and even eliminate stones in the kidneys or gallbladder, it is recommended to consume peaches, especially as juice.
Although also consuming it directly helps this objective. The juice, thanks to its diuretic properties, helps to eliminate toxins through the urine and helps to gradually dissolve the stones.
10. Relief for chronic cough
A hot peach juice or tea helps relieve the discomfort of a chronic cough. Even some natural cough syrups and treatments contain a gum that is extracted from the peach or peach tree.
You can prepare a juice and heat it a little, or make it directly into an infusion. Sweetening it with honey is an excellent idea. It can even help fight bronchitis or any respiratory disease.
Bibliographic references
WHO (1990) “Diet, nutrition and prevention of chronic diseases. World Organization of the. Health". Technical Report Series. 797, 123
Requejo, A.M. and Ortega R.M. (2000) Nutriguía. Manual of clinical nutrition in primary care. Ed. Complutense, S.A. Madrid.
Rizza, R.A.; Go, V.L.W.; McMahon, M.M. and Harrison, G.G. (2002) Encyclopedia of Foods. Academic. Press. San Diego. pp. 500