Peaches (Prunus persica) belong to the family of Rosaceae, which includes fruits like plums and cherries. The fruit has a delicate aroma and a juicy, yellowish pulp. Its inner flesh can range in color white to orange or yellow and have one large middle seed, as do cherries, apricots, plums, and nectarines.
Peaches can be eaten on their own or added to a variety of dishes. They are packed with nutrients that are needed by the body to function at its best, according to the USDA Nutrition Data. One medium size of a peach contains around 59 calories and 0 cholesterol. Specifically, the fruit is a rich source of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), vitamin A, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B-6, vitamin K (phylloquinone), and folate. It also has useful minerals such as copper, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Additionally, beneficial compounds are also present in the fruit. These naturally occurring plant compounds can help fight oxidative stress and protect the body against aging and various diseases.
Health Benefits of Eating Peaches
Eye Health
Three o more servings of peaches have been found to decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Since the fruit is a rich source of beta carotene, it gives hope for those with eye problems. Beta carotene helps improve vision health by increasing circulation of blood in all body parts.
Healthy Immune System
Due to its richness in zinc and vitamin C, peaches can help maintain a healthy immune system. These two important components of the fruit have antioxidant and wound healing properties, can help fight infections and prevent diseases such as cold, diarrhea, malaria, and pneumonia.
Improve Heart Health
When consumed regularly, peaches can help strengthen the heart and stimulate the blood flow to your body. Due to this, a person may have lower cholesterol levels in blood vessels and lower the chances of atherosclerosis.
Kidney Detox
Potassium helps cleanse your bladder and reduce kidney related diseases. Peaches are rich in this mineral, and along with other essential vitamins, it can help you maintain normal liver and kidney function.
Prevents Cancer
Peach skin and flesh are rich in caffeic acid and in carotenoids. These two are types of antioxidants that have anticancer properties. Research has found that peaches can protect the body against breast, oral, colon, and lung cancer.
Prevent Anemia
Peaches are rich in iron, which helps increase the production of hemoglobin, thus minimizing and preventing anemia.