Peaches, like all other fruits, are packed with nutrients and keep your body healthy. They are a good source of vitamins A, C and K as well as minerals such as copper and manganese. Peaches also contain beta-carotene and other carotenoids which make them an excellent source of antioxidants. These properties combined make peaches a superfood. Peaches can be eaten raw or cooked in various ways – they taste great in salads, smoothies, desserts, or even just by themselves. Let’s take a look at the benefits of peaches and why you should include them in your diet.
Rich in vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that promotes immunity and plays a key role in the production of collagen, an important protein that keeps your skin, bones and blood vessels healthy. Vitamin C is water-soluble, which means that our bodies cannot store it, so consuming foods with vitamin C regularly is important for health. Peaches are a great source of vitamin C, providing about 20% of the recommended daily value per serving.
Rich in fiber
Fibers are substances found naturally in plants that promote good gut health. They help slow down the speed of digestion, which helps maintain blood sugar levels and makes you feel full for longer. Peaches contain around 2 grams of fiber per 100 grams. Peaches also contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber that has been proven to help lower cholesterol and maintain blood sugar levels.
Contains Plenty of Minerals
Peaches are a good source of minerals such as iron and manganese, as well as potassium and copper. Iron is essential for maintaining good health as it aids in producing new red blood cells. Manganese is important for developing strong bones and a healthy nervous system. Potassium is necessary for regulating blood pressure and copper is required for strong muscles and connective tissues. Peaches also provide you with vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting.
Good for Eye Health
Eye health is important at every age as we get older. Getting your daily servings of fruits and vegetables can help prevent macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in people over 50. Peaches are an excellent source of zeaxanthin, a carotenoid that is found in the eye’s macula and protects the retina from damage caused by the aging process, ultraviolet light or other harmful substances.
Benefits for Your Skin
Peaches contain plenty of antioxidants that have been well researched and proven to be effective in protecting your skin against damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are oxidants that are naturally produced in your body, but when in excess, they can damage your skin and cause visible signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots. Topically applying peaches has also been proven to be effective for soothing sunburns.
Help fight inflammation
Peaches are a good source of vitamin C and flavonoids, which are natural compounds that have been proven to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes as well as reduce inflammation in the body and fight certain types of cancers. Additionally, vitamin C has also been proven to be effective for reducing the severity and duration of colds.
Protection Against Diseases
Peaches are particularly effective against certain diseases. Peaches contain ellagic acid, a polyphenol that has been proven to be effective against cancer. Peaches have also been shown to be effective against cardiovascular diseases and liver diseases, such as hepatitis B.
How to eat peaches for maximum benefit?
Peaches are best eaten fresh, but they can also be dried, canned or preserved. When purchasing peaches, make sure they are firm and free of bruises and mold. Ripe peaches should be soft to the touch and have a sweet fragrance. Store unripe peaches at room temperature and ripe ones in the fridge.
There are many ways to enjoy peaches, but if you want to maximize their benefits, try fresh peaches with yogurt, fresh slices on top of your oatmeal, or even a smoothie with peaches and other ingredients such as bananas, dates, and oats. You can also try out peach crumble, peach pie, or baked peaches for a healthier dessert option. Peaches also taste great when added to salads or baked into a muffin. Peaches are versatile, easy to incorporate into any meal, and delicious. So go ahead and add peaches to your diet for a boost of vitamins and minerals, as well as plenty of other health benefits!
