What are the Benefits of Peach?
Peaches are fruits rich in organic acids (malic acid), citric acid, sugars (including fructose and glucose), vitamins (C, E, K, B1, B2), and minerals (phosphorus, potassium). They also contain enzymes such as amylase which breaks down starch into simple sugars. It has antioxidant properties.
Peaches are suitable for the following diets:
-Raw food diet (uncooked vegan or vegetarian)
-Fruitarian or Vegan diet (vegetarians who eat only fruits and vegetables)
The benefits of peach are particularly accentuated when you consume it in combination with other low glycemic foods like coconut oil.
Peach contains polyphenol compounds, which are known to have antioxidant properties. Eating peaches may help delay the aging process and reduce some effects of aging. Similar benefits are also being attributed to strawberries, blueberries, and apples.
Antioxidants are thought to destroy free radicals in the body that could otherwise trigger chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
The use of peach goes back to ancient times with statements about its beneficial properties in the medical treatise “Pen-Tsao Ching”, which is attributed to an ancient Chinese emperor Shen Nung (2697-2595 BC).
Peaches also have very powerful analgesic properties that are good for treating pain.
Peach fruit has a lot of nutritional value, including high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. It also contains numerous health benefits such as antioxidants and vitamins. Peaches are beneficial in preventing cancer, strengthening the immune system, and protecting skin from damage due to exposure to the sun. They have also been known as a natural laxative to help aid digestion.
Vitamin A contained in peaches helps maintain healthy skin and vision, while vitamin C assists in producing immune-boosting antibodies to protect against infections. Potassium is an electrolyte necessary for controlling heart rate and blood pressure.
Peach alleviates gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including heartburn, by exerting a relaxing effect on the involuntary muscle that controls the opening of the stomach.
The phytonutrients found in peaches help fight cancer-causing cells and free radicals. The antioxidants found in peaches may also reduce one’s risk for developing asthma, arthritis, diabetes, stroke, and atherosclerosis. Peaches are a natural diuretic that increases urine production, which helps rid the body of toxins and waste products.
Peach is also rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, and copper. These help the formation of bones and teeth; keep heart rhythm steady; support a healthy immune system; produce energy, and speed up the healing process in wounds.
Peaches are also very good for regulating blood sugar levels, especially when included in a diabetic diet. They do this by slowing down carbohydrate absorption to prevent sharp rises in blood sugar levels. The soluble fiber found in peaches is beneficial in binding with cholesterol so that it can be excreted from the body. This can help reduce LDL cholesterol and protect against heart disease.
Peach is a fruit that contains b-carotene and other carotenoids with provitamin A activity, including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and gamma-carotene. Peach also has some zeaxanthin which contributes to the yellow color of the pulp.
The essential oil contained in peach leaves is rich with several bioactive constituents, namely, amino acids, benzaldehyde, monoterpenes (limonene and alpha-pinene), polyphenols (ellagic acid), tannins, and triterpenoids. The biological activities of the major compounds present in the essential oil of Prunus persica leaves have been scientifically studied.
Medication Interaction between peach and warfarin may cause bleeding problems:
Peach is reported to interact with blood-thinning medications such as ‘warfarin’. Although this has not been proven, it’s still best to consult your doctor before taking peach if you are currently taking ‘warfarin’.
Peach is not suitable for individuals with high blood sugar levels Peach is rich in nutrients like carbohydrates, fiber, and fructose. If you have issues concerning your blood sugar (elevated fasting blood glucose level), avoid eating peach since it’s rich in these types of nutrients. Peach is not suitable for people with chronic coughs and asthma
People who suffer from chronic coughs and asthma should avoid eating peach as it may worsen the symptoms.
Peach has laxative properties:
The fiber content found in peach acts as a natural laxative agent, so those who are suffering from diseases such as constipation should avoid eating a peach.
Peach may cause vomiting and nausea Peach is not suitable for individuals who are suffering from stomach disorders such as diarrhea, chronic gastritis, and peptic ulcers because it can aggravate these conditions. The same goes for those who have a sensitive digestive system.
Peach is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women:
Peach contains antinutrients such as enzymes and tannins that can decrease the bioavailability of certain minerals. So, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid eating peach to lessen the risk of exposing their unborn child or nursing baby to these antinutrients.
Peach may cause kidney stones:
Based on a study conducted by the Department of Urology at the ‘University of Texas Health Science Center, it was found out that people who regularly ate peaches and nectarines experienced a higher risk for developing kidney stones than those who didn’t. This is due to the high oxalate content in peach. However, this study has not been replicated, so further studies need to be conducted.
Peach may cause liver damage:
The phenolic compounds in peach possess prooxidative properties that could potentially damage the liver, so those who are suffering from diseases or disorders related to the liver should avoid eating peach until further studies are complete.
Peach may interact with medications for diabetes and diuretics
Peach is rich in nutrients such as carbohydrates, fiber, and fructose. If you are currently taking ‘diabetes’ medications or diuretics, avoid eating peach as it may worsen the side effects of these medications.
Peach contains Tannins:
Tannins have been shown to inhibit iron absorption and reduce the efficacy of some medications, so people who are suffering from anemia or other conditions that require them to take iron supplements should avoid eating a peach.
Peach may cause respiratory issues:
People with chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should avoid eating peach because it may worsen their condition. This is due to the presence of Tannins and saponins in peach.
Peach may cause weight gain:
Peach contains a considerable amount of fructose, which is one of the main reasons why it’s not suitable for those who are trying to lose weight. In fact, large amounts of fructose if often confused with added sugars. So, if you’re on a strict diet, avoid eating peach as it may cause weight gain.
Peach may cause skin problems:
Since peach is rich in Coumarins (a natural compound that’s found in high concentrations in some plants), people with sensitive skin conditions such as eczema should avoid eating peach since it may worsen the symptoms of their condition.
Peach may cause numbness and tingling of the skin:
People taking blood pressure and heart medications such as Calcium Channel Blockers should avoid eating peach since it may worsen their condition. This is due to the presence of Tannins, which have been shown to interfere with these types of medication.
In fact, some medications such as Calcium Channel Blockers specifically lists peach as one of the food products that should be avoided while taking this type of medication.
Peach may cause stomach discomfort:
People who are suffering from conditions such as IBS, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis should avoid eating peach since it may worsen their symptoms.
Peach may cause fever:
People who are suffering from conditions such as malaria should avoid eating peach since it may worsen their symptoms. This is due to the presence of Tannins in peach that functions like quinine, which is used to treat chronic malaria.
Peach has carcinogenic properties:
Peach contains Amygdalin, which is converted to Cyanide in the body. People who are suffering from cancer should avoid eating peach since it may worsen their condition.
Peach increases menstrual flow:
People with heavy periods or menstrual issues should avoid eating peach as it may cause further problems or discomfort. This is due to the presence of Diospyros, which has been shown to increase menstrual flow in animals.
Peach may cause weight loss:
Peach contains two polyphenols (Phenolic Acids), namely Gallic Acid and Caffeic Acid, that can induce weight loss by breaking down body fat. However, the amount of these compounds found in peach are not enough to achieve a notable effect.
Peach may cause an increase in heart rate:
People taking medications such as Calcium Channel Blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease, should avoid eating peach since it may worsen their condition due to the presence of Tannins that function like quinine, which is used to treat chronic malaria.
Peach may cause organ damage:
Since peach contains saponins in large amounts, it should be avoided by people with kidney or liver disease because it may worsen the symptoms of these conditions. Saponins are toxic to animal cells and they can also affect cell membranes due to their amphipathic nature (they’re composed of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups).
For this reason, saponins can cause organ damage by disrupting the balance of ions that surround cells (which is essential for their survival).