Contents
Juice, nectar, puree, peach jam have an almost identical consistency. This is possible due to the special structure of the fruit – the liquid does not separate from the pulp by 100%, so we get characteristic lumps in any peach dish / drink. Peach juice is drunk as an independent drink, added to multi-component cocktails with or without alcohol, sauces, marinades and desserts – from jellies to biscuits.
What you need to know about the product, how to make juice at home and what benefits can you get from fruit nectar?
How is peach juice useful?
Juices are an important element of the diet. Liquids are much easier and more efficiently absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, control appetite and instantly energize. But this does not mean that you can refuse solid food, completely replacing it with a liquid equivalent – balance is important in nutrition. Drink several glasses of freshly squeezed juice a day between main meals, but do not replace them.
Peach nectar will provide healthy radiant skin, strengthen the protective functions of the body, accelerate the growth of hair / nails, and also sharpen the perception of tastes and smells. Our body spends minimal energy reserves to absorb liquids. A glass of peach juice can be a great way to end your workout. The product will quench your appetite and thirst, and you can safely get home without being distracted by quick snacks.
Nutritionists advise adding more juices to the diet to give the digestive system a little rest. For example, you can increase fluid intake during illness, when the main resources and energy are spent on fighting infection. Fruity drinks will help reduce cravings for unhealthy sweets, since the high concentration of fructose will “trick” the taste buds and satisfy the psychological need for sugar.
The main advantage of peach juice lies in the specific extraction. The pulp is not separated from the liquid, but beaten / crushed / pressed to a homogeneous consistency, which ensures the safety of fiber. This is the coarse part of plants that is not absorbed by the human body. Fiber turns into a gel-like mass, gently envelops the organs, blocks internal inflammation and improves metabolic processes. Fiber also blocks the development of cancer, harmonizes the internal microflora, lowers cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
The fruit is responsible not only for internal balance, but also for external beauty. Peaches are rich in retinol (vitamin A). It is a nutrient that provides a healthy and attractive look to our skin. Retinol is responsible for normal growth and constant cell renewal. The substance is able to neutralize acne, excessive dryness, peeling and the first wrinkles. Vitamin A softens the skin, nourishes it from the inside and additionally protects against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. The advantage of the nutrient lies in its rapid absorption and high degree of digestibility by the human body.
Possible harm and contraindications
Peaches are contraindicated in only 2 cases: with individual intolerance to the fruit and diabetes. Nutritionists advise eating no more than 2-3 peaches per day to avoid excessive nervous excitability and increased blood glucose levels.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there is no need to refuse peaches. The main thing is that the mother loves the fruit, and the baby’s body reacts normally to it (the stomach does not swell, and the skin does not become stained).
Another danger of peaches is pesticides. These are substances of biological or chemical origin that are designed to kill weeds/harmful insects. Pesticides also regulate plant growth. Pesticides do not have an immediate effect. After one glass of peach juice, you will not feel unwell or sharp pain – the substance will gradually accumulate in the body and only manifest itself over time.
Why are pesticides dangerous? They can provoke both a dull shade of hair / skin, and the development of cancer or serious genetic pathologies. According to statistics, more than 90% of the population has pesticides in their bodies. Peaches are in 4th place in the ranking of the dirtiest foods. How to protect yourself? Buy fruits only during the harvest season. It is best to opt for organic shops or your own garden. Do not buy peaches from local vendors who sell fruit near roads, railroad tracks, and other polluted areas.
Chemical composition
| Calorie content (kcal) | 68 kCal |
| Proteins (g) | 0,3 g |
| Fats (g) | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 16,5 g |
| Dietary fiber (g) | 0,5 g |
| Alcohol | 0 g |
| Ash | 0,3 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Water | 82 g |
| Retinol (A) | 0,025 |
| Beta Carotene (A) | 0,3 |
| Tocopherol (E) | 0,8 |
| Ascorbic acid (C) | 6 |
| Thiamine (V1) | 0,02 |
| Riboflavin (V2) | 0,04 |
| Niacin (B3) | 0,6 |
| Nicotinic acid (PP) | 0,6 |
| Macronutrients | |
|---|---|
| Potassium (K) | 152 |
| Calcium (Ca) | 5 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 12 |
| Sodium (Na) | 6 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 15 |
| Trace Elements | |
| Iron (Fe) | 0,2 |
Use component in cooking
Peach juice is rarely used in desserts/first courses/sauces. Its texture and sweetish taste are very difficult to combine with other food products. The finished dish may turn out to be too liquid, sweet, or, conversely, not saturated enough due to the abundance of liquid. Peach juice has occupied a special alcoholic niche. The ingredient has become an important ingredient in Sex on the Beach, Bellini, peach schnapps. It is customary to dilute vodka with peach juice and even add it to champagne.
Schnapps is a generic name for a group of spirits. The term itself means a pure distillate without additives, which is obtained by distillation of mash from grain or fruit. Schnapps contains about 40% alcohol, and its taste and texture resemble vodka or moonshine with a fruity flavor.
“Sex on the Beach” is an Italian cocktail that is included in the list of official cocktails of the International Bartending Association. Its popularity has not subsided since 1987. The composition includes schnapps based on peach juice, vodka, orange juice and grenadine.
Bellini is a strong alcoholic drink originally from Venice. It was first prepared in the twentieth century. “Bellini” consists of sparkling wine (mainly prosecco) and peach juice or puree. The drink is also among the official cocktails of the International Bartenders Association and is classified as a “carbonated cocktail”.
Use of the component in cosmetology
Peach extracts are used mainly in lines for the care of aging skin. The component nourishes the dermis, helps retain fluid and increases the production of collagen, which ensures the beauty of the face. Peach juice can smooth out the first wrinkles, moisturize the sensitive skin around the eyes and become a real salvation for people with dry skin.
If you have serious dermatological diseases, then home herbal therapy will have to be abandoned. Consult a dermatologist, undergo a comprehensive skin examination, use only those products that the doctor has prescribed.
How to use peach juice in skin care? Soak a cotton pad in the fruit liquid and swipe along the massage lines on your face. After 20-30 minutes, wash off the juice with a cleanser, wipe your face with tonic and apply your usual care – moisturizer / sunscreen. You can also make peach nourishing masks or scrubs. For a scrub, you’ll need juice, salt/sugar, your favorite oils, and for a mask, you’ll need a combination of juices (such as peach and apple), fresh chunks, or mashed berries/fruits/vegetables.
How to make a drink at home
We need:
- peach – 6 pieces;
- filtered water – 150 milliliters;
- lime juice (optional) – 1 tablespoon;
- ice (optional) – 5 cubes.
Preparation
Peel the fruit, finely chop the pulp and send it to the blender. Add lime juice or other herbal ingredients to taste in a blender bowl. Turn on the blender and beat the mixture until a liquid, homogeneous consistency. Pour the prepared juice into a convenient container, add a few ice cubes and serve immediately. The shelf life of the drink in the refrigerator is 24 hours. It is this time that is considered optimal so that the liquid does not ferment and does not lose its taste / nutritional properties.
How to choose the right juice
The buyer has a choice: buy a store-bought pasteurized / freshly squeezed juice or prepare a drink in their own kitchen. Which of the three options will be the most useful and beneficial?
Avoid store-bought pasteurized juices. Most of the drinks on the market contain sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavor enhancers and other advances in the gastronomic industry. The finished product contains practically no nutrients, and the only thing the manufacturer can boast of is a long shelf life.
Packaged freshly squeezed juices are a good option if you don’t have time for home-cooking and are picky about ingredients. Moreover, freshly squeezed drinks are the only acceptable option for the winter. Fresh drinks are sold both in huge glass jars and miniature cardboard boxes. The main thing is to carefully study the composition. Avoid extra sugar, unfamiliar names, and multi-ingredient foods. Focus on the marks “organic” and “unpasteurized juice”.
Freshly prepared or homemade juices are considered the most useful and safe. As soon as you squeeze the juice, vitamins and minerals are activated in it. Nutritionists advise drinking juice in the first 20 minutes after preparation. After 20 minutes, the drink starts the process of oxidation, which reduces the activity of enzymes, and hence the overall nutritional value.