The benefits of peach for men and women, composition, possible harm

Peach is a sweet and juicy fruit with white, yellow or red flesh. Inside the fruit is a hard large bone, most often bitter in taste. To the touch, a peach can be both smooth and velvety. Its appearance and color of the pulp depends on the variety. Delicious fruits are eaten, they are made from them for the winter. The largest number of these fruits is grown in its homeland in China, where it symbolizes good luck and longevity. In the countries of North America, canned peaches are produced, which are then exported.

However, the application is not only the pulp, but also the bones. After all, peach liqueur is produced from them, which can be purchased in stores or try to make it yourself. It has a pleasant aroma and a long aftertaste. Peach kernels are also used to make oil, which is used in cosmetology. It has moisturizing and tonic properties and has a positive effect on the skin of the face.

The peach is also known as the fruit of tranquility. It received this name because of its unique properties. It is believed that if you eat a peach, you can get rid of anxiety and bad mood. But its sweet and bright aroma allows you to use it as an aphrodisiac.

Among several varieties of peach, it is worth noting the fig. It is distinguished by its flat shape and the fact that its bone can be easily separated from the pulp. Fig peach helps to get rid of flatulence, strengthen the immune system and improve bowel function. This variety of peaches should be paid attention to those who suffer from depression and nervous disorders. After all, it helps to restore a good mood, becoming an excellent alternative to harmful sweets.

The composition and calorie content of peach

Nutritionists recommend eating peaches to anyone who wants to lose weight. Firstly, they are useful for the body, as they are rich in vitamins and help fight many diseases. Secondly, they contain a minimum amount of fat, so they are easily digestible and in moderation do not harm the figure. The juicy fruit helps to fill you up, and contains very few calories, which is why nutritionists love it so much. The calorie content of a peach per 100 g is 39 kcal.

How many calories are in 1 peach? Given the average weight of one peach of 85 g, it turns out that 33 kcal is contained in 1 peach.

Other important connections:

• Phytosterols — 10 mg (18,2% of RDI)

• Purine — 8 mg (6,7% of RDI)

The benefits of peach for the human body

Peach has a large number of useful properties, due to its unique composition, which contains various trace elements and vitamins of almost all groups. Peach pits are rich in bitter almond oil, which has a tart pleasant aroma, and vitamin B17.

It improves digestion. Experts recommend eating doggie in order to improve digestion. It helps fight acid indigestion by having a soothing effect on the stomach. The fruit also has a diuretic and mild laxative effect, so it is useful for constipation. Despite the fact that peaches are quite high in sugar, nutritionists allow them to be consumed between main meals as a snack. Fruits give a feeling of satiety for a long time.

These juicy fruits help improve appetite. Doctors advise weakened patients and patients who have recently suffered serious illnesses to eat them. Fresh and canned peaches are recommended to be included in the diet for diets and diseases of the digestive system. They stimulate the secretion of gastric juice, resulting in improved digestion.

Peach is useful in many diseases. Due to the presence in the composition of peaches of minerals such as copper and iron, they help in the treatment of anemia and gastritis. Frequent consumption of fruit pulp helps to cope with heart failure. Peach fruits are an excellent prevention of colds and infectious diseases, beriberi. For this reason, you should try to eat fruit at any time of the year, and not just in summer. After all, with the help of the adaptogenic action of vitamins that peach contains, the body manages to quickly adapt to changing environmental conditions. This is especially important in autumn and winter, when a quick cold snap can cause a cold.

A decoction of the leaves and inflorescences of the peach tree. The flowers and leaves of the peach tree are used to make a decoction. It is considered one of the most effective alternative medicine against rheumatism and gastrointestinal diseases. Fresh peach flowers have diuretic properties.

Benefits of peach juice Peach juice is regularly drunk shortly before meals to prevent constipation and heartburn. This method is often used by pregnant women, since the frequent use of drugs for such diseases adversely affects the development of the fetus. Peaches help to get rid of edema, as they remove excess fluid from the body. The phosphorus contained in them stimulates the brain and normalizes the functioning of the nervous system, and potassium strengthens the bones of the skeleton. Pregnant peaches are useful for toxicosis. Fruit significantly improve the condition during this period.

13 Health Benefits of Peach

13 health benefits of peach have been scientifically proven:

1 Saturate the body with antioxidants

More and more people are showing interest in antioxidants. The question arises – how to get them in sufficient quantities. Peaches are an excellent source of antioxidants. This was confirmed by a large-scale study by Brazilian scientists. Peaches have a high level of chlorogenic acid, a substance that has strong antioxidant properties and can support health.

The antioxidant activity of peaches is enhanced by the presence of valuable phenolic compounds, which are more powerful in their functions than vitamin C and carotenoids. Fragrant fruits also contain other substances that have properties that resist free radicals, provide health and prevent the development of a number of diseases – these are lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin.

2 Promote weight loss

In order to start losing weight faster, you should start your day with a proper breakfast. A great option is to eliminate grains from the morning diet and increase the serving of fruits, such as peaches. They staunchly eliminate the feeling of hunger, allocating a small amount of calories.

Peaches contain a lot of vegetable fibers. Fiber provides satiety, helps to stabilize body weight. Observations by American scientists have shown that dietary fiber characteristic of fruits should be introduced into food. This is an active factor in curbing the spread of the obesity epidemic. A daily intake of 30 grams of fiber has a positive effect on weight loss. In addition, peach fiber normalizes blood pressure, helps reduce total cholesterol and blood glucose. ^[1].

3 Prevents the development of cancer

New methods of cancer treatment are developing rapidly, medical technologies are emerging that greatly increase the chance of recovery and prolongation of life. But we must not forget that the prevention of oncological processes remains the most important task. A regular peach may help prevent cancer.

American scientists conducted a series of studies that showed that peach polyphenols inhibit the growth and division of breast cancer cells. ^[2].

Similar results were obtained for colon cancer. ^[3].

The study of the composition of peaches made it possible to identify a valuable substance in it – caffeic acid. According to a study by Swedish scientists, it protects a person from colon and breast cancer, inhibits the growth of altered cells ^[4].

An independent laboratory experiment has shown that the active substances of peach have an antitumor effect in lung cancer. ^[5].

4 Heal the skin

Peaches contain a large amount of vitamin A, a substance responsible for skin health. The use of fruits returns freshness to the face, a beautiful color. The healing effect is enhanced by vitamin C, which is abundant in peaches. The combined action of two powerful substances provides pronounced antioxidant protection, eliminates wrinkles, improves skin texture, and neutralizes the effects of external factors and ultraviolet rays.

In France, data from a study on vitamin C were published. Experimentally, it was possible to prove that it treats sunburn, slows down age-related changes, and protects against photoaging. ^[6].

Vitamins contained in peaches help to eliminate changes in the structure of the skin, characteristic of the aging process.

5 Improves the condition of the cardiovascular system

Peaches contain the ideal proportion of biochemical compounds that can prevent cardiovascular disease. For the purpose of prevention, sugary drinks should be replaced with freshly squeezed fruit juices. For example, peach juice is saturated with polyphenols, which minimize risk factors for heart disease, blood vessels ^[7].

Vegetable fiber, potassium and ascorbic acid have a complex effect on the heart. Peaches are included in a number of diet programs, such as the DASH (blood pressure diet) program.

6 Improves the condition of the digestive system

Normalization of digestion when eating peaches is carried out due to the action of fiber fibers. In parallel with the impact on the gastrointestinal tract, the kidneys and bladder are cleansed, because the peach is considered an excellent diuretic.

7 Heals the eyes

Lutein and zeaxanthin are plant-based antioxidants that improve eye health. One study showed that these substances can protect the retina from damage caused by bright light. In addition, lutein minimizes the risk of age-related changes.

8 Have a detoxifying effect

Removing toxins from the body is extremely important for a person. This gets a lot of attention. The University of Minnesota published its own results of a study on the functions of peaches. It turned out that selenium, vitamins A, E, ascorbic acid not only have an antioxidant effect, but also ensure the elimination of toxins and harmful substances. ^[8].

9 Slow down the aging process

Peach is one of the best beauty products. Flavonoids, which are rich in fruits, slow down the natural aging of the skin. South Korean scientists attribute the anti-aging effect of peaches to high levels of vitamin C.

10 Have anti-stress properties

An experiment conducted at the University of Kentucky showed that peaches can alleviate the symptoms of stress. Active Biochemicals Relieve Signs of Anxiety ^[9].

In Hungary, the peach is called the “fruit of tranquility”.

11 Heals the brain

Folic acid contributes to the preservation of brain tissue. Peaches are an excellent source of this substance, which means that they protect the most important part of the central nervous system from negative influences.

12 Useful during pregnancy

During pregnancy, peaches provide both mother and baby with nutrients. Physical and hormonal changes in a woman’s body cause a slowdown in bowel function, which often leads to constipation. The fiber in peaches improves digestion and facilitates natural bowel cleansing.

Folic acid, which is abundant in fruit pulp, has a beneficial effect. It ensures the normal development of the fetus, prevents the development of dangerous congenital malformations. ^[10].

13 Useful for diabetes

The classic diet for diabetes excludes the use of sweet fruits. Peach fruits are included in the list of prohibited foods. Surprisingly, peach tree leaves contain substances that help control blood sugar levels. During the experiment on mice, it was possible to prove that they inhibit the absorption of glucose in the small intestine. Peach leaf extract may be of benefit as an ingredient in medicines, dietary supplements used to reduce glucose absorption after meals ^[11].

Other studies have focused on peach seeds. It turned out that the glycosides isolated from them have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used in the form of a metal extract. ^[12].

[Video] Even one peach gives a huge benefit to the body:

Peach in folk medicine

Traditional medicine uses different parts of the peach – fruits, seeds, leaves for the preparation of remedies for treatment:

• Cardiovascular disease.

• Hemorrhoids.

• Diseases of the urinary system.

• Problems with digestion.

• Diabetes mellitus.

• Ear, headache.

• Rheumatism.

• Worm infestations.

• Skin diseases – eczema, burns, purulent foci, allergic dermatitis.

Separate or combined use of different parts of the peach depends on the problem. In order to restore intestinal and gastric digestion, get rid of constipation, they drink fresh peach juice. Enough 50 ml 15 minutes before meals. Active substances stimulate the digestive glands, the secretion of gastric juice. These processes facilitate the absorption of fatty foods. With the help of juice, urolithiasis is treated.

The composition of folk recipes may include peach leaf juice. Just a few drops help eliminate mites from the ear canal. By drinking juice inside, worms are removed from the intestines. The juice of peach leaves or flowers is taken orally with a small amount of sugar. Applying peach juice to the skin eliminates bad breath.

The introduction of peach into the daily diet is recommended for malnourished patients, people experiencing chronic fatigue for general strengthening and recovery.

Decoctions and infusions

Simple recipes from different parts of the peach will help to cope with many problems. For the treatment of purulent wounds and necrotic processes of the skin, 8 pieces of peach leaves are taken, crushed to a state of homogeneous gruel and mixed with several pieces of potato peel. The mass is poured with 70 ml of boiling water. Infuse for about 15 minutes. In the resulting liquid, a dense napkin is moistened and applied to the affected skin. On the wound surface, the bandage can be from 30 to 60 minutes.

For the treatment of herpes zoster, a decoction of peach leaves is prepared. Take 100 g of fresh herbs, pour 500 ml of water and boil for 15 minutes from the moment of boiling. Cover the pan with a lid, remove from heat and leave for 1,5 hours. A dense tissue is immersed in the decoction, squeezed out and applied to the damaged areas. After drying, the bandage is changed.

In chronic bronchitis, an infusion of peach pits and bark is effective. For cooking, take 150 grams of dry peach pits, 150 g of crushed bark. The raw materials are poured into a bottle with a wide neck, pour 500 ml of apple cider vinegar and 500 ml of water. The container is closed and placed for 5 days in a dark place. Shake the bottle periodically to mix the ingredients. After 5 days, the infusion is poured into a saucepan, put on a slow fire and boiled down by half the volume. 250 ml of brandy or cognac are added to the resulting composition.

The product is stored in a dark glass container with a tightly closed lid. During bronchitis, the composition is taken 1 tablespoon every 4 hours. It is effective for colds, high fever. The tool can be instilled into the ears to relieve pain, used to remove worms – take 2 tablespoons orally three times a day.

The harm of peaches for the body

Many people are allergic to peaches. The reaction can vary from mild to critically severe. It should be noted that the allergen is the skin of the peach, and not its juicy pulp. Fruits are allowed for children from 6-7 months. Peach is introduced into the diet in small portions in a purified form.

Pregnant and lactating women are allowed to eat 1 peach every 2-3 days. Patients with diabetes mellitus should use solar fruits with caution, without abusing.

Inside the peach pit is a kernel in which the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin is found. The hydrolysis process splits the amygdalin molecule into hydrocyanic acid, which can be called poisonous, and benzaldehyde, which is responsible for the almond smell of the peach kernel. Multiple excess of amygdalin in the body provokes poisoning. Intoxication can be manifested by a clinical picture of varying severity.

The probability of poisoning is affected by specific facts. Firstly, glucose reacts with cyanide, so eating sweet foods that contain peach kernels is practically not dangerous. Secondly, hydrolysis requires an acidic environment and an enzyme characteristic of the nucleus, emulsin. Thirdly, the formation of hydrocyanic acid is impossible at high temperatures. For this reason, peach kernels are fried before being introduced into the dish. The risk of amygdalin poisoning is increased by self-medication and the use of high doses of peach seed extract.

Peach in home cosmetology

Peaches have a subtle pleasant smell, so they are often used for aromatherapy. They allow you to achieve a calming effect, being natural antidepressants. Thanks to the aroma of peaches, you can improve brain activity and memory, calm down and restore a good mood. Their smell also helps to concentrate on something.

In addition to the aroma of peaches, fruits are used by cosmetologists for external use. A variety of face and body masks are made from ripe fruits. Thanks to procedures using peaches, the skin becomes smooth and velvety. In addition, its color is evened out due to the high content of carotene in these fruits.

Peach procedures are useful, because thanks to them the skin is saturated with microelements and macroelements, thus, its regeneration takes place. After a course of masks, it becomes softer and more elastic.

The tonic effect of peach-based products allows you to provide the skin with the necessary vitamins and get rid of fine mimic wrinkles. In addition, peach masks even out her tone. Peach pulp also has a soothing effect, so it can be used as a remedy for burns to remove their effects.

How to choose a ripe peach?

In the height of summer, the risk of acquiring unripe fruit is minimal. However, often even in the warm period, peaches brought from other regions and countries come across too hard and unsweetened. You can choose high-quality fruits if you know some secrets.

First of all, the ripeness of a peach is easy to determine by its aroma. The smell of a ripe fruit is well felt. If such a peach is squeezed in the palms, it should spring slightly. This is another sign, along with the smell, which indicates the ripeness of the fruit. Peaches with white and pink flesh will have the strongest flavor.

The velvety and soft fruits tend to be ripe and tasty. If they have slight damage or dented places, they can be used to prepare various dishes: desserts, jams and preserves. However, fruits with visible green spots should be avoided. They indicate that the peaches are not ripe and will not become ripe, even if they are left to lie down for a while.

It is also worth looking at the color of the place where the stalk was attached to the fruit. It should not be green, but white or yellow. Hue depends on the particular variety of peaches. When buying fruits in the market, you should pay attention to whether bees or wasps land on them. If insects try to eat peaches, this is a sure sign of their ripeness. But if suddenly the purchased fruits turned out to be immature, they can be left to ripen in a dark place. After a while they will be soft and juicy. However, you can not store peaches in the refrigerator for a long time. Fruit will be loose and sluggish.

Selection and storage

Always buy ripe and fresh peaches. To verify the quality of the fruit, slightly press on them with your finger. Ripe, but not overripe, peaches are quite elastic, slightly springy when pressed. Be sure to smell the fruit. Peach has a pronounced aroma. If possible, inspect the cut fruit. The sweetest varieties have pink or white flesh. The taste largely depends not only on the variety of peach, but also on the region of growth, weather conditions and care. Gardeners are convinced that insects will help to choose the right peaches. And that’s right – bees, wasps surround the ripe fruit.

If you bought unripe fruits, leave them at room temperature for a few days. The “long” fruits have all the qualities that are collected from the tree. If you want to speed up the ripening process, put the peaches in one paper bag with apples, apricots or bananas. Fruit releases ethylene abundantly, which speeds up the ripening of peaches.

The shape of the peach can also indicate the taste of the pulp. It is believed that asymmetric fruits have a sweeter, more pronounced taste.

Ripe peaches do not do well in crates. For better preservation, they are harvested unripened, treated with special gas preservatives containing sulfur. When processing, it is important to observe the dosage, an excessive amount of preservative causes wrinkling, drying of the bone. These fruits are suitable for baking, making compotes.

At normal temperatures, peaches cannot be stored for a long time. For longer storage, peaches are put in paper bags and placed in the refrigerator, having previously set the temperature in it to an acceptable low temperature. Peaches tolerate freezing well. Such fruits will please the taste in winter.

Both whole peaches and separate pitted halves are suitable for freezing. If you want to freeze whole peaches, wrap each one in paper, place in a ziplock bag and place in the freezer. Peach halves are frozen in containers. The first layer of fruit is placed on the bottom of the container, cut side up, then covered with parchment paper. Lay the second layer of peaches cut side down on the paper. The container is closed with a lid and placed in the freezer.

Freeze peach leaves for use in the cold season. To do this, they are kept in a sieve over a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. Do not lower the sieve into boiling water. Next, the sieve is placed over a container of cold water and kept until completely cooled. The leaves are also not immersed in cold water. The cooled raw materials are laid out on a towel for drying. Put in containers and put in the freezer.

Popular varieties of peaches

The definition of “peach” includes fruits that belong to its subclasses.

The main distinguishing features of different varieties are the degree of hairiness of the skin and the fusion of the stone with the pulp:

• real peaches – has a velvety surface, the stone is easily separated from the pulp. Peaches can be pear-shaped or somewhat flattened.

• Nectarines – the surface of the fruit is smooth, the stone is separated easily.

• Pavii – the fruits are pubescent, the pulp is very tender, the stone is poorly separated.

• brugnons – have a smooth skin, the bone is poorly separated from the pulp.

Dried peach fruits are called “whispered”. This is an unusually tasty delicacy, the color of which depends on the variety of peach and can vary from white to orange, red.

All kinds of varieties of peaches provided the fruit with particular popularity. If you don’t like a velvety crust or a poorly separating stone, you can choose nectarines.

Peach palm and peach are similar only in name. The palm tree produces oval or cup-shaped fruits of a bright orange-yellow color. Inside there is a bone, ovoid in shape with a more pointed tip.

Simple peach recipes for the winter

The peach is a versatile fruit that pairs well with other foods. Desserts and toppings for pies, jams and marmalades, compotes and juices will turn out equally well from it. Slightly crushed peaches can be used for preparations for the winter. The easiest way is to freeze peach puree in containers. In winter, it can be used as a base for desserts, drinks, sauces, and added to meat.

The peach season opens in August and ends only in early autumn. All this time, you can make preparations in order to enjoy fragrant and healthy fruits in winter. Peach jam can be prepared in different ways. There is a fast and long way. The density of the syrup in the first case resembles compote, and the peach slices will retain their shape. If you cook jam for a long time, when it is boiled and cooled several times, the syrup becomes thick and viscous. At the same time, peaches can be compared with candied fruits: they are very similar to pieces of candied fruit in appearance.

Despite the fact that it is recommended to use only even and undamaged fruits for preservation, slightly dented fruits are also suitable for jam. When preparing compote and jam, harder peaches are needed. It is also important that they are of the same degree of maturity and about the same size. This will ensure that all the peaches cook evenly.

[Video] Peaches in syrup for the winter without sterilization: