The peach (Aadu) tree belongs to the Prunus family and is deciduous in its growth. The fruit is classified with the almond family. Though the peach fruit was native to China, it’s now grown everywhere in the cooler climes. The name peach is a variation of the moniker ‘Persian Apple’ as it was originally thought to be native to Persia. Introduced by the Spanish Conquistadors to the American shores, it quickly became a favorite of the masses due to its rich flavor and luscious white-pink flesh and mild sweetness. Italy, India, Greece. China and the United States are the major peach producers today.
Peaches generally have a fuzzy, velvety skin; the variety with a smoother skin, (though not considered part of the peach family by commercial cultivators and is christened as nectarines) is according to botanists part of the peach family. Because of their delicate flavor and bright hues, they have become a favorite of cooks the world over for desserts, pies and pastries. They also bring immense health benefits apart from the obvious goodness. The flesh might be yellow or white, but either one can be very sweet and slightly tangy. Across the Asian countries, the peach has been part and parcel of folk lore and rich traditions for hundreds of years.
The Many Nutrients in Peaches
The peach is rich in Vitamin A and potassium, which is beneficial to the eyes; it also has significant amounts of Vitamin B and Vitamin C. The peach also has numerous minerals essential to your overall health like iron, calcium, phosphorous, carbohydrates and protein making it a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. As the name has to mean, peaches are very good for improving the skin tone and complexion because they contain such powerful Vitamins and minerals in such abundant quantities.
Health Benefits of Peaches
- Research has proved that the peach is effective as treatment against worms in the intestines.
- Because the peach is rich in Vitamin A and is a powerful anti-oxidant, it helps in controlling free radicals and therefore the formation of cancer cells, particularly in glands and organs with epithelial tissue.
- As about 80% of the content of the peach is water and it is also rich in dietary fibre, it is an ideal way to lose weight and to diet.
- Consumption of peaches on a regular basis can help in regulating bowel movements and in getting rid of constipation.
- The peach seed however can be hazardous to human health as it contains cryogenic glycosides which can convert into hydrogen cyanide gases when they are broken down.
- Research has also established that peaches have excellent anti-oxidant capacity and are excellent in inhibiting the growth of potential tumors.
- They are also good at preventing microbes from developing.
- Peaches are good laxatives and powerful diuretics and so are recommended for people with gout or rheumatism.
- The peach flower is an excellent relaxant and has proved as a mild and harmless enough sedative to be given to young children, when boiled with sugar and honey in a little water.
- They can also help in avoiding the formation of cataracts in your older years and help you see better in the dark.
Ailments That Can Be Treated
Various ailments have been prevented or treated with some success by regular consumption of peaches, such as acidosis, anemia, asthma, bladder and kidney stones, bronchitis, constipation, dry cough, gastritis, high blood pressure, Nephritis and poor digestion. Every 100 grams of peaches contains only 46 calories and this is yet another reason why they make such an excellent fruit to be consumed regularly by those looking to shed weight. As the peach is also an excellent tool for getting rid of intestinal worms, it is helpful in preventing further complications arising out of such infestations.
As the peach is a powerful diuretic, it helps to regulate the function of the kidneys and in preventing fluid retention and in promoting the regular flow of urine; this goes to alleviating gout and rheumatism to a great extent. The peach also in rich in Vitamin A and has abundant carotenoids; this can helps in keeping the harmful effects of the sun’s rays from affecting your eyes adversely.
The peach is a wonderful fruit with immense help benefits that when consumed regularly can make you feel just peachy.
