Beyond their delectable taste, peaches offer a range of health benefits:
Heart Health
Peaches, in particular, may offer heart-healthy advantages. Animal studies have shown that peach extract can lower cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure. Additionally, peaches are a moderate source of potassium, a crucial nutrient for managing blood pressure.
Enhanced Digestion
Peaches contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels and maintain healthy cholesterol levels, while insoluble fiber aids digestion and prevents constipation. Consuming the fruit’s skin can boost your fiber intake.
Reduced Inflammation
Peaches, like other plant-based foods, contain plant-based polyphones and prebiotics. These components can reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Strengthened Immune System
The fuzzy skin and juicy flesh of peaches are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, polyphones, and carotenoids. Antioxidants combat cell damage and can protect against aging and illnesses, including certain types of breast cancer. Research even hints at potential immune system benefits, such as reduced allergic responses, from peach pit extracts.
Eye Health
Peaches are a moderate source of beta carotene, a red-orange pigment that the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is vital for maintaining healthy vision.
Skin Benefits
Preliminary lab research suggests that extracts from peach pits or peach flowers, when applied to the skin, might reduce UV damage and help skin retain moisture. While further research is needed, this finding suggests additional potential benefits of peaches for skin health.
Peaches not only tantalize your taste buds but also offer an array of health-enhancing properties