Sarah EatonNative to China, peaches are a favorite fruit among many. But these sweet, juicy fruits are more than just delicious. They’re also full of nutrition, which lends itself to several health benefits. For example, peach benefits include fighting cancer, improving gut health and preventing heart-related issues. Learn more about peach nutrition by reading the list of benefits below!
Here are 7 peach benefits:
1. Combats Free Radicals
Peach benefits starts with the high amount of antioxidants this fruit contains. This packs a wallop against free radicals, which can wreak havoc on your body and lead to disease. (1)
In fact, consuming a food rich in antioxidants, such as peaches and other fruits and vegetables, can help relieve oxidative stress in just the first 30 minutes after eating them. (2)
However, research shows that there is a higher amount of antioxidants in the peel than there is in the pulp. So, it’s best to eat the whole fruit. And, as with any fruit, peach nutrition is at its highest in the fresh form, rather than canned. (3)
Peach benefits also include the content of caffeic acid, which is an antioxidant that can protect your body from dangerous carcinogenic mold called aflatoxin. It’s found in foods such as peanuts, corn and peanut butter. Caffeic acid can reduce this mold by 95 percent. (4)
2. Fights and Prevents Cancer
Due to the polyphenols found in this fruit, peach benefits include the ability to prevent and fight cancer. According to a 2014 study conducted by Texas A&M, these polyphenols can stop the growth and spreading of at least one strain of breast cancer cells. They recommend that breast cancer patients consume two to three peaches every day to experience the same effects. (5)
Furthermore, another study by the same university discovered that these polyphenols kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells. (6)
Peach benefits extend to treating certain types of colon cancer, as well. Fruits like peaches can stunt the growth of colon cancer cells. And the peach seed contains an agent that can reduce the growth of papilloma on the skin. (7)
And it’s not just the fruit that protects you from cancer. Peach benefits include the flower of the peach tree, which can protect your skin from UV damage. (8) Additionally, peach skin can protect the liver from damage incurred by the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. (9)
Peaches are definitely on the list of phenomenal cancer-fighting foods! Add them to your diet today.
3. Prevents Dangerous Heart-Related Conditions
Peach benefits extend to your heart, as well! Stone fruits such as peaches can help fight metabolic syndrome, which is a huge risk factor in heart disease if left untreated.
In fact, stone fruits can treat various aspects of metabolic syndrome, including diabetes, cholesterol, inflammation and weight gain. This indicates that peaches, perhaps, should also be a part of the diabetic diet. (10)
Additionally, peaches can help improve cholesterol. One study in China examined the effect of bioflavonoids on over 1,300 people. The study included peaches. Researchers found that with women in particular, lipid profiles were improved. (11)
4. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is the root of most diseases, but peach benefits include decreasing inflammation levels in the body. Furthermore, peach nutrition involves stopping the release of histamines in the bloodstream that cause allergic reactions. (12)
5. Treats Gut Disorders
Peach nutrition treats gut disorders, as well. This is again due to the flower, which can treat motility disorders. These disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, constipation, diarrhea, and others. Peach flower extract can increase the frequency and strength of contractions in the GI tract as well as help maintain rhythm. (13)
If you suffer from GERD, consider making peaches a part of your GERD diet.
6. Destroys Candida Fungus
Peach benefits also include fighting candida symptoms. Candida is a common yeast infection, which occurs when there is an overgrowth of this fungus. However, the polyphenols, bioflavonoids and condenses tannins within peaches can help correct this overgrowth. (14)
7. Supports Healthy Eyes
Peach nutrition extends to your eyes, too! This is due to the lutein present in peaches, which can help prevent macular degeneration, an age-related condition that can cause blindness and blurred vision.