Peaches. Yummy, nutritious and available

Peaches, which first originated in China, have beneficial vitamins and minerals that make the man excellent choice for people wanting to eat healthier food. They rank very high in nutritional value and when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, they aid with the function of most of the body’s systems.

Peaches as a snack or incorporated in a meal helps to contribute to a well- balanced diet. Their natural sweetness makes them a perfect choice for kids when they crave a sweet snack. This juicy, delicious fruit, offers many health benefits, outlined below.

5 Nutrition benefits

• Peaches have vitamin C, vital to the growth, development and repair of tissues. It is especially essential in the formation of collagen, the absorption of iron, healing of wounds and in maintaining strong bones.
• Like carrots, peaches are rich in beta carotene, an antioxidant vitamin which is converted into vitamin A in the body. This helps prevent cancer.
• Beta carotene also fights diseases due to damage by free radicals, like cancer and heart diseases. It is also responsible for good eyesight and formation of the mucous membrane of the urinary, digestive and respiratory tracts
• Peaches contain potassium used to help maintain the body’s fluid levels. It is essential in the functioning of the nervous system, and can help reduce headaches and migraines.
• It has Niacin (vitamin B3) used to break down all types of food, promoting the normal function of the stomach and the digestive tract. It is also needed for healthy skin and adds colour to the complexion.

Health benefits

• Peaches help in the removal of worms from the intestinal tract.
• Consumption of peaches, on a regular basis, can keep your bowel movements regular and even prevent straining.
• Peach flowers have sedative proprieties and are good for children who are restless, especially when boiled in water with sugar and honey.
• Peaches have a small laxative effect and a powerful diuretic effect and thus, are recommended to people suffering from rheumatism and gout.
• Peaches fight stress and promote sleep.
• Ripe peaches are good for stomach ulcers, bowel inflammation and colitis (inflammation of the large intestines.

Peaches prevent the following:

• Bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes)
• High blood pressure
• Nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys)
• Anaemia
• Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
• Asthma
• Poor digestion
• Acidosis (deficiency of alkalinity in the body)
• Bladder and kidney stones – it cleanses the kidneys and eliminates toxins

8 Peach facts

• Peaches can be soaked, cooked or pureed. They are used in salads or mixed with vegetables.
• A medium size peach has about 35 calories.
• Peaches comprise of more than 80 per cent water.
• Peaches are low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium.
• Cooking or canning destroys 80 per cent of the vitamin C.
• The darker the colour of a peach, the more vitamin A it has.
• 100 gm or two peaches provide the daily requirement of vitamin C.
• Peaches are ideal in maintaining optimum health and weight loss.

Go ahead, dare to eat a peach.

END: BL 34 /14