Peaches or Prunus persica are small fruit with a fuzzy peel and a sweet white or yellow flesh. They’re thought to have originated in China more than 8,000 years ago.
They can be eaten on their own or added to a variety of dishes. Peaches are nutritious and may offer an array of health benefits, including improved digestion, smoother skin, and allergy relief.
These juicy fruits are perfect for summertime desserts and making sweet and savory salsas. You’ll be glad to learn that they aren’t just delicious; there are actually a number of health benefits of peaches:
1. Improve Eye Health
In general, eating fruit can help decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration, but peaches also contain phytonutrients that can protect your eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin can protect your eyes from light-related damage, and they may help prevent vision loss, too.
2. Reduce Stress
We’re always looking for easy ways to reduce stress! Peaches contain magnesium, which promotes a healthy nervous system and improves the quality of your sleep. In Hungary, they call peaches the “fruit of calmness” because of their anxiety-reducing effects.
3. Improve Digestion
Peaches are a great source of dietary fiber—both soluble and insoluble—which helps move food through your gut while also slowing the down digestion. It also controls spikes in blood sugar glucose, making peaches a great food for people with diabetes.
4. Support Heart Health
Studies have shown that peaches have compounds with anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol that can lead to cardiovascular disease. Plus, they’re loaded with potassium, which lowers the risk of heart disease. To keep your heart healthy, don’t eat these foods.
5. Fight Free Radicals
Peaches are an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C. In addition to its skin-improving properties, this antioxidant can fight free radicals that cause cancer. The freshest peaches contain the most antioxidants, so hit the farmer’s market and whip up a few peachy desserts!
6. Good for Your Skin
Because peaches have such a high vitamin C content, your skin will look and feel great after eating this juicy fruit! Vitamin C can smooth wrinkles and lighten dark circles under your eyes. Make a rejuvenating face mask by mashing half a peach and combining it with a tablespoon of yogurt. Rub it onto your face and wash it off after 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Help with Weight Loss
Peaches aren’t a miracle weight-loss cure, but they can help you shed a few extra pounds! They make an excellent low-calorie snack, and adding them to oatmeal or pancakes makes your healthy breakfast that much more delicious. Plus, each cup has 10 percent of your daily recommended fiber intake to help you feel fuller for longer.
