Peaches are not just a delicious fruit; they also boast ornamental flowers. The juicy fruit can be enjoyed in its raw form, dried, canned, and more.
Peaches come in two main varieties: white and yellow. In Asia, the preference leans towards the white-fleshed, juicy, and sweet varieties, while Europeans and Americans favor the more acidic yellow-fleshed types.
Peaches are cultivated worldwide and are not only flavorful but also nutritious, offering benefits like cough relief, blood improvement, and a laxative effect.
Apart from consuming peaches fresh, they can be processed into various products such as preserves, sauce, juice, dried, and canned.
As one of the oldest fruits, peaches are rich in protein, fat, sugar, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B, vitamin C, carotene, malic acid, and citric acid. This nutritional profile caters to the body's diverse needs.
Peaches are especially high in potassium, making them suitable for those with edema and iron-deficiency anemia.
Here are some health benefits of peaches:
1. Weight Loss and Slimming: With low calories, peaches are excellent for weight loss. Packed with pectin and fiber, they provide a sense of fullness, promote digestion, and accelerate metabolism.
2. Beauty: Peaches contain natural astringents that enhance skin elasticity, preventing wrinkles. The presence of pectin aids in detoxification, reducing the likelihood of skin blemishes.
3. Edema Elimination: Rich in potassium and low in sodium, peaches help balance electrolytes, making them suitable for edema patients.
Considerations when consuming peaches:
1. Eating unripe peaches may cause bloating.
2. Peaches may not be suitable for individuals prone to sores.
3. Wash peaches before consumption to prevent skin irritation.
4. Avoid overconsumption to prevent overheating and related health issues.
Choosing and storing peaches:
1. Select larger, undamaged peaches with bright red tops.
2. Store peaches wrapped in soft paper in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to three days.
While peaches offer numerous health benefits, not everyone should consume them regularly. Considerations include:
1. Allergic Individuals: Some may experience mild to severe allergies after consuming peaches.
2. Diabetic Patients: High sugar content may impact blood glucose levels.
3. Diarrhea Patients: The laxative effect may worsen diarrhea symptoms.
4. People Prone to Heat: Overeating peaches can exacerbate internal heat.
Finally, it's advised not to exceed 350 grams of peaches per day and to consume fruit one hour before meals or two and a half hours after meals for optimal absorption.
Cleaning is essential to remove pesticide residues, and overeating should be avoided to prevent gastrointestinal issues. If discomfort arises after consumption, it's advisable to stop eating immediately.
