Peaches: Promote Growth, Vision Health, Reproductive System and Boost Immunity

Peaches contain many vital nutrients, antioxidants and minerals which are important for the human body and help to maintain optimal health. Scientists have been researching the fruit's properties to provide a better understanding of its benefits and uncover all the secrets peaches hold. Read on to discover what they found!

Nutrients found in peaches and healthy ways to prepare them

A peach is a member of the species Prunus persica. The fruit is native to China where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. The fruit was mentioned in Chinese writings which date back to the 10th century and were favored by emperors.  The Persians transported the fruit from China and passed it on to Romans. Spanish explorers brought the peach to America during the 16th century, where it found its way to France and England, eventually making it available across the world.

Nutrients Found in Peaches

There are many vitamins, minerals and nutrients found in peaches which can be beneficial to the human body.  Such nutrients include the following; calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, fluoride, vitamin C, folate, folic acid, beta carotene, vitamin A, and lutein.  Other trace nutrients found in peaches are vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and selenium.

Healthy Ways to Prepare Peaches

To maintain the rich nutrient content of peaches, it is best to serve the fruit fresh and raw, without cooking and while leaving the skin intact. The best way to enjoy a beach is on its own. Other healthy ways to prepare peaches include diced and tossed into fruit or vegetable salads, or blended into a fruit smoothie. Peaches may even be included in savory dishes, such as stir fries, sometimes with delightful results. They can also be turned into a pleasantly spicy chutney.

Health Benefits of Peaches

The phosphorus in peaches is essential for healthy bone and teeth formation.  Calcium only is not enough for building healthy bone tissue, phosphorus is necessary for calcium to be effective in the formation of strong bones.  Peaches are a good source of phosphorus which is also important for proper digestion of niacin and riboflavin.  Phosphorus also helps with the transmission of nerve impulses and with kidney excretion of toxins, provides energy for the body and may help reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer.

Vitamin A is important for maintaining good health and promotes normal growth, a healthy immune system, protects the reproductive system and ensures vision health.  The vitamin A found in peaches contains compounds which are essential for bone growth, cell division and differentiation.  Vitamin A is precursor for beta carotene which is converted into retinol for use by the body. 
Potassium is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body and is important for overall health.  The potassium found in peaches acts as an electrolyte and is essential for normal heart, kidney, brain, muscle tissue function and preventing muscle fatigue and weakness.  Potassium also helps regulate the blood pressure and heart rate and gastrointestinal health.  The potassium content in peaches is also important for metabolic processes, relieves anxiety and stress, ensures good kidney health, works in maintaining the fluid balance in the cells and boosts the response of the central nervous system.

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Peaches contain a high level of the nutrient of lutein, which is one of more than 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids.  Lutein is found to be concentrated in the macula which is an area in the eye responsible for normal vision.  The lutein found in peaches helps prevent damage from oxidative stress (imbalance of reactive oxygen in the body) and high-energy light and can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Peaches contain many vital nutrients, antioxidants and minerals which are important for the human body.  Currently, scientists are researching the fruit to provide a better understanding and determine all the benefits peaches contain. You, meanwhile, can easily enjoy a peach knowing that it is one of the healthiest foods you can eat.