Fruit and Your Health - Part 3 - Peaches

Information from Care2

*Peaches are the perfect snack food for losing weight.  They make you feel full and keep you from overeating.  The bonus is that one peach only contain about 35-50 calories and no fat.

*They fight obesity-related diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  They are rich in phytochemicals called phenols that act as antioxidants.

*Keep the skin healthy.  Vitamin A and C make peaches a great natural moisturizer and are often used in cosmetics.  These vitamins can help regenerate skin tissue.

*Reduce hair loss with its positive effect on the scalp.

*Are a healthy stress-reliever that helps reduce anxiety.  Peaches are often referred to as the 'fruit of calmness' in Hungary.

*They help prevent cancer with selenium - a mineral with antioxidant properties that may help protect cells from damage.

*Peaches can help remove worms from the intestines.

*They have a diuretic effect which help scleanse your kidneys and bladder.

*They calm an upset stomach.

*Are believed to help reduce the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol which is associated with cardiovascular disease.

*Those suffering with gout and rheumatism are recommended by dieticians to eat peaches because they tend to have a diuretic and a light laxative effect.

*They are thought to be an aphrodisiac.

*They inhibit tumor growth activity.  Peaches have excellent antimicrobial and antioxidant activity according to research.

*Chronic bronchitis, coughs and gastritis are relieved with the medicinal tea of the leaves and bark of peach trees.

*Peach tea is used as a kidney cleanser in China

What Medical Daily has to say about Peaches:

Vitamins - The main punch a peach packs is vitamins.  Specifically, a peach boasts 10 different kinds: A, C, E, K and six of the B complex vitamins, Vitamin A and beta carotene helps to achieve optimal vision, while Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is helpful to your immune system.  Although peaches provide lower levels of vitamins E and K, they reside in significant quantities within the peach.  Vitamin E is another antioxidant, while vitamin K is essential to your blood clotting capabilities.  Peaches are also a source of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, niacin, folate, and pantothenic acid, all valuable nutrients when it comes to your cells and nerves.

Fiber - Another important benefit associated with peaches is dietary fiber.  According to U.s. Department of Agriculture's recommendations, an adult woman should try to consume 25 grams and an adult man 38 grams of fiber each day; a peach offers three grams.  Essential to easy digestion, fiber prevents constipation and bloating while contributing to colon health.  Fiber may also pay a role in regulating cholesterol levels and so helps to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Potassium - Unfortunately, we consume many toxins every day with each bite of our daily meals, harming our kidneys.  Peaches contain high amounts of potassium, which can reduce kidney-related diseases while lessening the risk of ulcers.  Peaches also provide some magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, iron and calcium.  These additional minerals protect and support your red blood cells, nervous system, and bones