Fun Nutritional, Health Benefits and Tips
- Rich in vitamin A & C, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
- Unique properties- chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acids.
- Assist in hypokalemia, maintaining eye vision, nervous system, healthy bones & teeth, improve digestion & cellular health, detoxification, reduce aging-effects, strengthening immune system during pregnancy and fighting against cancer & obesity.
- Reduce the risk of stomach disorders (constipation, hemerrhoids, stomach ulcers, gastritis, irregular bowel movement), kidney related diseases, obesity-related diabetes & cardiovascular disease and cancer.
- Eating 3 peaches a day keeps the breast cancer away.
- Wonderful snack or meal for losing weight - one peach contains about 35-50 calories but no fats.
Brief history
Peach (Prunus persica) are summer fruits, which are native to China and South Asia. Peach originate from China (ancestral homeland), and it’s first appearance in China is believed to be in around 2000 BC. There are numerous Chinese original manuscripts dating back to as far as 1100 BC, describing the peaches. The 2014 research published in PLOS ONE suggested that the peach originated in China’s Yangtze valley 7,500 years ago. The peach crop was probably first domesticated and cultivated in China about 4000 years ago. The peaches spread to India and Western Asia and were later seen in Persia (Iran) due to the silk trading routes. Greeks and especially Romans introduced the peaches to all over Europe and England in around 300-400 BC. In 16th and 17th century, the peaches were introduced to South America and North America. The top producers are Italy, Spain, USA and Greece. In 1995, peaches attained the rank of the state fruit in Georgia due to the highest quality peaches that exhibit excellent flavour, juiciness, texture and nutritional content. China is currently the world’s largest producer of peaches and they are auspiciously revered as Chinese symbol of longevity and immortality.
Introduction
Peach has wealth of essential nutrients and antioxidants, which are crucial for maintaining the body's well-being and functioning. Peach is rich in vitamin C, that does more than just fighting against infection. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which scavenges free radicals that are responsible for aging and tissue damages. Potassium is a mineral, which assist in maintaining the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, preventing fatigue, hypertension (high blood pressure), allowing muscle to contract, healthy nerves functioning and reduce kidney-related diseases. It is especially useful for people who have hypokalemia. It is possible that it is not necessary to buy vitamin A supplements because many fruits like peach contain carotenoid betacarotene (provitamin A), which are converted into vitamin A via liver and vitamin A deficiency in USA is rare. Beta-carotene support night vision, keep skin & mucus membrane healthy and regulates DNA. One medium peach provides about 16-20% of recommended RDA of vitamin A and 10-13% RDA of vitamin C. Researchers at Texas AgriLife Research indicated that the 4 major phenolic groups (antocyanins, clorogenic acids, quercetin derivatives and catechins) work on different cells (fat cells, macrophages and vascular endothelial cells) to reduce the risk of obesity, inflammation, diabetes and cardiovascular disease simultaneously. The 2015 study published by Journal Nutrition Biochem indicated that the consumption of peach and plum juice has protective effect against obesity and metabolic disorders that promote cardiovascular diseases. It is extremely encouraging to know that peaches have low in calories, contain no saturated fat or cholesterol and are good source of dietary fibre. The peaches are recommended by dietitian for those suffering from gout and rheumatism due to its mild laxative and diuretic properties. Its mild laxative properties aid in dissolution of kidney and bladder stones.
Main - Chlorogenic acids and Neochlorogenic acids
It is interesting to note that Giulaliana Noratto, a food science researcher (Washington State University) in the 2014 research published by Journal of Nutritional Biochem , indicated that 3 peaches a day wards of breast cancer. The two phenols in the peach responsible for killing the breast cancer cells including aggressive ones without affecting the normal cells, are chlorogenic acids and neochlorogenic acids. The 2009 research published by Journal of Agriculture Food Chemistry showed that chlorogenic acids, neochlorogenic acids including other phenols in peaches, have huge potential chemopreventive properties. This has significantly raised the level of standard for the future of science-based real fruits & vegetables therapies that prevent and treat cancer effectively without taxing the body. This further provide a very attractive alternative compared to the treatment of the typical chemotherapy that destroy the normal healthy cells together with the cancer cells. Currently there are many published science-based evidences provided by the worldwide researcher-scientists focusing on wide range of phytonutrients sourced from vegetables and fruits that provide potent cancer fighting abilities.
"The importance of our findings are very relevant because it shows in vivo the effect that natural compounds, in this case the phenolic compounds in peach, have against breast cancer and metastasis. It gives opportunity to include in the diet an additional tool to prevent and fight this terrible disease that affect so many people," said Cisneros-Zevallos, who pointed out that most of the complications and high mortality associated with breast cancer are due to metastasis.
Tips on choosing and buying
Smell the peach and see if it emits musky-sweet-scented and if it does, it is good sign. However, smell is not the main indicator whether it is good or not. Smelling is part of the whole process in selecting good peach. Inspect the peach's surface, which should have vibrant tones and colours, which should have a combination of soft, downy covering of white fuzz , streaked with both pink and yellow colour. Most of the peaches are creamy yellow but there are those with orange-ish gold colour, which are the sweetest and best-flavoured. Avoid those that display the signs of bruised skin. You may notice that some part of the peach are lighter in colour. This is due to the leaf blocking part of the peach from the sunlight, which cause the lightening of the skin. Check for the stem area of the peach and see if there are some green tones, it indicates that it is not ripe. It might be useful for those who are not planning to eat peaches for the next couple days and they can simply leave it at room temperature to let it ripen naturally. The gentle squeezing on the shoulder and tip (where the stem is) allows you to determine which stage the peach is - soft or firm. If it gives way, it means that the peach is soft and ready to eat while on the other hand, the firm feeling indicates that the peach is great and ready for salad preparation. If you live near the peach farm, congratulations to you because you have the best opportunity to saviour the juicy, sun-soaked succulent peaches that are plucked from the top of the tree and eaten on the spot. If you live too far away from the peach farm, always head to the farmer's market if you can because the fresh peaches are plucked in less than a day.
Store the peaches at room temperature, with their shoulder (stem) side down in a single layer to avoid bruising. You may wish to line up the peaches in the order of ripeness so that you know which one to eat first. Do not refrigerate the unripen peach otherwise this will result in flavourless taste and hard texture. Once it is ripe, you can put it in the fridge prolong their freshness, which will last for up to a week. If you see sign of wrinkly, eat them as soon as possible because they are starting to dry out. Peach's flavour are best when eaten at room temperature.
Tree of Life and its uses
The Chinese in the 10th century were the first to write about peaches and looked upon the peach tree as the "Tree of Life". The Tree of Life has several interesting uses for humans' health benefits.
Peach leaf - used for treatment of cough, bronchitis, abdominal disorders, possess detoxifying, laxative & diuretic properties, effective in treating abdominal worm and healing wounds. In China, peach tea are used as kidney cleanser and stimulate the flow of urine.
Peach flower - used to make as tea to ease constipation, remove body toxins, improve skin complexion and regulate blood circulation.
Peach bark - used in the treatment of jaundice and dropsy.
Fresh Peach vs Canned peach
Fresh peaches are available during the month of May to October. Many peach lovers usually buy canned peach during off-season as the fresh peaches are unavailable for the rest of the year. Many naturally occurring enzymes are destroyed during the heating process. Common additives such as high fructose corn syrup, sugar and salt pose health risk concerns. One of the alternative is to store the cut-peaches in the freezer. Another is to dehydrate the peach, using the dehydrator machine. Lastly head to organic store to look for canned organic peach without additives and artificial sweeteners.
Fun and easy smoothie recipe - Peach Smoothie
2 peaches (pitted and cut into pieces)
1 frozen banana
1/2-3/4 cup chilled non-dairy, non-soy milk
1/2 cup of ice
1 teaspoon organic vanilla powder (optional)
Peach (Prunus persica) are summer fruits, which are native to China and South Asia. Peach originate from China (ancestral homeland), and it’s first appearance in China is believed to be in around 2000 BC. There are numerous Chinese original manuscripts dating back to as far as 1100 BC, describing the peaches. The 2014 research published in PLOS ONE suggested that the peach originated in China’s Yangtze valley 7,500 years ago. The peach crop was probably first domesticated and cultivated in China about 4000 years ago. The peaches spread to India and Western Asia and were later seen in Persia (Iran) due to the silk trading routes. Greeks and especially Romans introduced the peaches to all over Europe and England in around 300-400 BC. In 16th and 17th century, the peaches were introduced to South America and North America. The top producers are Italy, Spain, USA and Greece. In 1995, peaches attained the rank of the state fruit in Georgia due to the highest quality peaches that exhibit excellent flavour, juiciness, texture and nutritional content. China is currently the world’s largest producer of peaches and they are auspiciously revered as Chinese symbol of longevity and immortality.
Introduction
Peach has wealth of essential nutrients and antioxidants, which are crucial for maintaining the body's well-being and functioning. Peach is rich in vitamin C, that does more than just fighting against infection. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which scavenges free radicals that are responsible for aging and tissue damages. Potassium is a mineral, which assist in maintaining the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, preventing fatigue, hypertension (high blood pressure), allowing muscle to contract, healthy nerves functioning and reduce kidney-related diseases. It is especially useful for people who have hypokalemia. It is possible that it is not necessary to buy vitamin A supplements because many fruits like peach contain carotenoid betacarotene (provitamin A), which are converted into vitamin A via liver and vitamin A deficiency in USA is rare. Beta-carotene support night vision, keep skin & mucus membrane healthy and regulates DNA. One medium peach provides about 16-20% of recommended RDA of vitamin A and 10-13% RDA of vitamin C. Researchers at Texas AgriLife Research indicated that the 4 major phenolic groups (antocyanins, clorogenic acids, quercetin derivatives and catechins) work on different cells (fat cells, macrophages and vascular endothelial cells) to reduce the risk of obesity, inflammation, diabetes and cardiovascular disease simultaneously. The 2015 study published by Journal Nutrition Biochem indicated that the consumption of peach and plum juice has protective effect against obesity and metabolic disorders that promote cardiovascular diseases. It is extremely encouraging to know that peaches have low in calories, contain no saturated fat or cholesterol and are good source of dietary fibre. The peaches are recommended by dietitian for those suffering from gout and rheumatism due to its mild laxative and diuretic properties. Its mild laxative properties aid in dissolution of kidney and bladder stones.
Main - Chlorogenic acids and Neochlorogenic acids
It is interesting to note that Giulaliana Noratto, a food science researcher (Washington State University) in the 2014 research published by Journal of Nutritional Biochem , indicated that 3 peaches a day wards of breast cancer. The two phenols in the peach responsible for killing the breast cancer cells including aggressive ones without affecting the normal cells, are chlorogenic acids and neochlorogenic acids. The 2009 research published by Journal of Agriculture Food Chemistry showed that chlorogenic acids, neochlorogenic acids including other phenols in peaches, have huge potential chemopreventive properties. This has significantly raised the level of standard for the future of science-based real fruits & vegetables therapies that prevent and treat cancer effectively without taxing the body. This further provide a very attractive alternative compared to the treatment of the typical chemotherapy that destroy the normal healthy cells together with the cancer cells. Currently there are many published science-based evidences provided by the worldwide researcher-scientists focusing on wide range of phytonutrients sourced from vegetables and fruits that provide potent cancer fighting abilities.
"The importance of our findings are very relevant because it shows in vivo the effect that natural compounds, in this case the phenolic compounds in peach, have against breast cancer and metastasis. It gives opportunity to include in the diet an additional tool to prevent and fight this terrible disease that affect so many people," said Cisneros-Zevallos, who pointed out that most of the complications and high mortality associated with breast cancer are due to metastasis.
Tips on choosing and buying
Smell the peach and see if it emits musky-sweet-scented and if it does, it is good sign. However, smell is not the main indicator whether it is good or not. Smelling is part of the whole process in selecting good peach. Inspect the peach's surface, which should have vibrant tones and colours, which should have a combination of soft, downy covering of white fuzz , streaked with both pink and yellow colour. Most of the peaches are creamy yellow but there are those with orange-ish gold colour, which are the sweetest and best-flavoured. Avoid those that display the signs of bruised skin. You may notice that some part of the peach are lighter in colour. This is due to the leaf blocking part of the peach from the sunlight, which cause the lightening of the skin. Check for the stem area of the peach and see if there are some green tones, it indicates that it is not ripe. It might be useful for those who are not planning to eat peaches for the next couple days and they can simply leave it at room temperature to let it ripen naturally. The gentle squeezing on the shoulder and tip (where the stem is) allows you to determine which stage the peach is - soft or firm. If it gives way, it means that the peach is soft and ready to eat while on the other hand, the firm feeling indicates that the peach is great and ready for salad preparation. If you live near the peach farm, congratulations to you because you have the best opportunity to saviour the juicy, sun-soaked succulent peaches that are plucked from the top of the tree and eaten on the spot. If you live too far away from the peach farm, always head to the farmer's market if you can because the fresh peaches are plucked in less than a day.
Store the peaches at room temperature, with their shoulder (stem) side down in a single layer to avoid bruising. You may wish to line up the peaches in the order of ripeness so that you know which one to eat first. Do not refrigerate the unripen peach otherwise this will result in flavourless taste and hard texture. Once it is ripe, you can put it in the fridge prolong their freshness, which will last for up to a week. If you see sign of wrinkly, eat them as soon as possible because they are starting to dry out. Peach's flavour are best when eaten at room temperature.
Tree of Life and its uses
The Chinese in the 10th century were the first to write about peaches and looked upon the peach tree as the "Tree of Life". The Tree of Life has several interesting uses for humans' health benefits.
Peach leaf - used for treatment of cough, bronchitis, abdominal disorders, possess detoxifying, laxative & diuretic properties, effective in treating abdominal worm and healing wounds. In China, peach tea are used as kidney cleanser and stimulate the flow of urine.
Peach flower - used to make as tea to ease constipation, remove body toxins, improve skin complexion and regulate blood circulation.
Peach bark - used in the treatment of jaundice and dropsy.
Fresh Peach vs Canned peach
Fresh peaches are available during the month of May to October. Many peach lovers usually buy canned peach during off-season as the fresh peaches are unavailable for the rest of the year. Many naturally occurring enzymes are destroyed during the heating process. Common additives such as high fructose corn syrup, sugar and salt pose health risk concerns. One of the alternative is to store the cut-peaches in the freezer. Another is to dehydrate the peach, using the dehydrator machine. Lastly head to organic store to look for canned organic peach without additives and artificial sweeteners.
Fun and easy smoothie recipe - Peach Smoothie
2 peaches (pitted and cut into pieces)
1 frozen banana
1/2-3/4 cup chilled non-dairy, non-soy milk
1/2 cup of ice
1 teaspoon organic vanilla powder (optional)
