Peaches are a tasty summer treat — but did you know they also have surprising health benefits many people aren’t even aware of?
The flavorful fruit packs a big nutritional punch, per Eat This, Not That!, which translates into a wealth of positive side effects that can turn peaches into a valuable ally in fighting off various ailments — some more severe than others.
Read on to discover some of the good ways in which eating peaches can impact your health.
Improve Symptoms Of Respiratory Illnesses
Peaches are chock-full of vitamin C, which has been shown to improve the symptoms of respiratory illnesses. In one study, older patients suffering from bronchitis or pneumonia "fared significantly better" after being given vitamin C supplements than the placebo group, research published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research has uncovered.
Speed Up Digestion
According to Eat This, Not That!, eating peaches is a great way to improve digestion.
"A medium peach packs two grams of dietary fiber, which can help get your digestion moving again in no time," notes the media outlet, which advises readers to incorporate the yummy goodness into their diets if they’re dealing with a sluggish digestive tract.
Lower The Risk Of Heart Disease
Peaches are a rich source of anthocyanidins and flavonoids, both of which have been found to reduce the risk of heart disease. In 2013, scientists revealed that the anthocyanidins pigments present in peaches can help boost high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol, while flavonoids can lower serum triglyceride levels.
The findings, which were published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, indicated peaches could help cut down the risk of cardiovascular disease, along with other flavonoid-rich fruit, such as apples, plums, and pears.
Reduce Breast Cancer Growth
Aside from flavonoids, peaches contain other important polyphenols — plant compounds that offer various health benefits, including cancer prevention and protection. Specifically, these substances could help reduce the growth and metastasis of MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells, according to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.
The findings support previous research associating the phenolic compounds derived from Rich Lady peaches with the inhibition of that same type of cancer cells.
Diminish The Risk Of Osteoporosis
Another unexpected and valuable health benefit that comes from eating peaches is that it can help keep your bones strong.
"A single peach packs approximately six percent of your recommended daily value of potassium," says Eat This, Not That!.
These levels are enough to promote bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, per a 2020 study published in Nutrition Research and Practice.
