By nature, peaches are a fuzzy fruit originating in China. A typical piece of the fruit resembles an apple and ranges from 7 to 10 cm in diameter. On average it weighs approximately 130 grams. There are two main varieties of the fruit, freestone and clingstone. The freestone variety refers to the type in which the flesh can be easily separated from the pit by simply cutting the fruit in half and twisting the two halves in opposite directions. With the clingstone variety, the flesh sticks to the pit and cannot be separated from it entirely. In both varieties the flesh of the fruit can range in colour from orange-yellow to white, with white fleshed ones being sweeter and less acidic.
Filling Peach Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 peach cut up with pits removed
- 4 tbsp rolled oats
- 1 banana frozen
- ½ cup almond milk
- Honey to taste
Directions:
Add the oats to the almond milk and allow them to soak for about ten minutes. This allows oats to become soft. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
Add-ons
- Chia seeds
- Fresh orange juice
Nutritional Information
The main attraction of peaches lies in the fact that they contain ten different kinds of vitamins along with a host of other nutrients. This list of vitamins includes A, C, E, K, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, and B9 (folate). It also contains trace amounts of a number of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. Lastly peaches contain some important phytonutrients like Carotene-B, Crypto-xantin, and Leutein-zeaxanthin.
Health Benefits of Peaches
According to Texas AgriLife Research studies phenolic compounds in peaches offer anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties. These compounds may also potentially reduce the LDL (bad) cholesterol linked with heart diseases. The phenolic compounds which include anthocyanins, chlorogenic acids, quercetins and catechins all work collectively to fight off these diseases.
The ample amount of vitamin C in peaches is a potent antioxidant that helps to fight against the formation of free radicals that are known to lead to cancer. Additionally vitamin C aids in keeping the skin young looking by eliminating wrinkles. Peaches are also good for the digestive system. Their fiber and alkaline content prevents stomach ailments like constipation and irregular bowel movements.