Health Benefits and Dietary Cautions of Peaches
Health Benefits and Dietary Cautions of Peaches
Peaches belong to a group of round, edible fruits with various health benefits. They are known for their skin-beautifying, stomach-clearing, lung-moistening, and phlegm-reducing properties. Peaches are rich in protein, containing twice as much as apples and grapes and seven times more than pears. They also have three times the iron content of apples and five times that of pears, earning them the title of "queen of fruits" in some circles. They are widely cultivated in China.
Peaches are packed with a variety of vitamins, with vitamin C being the most abundant. Peach trees are deciduous small trees, typically reaching heights of 3-4 meters. They are relatively weak, with an open canopy. Young trees grow vigorously, with one-year-old shoots reaching over one meter in length. The buds mature early, resulting in a rapid crown formation. They start bearing fruit early, with fruiting beginning 2-3 years after planting, reaching peak production at 6-7 years. After 15-20 years, they gradually enter old age, with a relatively short lifespan. Generally well-managed trees can maintain high yields for 25-30 years.
Health Benefits of Peaches
Peaches are known for their ability to enhance skin beauty, nourish the blood for a glowing complexion, clear the stomach, moisturize the lungs, and alleviate phlegm. They are nutritionally rich, particularly in iron, which can increase red blood cell count. With twice the protein content of apples and grapes and seven times that of pears, and three times more iron than apples and five times more than pears, they have earned the reputation of "queen of fruits."
Health Benefits and Dietary Cautions of Peaches
Peaches are nutritionally rich, with sweet flesh and abundant iron, which can boost red blood cell count. Ancient wisdom suggests that regular consumption of peaches can enhance one's appearance. In addition to nourishing the blood and promoting skin beauty, peach kernels are known for their blood circulation-boosting and phlegm-relieving properties. Traditional Chinese medicine includes a formula called "Five Kernel Soup," which can promote bowel movement, blood circulation, and is especially helpful for individuals with constipation, liver heat, blood stasis, or amenorrhea. However, it's essential to note that peach kernel extracts promote blood circulation, so they are not suitable for individuals with excessive menstrual bleeding or during menstruation.
The gum secreted by peach trees is also a remarkable remedy. It not only provides strength and nourishment but also helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Peaches' Functions
Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory: Peach flowers contain catechins that have diuretic properties, helping eliminate excess fluids and reducing swelling. They can be used to treat conditions like jaundice and urinary disorders. Peach flowers can also induce diarrhea without irritating the intestines.
Anemia Prevention: The iron content in peach flesh is second only to cherries among various fruits. Iron plays a crucial role in the synthesis of hemoglobin, making peaches an excellent choice to prevent anemia caused by iron deficiency.
Anti-Cancer Properties: The hydrolysis products of the bitter almond components found in peach kernels, such as hydrocyanic acid and benzaldehyde, have a synergistic anti-cancer effect on cancer cells. These compounds have been found to alleviate anemia and pain in cancer patients.
Anti-Coagulation: Studies suggest that alcohol extracts of peach kernels can increase the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in platelets, reducing platelet aggregation. This indicates that peach kernels have anti-coagulant effects and relatively weak hemolytic properties.
Cough and Asthma Relief: After hydrolysis, the substances in peach kernels, such as amygdalin and emulsin, have a calming effect on the respiratory organs, making them effective for cough relief.
Anti-Liver Fibrosis: Peach kernel extracts can expand the hepatic portal veins, enhance hepatic blood circulation, increase hepatic tissue collagenase activity, and promote collagen degradation, thereby benefiting liver fibrosis and cirrhosis treatment. They can also accelerate red blood cell flow within the liver microcirculation and enhance bile secretion.
Nutritional Value of Peaches
Peaches are highly nutritious fruits, containing protein, fat, sugar, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins B and C. They have an abundant iron content, which is second only to cherries among fruits, making them effective in preventing anemia. Rich in pectin, regular consumption of peaches can help prevent constipation. With a high iron content, peaches can increase red blood cell count, with twice the protein of apples and grapes and seven times that of pears. They also contain three times the iron of apples and five times the iron of pears, earning them the title of "queen of fruits." In traditional Chinese medicine, peaches are considered sweet, slightly warm, and are believed to have the ability to nourish Qi and blood, nourish Yin and generate body fluids, relieve cough, and expel parasites. The medicinal value of peaches lies mainly in their kernels, which contain bitter almond glycosides, fat oil, volatile oil, bitter almond enzymes, and vitamin B1. The "Shennong Ben Cao Jing" states that "peach kernel is bitter and slightly warm, with the ability to resolve blood stasis and blood blockage, treat abdominal masses, and kill parasites." Peaches are particularly effective in treating lung diseases. The famous Tang Dynasty physician Sun Simiao referred to peaches as "the fruit for the lungs, suitable for those with lung diseases."
Dietary Cautions for Peaches
Unripe Peaches: Including South Huizhou peaches, should not be consumed, as they may cause abdominal distension or the formation of furuncles.
Excessive Consumption: Even ripe peaches, including South Huizhou peaches, should not be consumed excessively, as they can generate excessive heat in the body.
Spoiled Peaches: Should not be consumed.
Combining with Soft-shelled Turtles: Should be avoided.
Diabetics: With high blood sugar levels should consume peaches in moderation, including South Huizhou peaches.
Peaches belong to a group of round, edible fruits with various health benefits. They are known for their skin-beautifying, stomach-clearing, lung-moistening, and phlegm-reducing properties. Peaches are rich in protein, containing twice as much as apples and grapes and seven times more than pears. They also have three times the iron content of apples and five times that of pears, earning them the title of "queen of fruits" in some circles. They are widely cultivated in China.
Peaches are packed with a variety of vitamins, with vitamin C being the most abundant. Peach trees are deciduous small trees, typically reaching heights of 3-4 meters. They are relatively weak, with an open canopy. Young trees grow vigorously, with one-year-old shoots reaching over one meter in length. The buds mature early, resulting in a rapid crown formation. They start bearing fruit early, with fruiting beginning 2-3 years after planting, reaching peak production at 6-7 years. After 15-20 years, they gradually enter old age, with a relatively short lifespan. Generally well-managed trees can maintain high yields for 25-30 years.
Health Benefits of Peaches
Peaches are known for their ability to enhance skin beauty, nourish the blood for a glowing complexion, clear the stomach, moisturize the lungs, and alleviate phlegm. They are nutritionally rich, particularly in iron, which can increase red blood cell count. With twice the protein content of apples and grapes and seven times that of pears, and three times more iron than apples and five times more than pears, they have earned the reputation of "queen of fruits."
Health Benefits and Dietary Cautions of Peaches
Peaches are nutritionally rich, with sweet flesh and abundant iron, which can boost red blood cell count. Ancient wisdom suggests that regular consumption of peaches can enhance one's appearance. In addition to nourishing the blood and promoting skin beauty, peach kernels are known for their blood circulation-boosting and phlegm-relieving properties. Traditional Chinese medicine includes a formula called "Five Kernel Soup," which can promote bowel movement, blood circulation, and is especially helpful for individuals with constipation, liver heat, blood stasis, or amenorrhea. However, it's essential to note that peach kernel extracts promote blood circulation, so they are not suitable for individuals with excessive menstrual bleeding or during menstruation.
The gum secreted by peach trees is also a remarkable remedy. It not only provides strength and nourishment but also helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Peaches' Functions
Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory: Peach flowers contain catechins that have diuretic properties, helping eliminate excess fluids and reducing swelling. They can be used to treat conditions like jaundice and urinary disorders. Peach flowers can also induce diarrhea without irritating the intestines.
Anemia Prevention: The iron content in peach flesh is second only to cherries among various fruits. Iron plays a crucial role in the synthesis of hemoglobin, making peaches an excellent choice to prevent anemia caused by iron deficiency.
Anti-Cancer Properties: The hydrolysis products of the bitter almond components found in peach kernels, such as hydrocyanic acid and benzaldehyde, have a synergistic anti-cancer effect on cancer cells. These compounds have been found to alleviate anemia and pain in cancer patients.
Anti-Coagulation: Studies suggest that alcohol extracts of peach kernels can increase the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in platelets, reducing platelet aggregation. This indicates that peach kernels have anti-coagulant effects and relatively weak hemolytic properties.
Cough and Asthma Relief: After hydrolysis, the substances in peach kernels, such as amygdalin and emulsin, have a calming effect on the respiratory organs, making them effective for cough relief.
Anti-Liver Fibrosis: Peach kernel extracts can expand the hepatic portal veins, enhance hepatic blood circulation, increase hepatic tissue collagenase activity, and promote collagen degradation, thereby benefiting liver fibrosis and cirrhosis treatment. They can also accelerate red blood cell flow within the liver microcirculation and enhance bile secretion.
Nutritional Value of Peaches
Peaches are highly nutritious fruits, containing protein, fat, sugar, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins B and C. They have an abundant iron content, which is second only to cherries among fruits, making them effective in preventing anemia. Rich in pectin, regular consumption of peaches can help prevent constipation. With a high iron content, peaches can increase red blood cell count, with twice the protein of apples and grapes and seven times that of pears. They also contain three times the iron of apples and five times the iron of pears, earning them the title of "queen of fruits." In traditional Chinese medicine, peaches are considered sweet, slightly warm, and are believed to have the ability to nourish Qi and blood, nourish Yin and generate body fluids, relieve cough, and expel parasites. The medicinal value of peaches lies mainly in their kernels, which contain bitter almond glycosides, fat oil, volatile oil, bitter almond enzymes, and vitamin B1. The "Shennong Ben Cao Jing" states that "peach kernel is bitter and slightly warm, with the ability to resolve blood stasis and blood blockage, treat abdominal masses, and kill parasites." Peaches are particularly effective in treating lung diseases. The famous Tang Dynasty physician Sun Simiao referred to peaches as "the fruit for the lungs, suitable for those with lung diseases."
Dietary Cautions for Peaches
Unripe Peaches: Including South Huizhou peaches, should not be consumed, as they may cause abdominal distension or the formation of furuncles.
Excessive Consumption: Even ripe peaches, including South Huizhou peaches, should not be consumed excessively, as they can generate excessive heat in the body.
Spoiled Peaches: Should not be consumed.
Combining with Soft-shelled Turtles: Should be avoided.
Diabetics: With high blood sugar levels should consume peaches in moderation, including South Huizhou peaches.
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