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Peach consumption can prevent cancer

A study shows that the caffeic acid in peaches can prevent breast, colon, and lung cancer, respectively. Yet these delicate fruits have other important health and beauty benefits.

Scientifically known as “prunus persica”, peaches are native to northwestern China, dating back more than 8,000 years. Appetizing, scented, and juicy, peaches are equipped not only with a special taste, but also with an impressive baggage of essential nutrients for health, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioflavonoids.

For example, peaches are rich in phenolic compounds and carotenoids, which possess anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.

You have probably heard of caffeic acid as a compound of coffee, but it is also found in peaches. According to a study conducted in Sweden, it offers protection against breast and colon cancer, as well as lung cancer (the beta-carotene in their composition also has an important role in fighting lung cancer), due to the two anti-cancer components, chlorogenic and neo-chlorogenic acid – antioxidant compounds that help eliminate cancer cells without harming healthy ones.

Another US study once claimed that polyphenols found in peaches can inhibit the growth of breast or colon cancer cells. The alkaline potential of this fruit is also extremely useful in preventing cancer.

According to another study, replacing sugary drinks – a risk factor in terms of the occurrence of cancers – with fresh fruit juice, rich in polyphenols (and peaches contain plenty) can also reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, due to a unique combination of bioactive compounds found in peaches.

Peaches also contain a type of phenolic compound, which, according to one study, has greater antioxidant power than vitamin C or carotenoids. They also contain other antioxidants, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin, which are believed to sustain healthy aging and the prevention of multiple diseases, as well as eye health.

According to a report published by the University of Minnesota, vitamins A, C (one fruit can contain up to 19% of the recommended daily dose), and E, and selenium in peaches have an antioxidant role and support detoxification; eliminating toxic waste from the intestines is essential in disease prevention.

And since we mentioned vitamin A, we know too well how important it is for skin health, as well as its healthy tone.

Vitamin C – the star antioxidant found in most fruits and vegetables – helps slow aging, reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, and protect our skin from the sun and pollution. And what is even more interesting is that fresh and canned peaches seem to contain similar amounts of vitamins and minerals – if the canned fruit is unpeeled.

Peaches are also high in fiber, whose regular consumption provides a feeling of satiety and contributes to healthy weight loss, with a medium-sized fruit having only 60kcal.

Moreover, a US study states that the association of dietary fiber with fruit could drastically reduce the incidence of obesity, which occurs more and more often among children.

Perhaps the most unexpected benefit of eating peaches is related to one’s well-being. According to a study published by the University of Kentucky, they can have a relaxing effect and help reduce anxiety, due to the folic acid that it contains, essential for brain health. For the same reason, peaches are also recommended during pregnancy; folate helps prevent neural tube defects in the fetus, while potassium helps prevent muscle cramps and general fatigue that is typical when it comes to pregnancy.

You can find here a delicious dessert with peaches. Enjoy!