Description: The peach is the fruit of the peach tree ('Prunus persica' [L] Batsch.), a tree of the botanical family Rosaceae. The fruit is a typical drupe: fleshy pulp with a hard stone in the center.
THE PEACH is a well-traveled tree. The oldest orchards are in China. From there it was taken to Persia (Iran) several centuries before the birth of Christ. After spreading throughout the Mediterranean more than two thousand years ago, it was introduced in the Americans by the Spaniards. The peach has adapted well to each region where it has been taken. Today more than half of the world's peach production is from the Americans.
PROPERTIES AND INDICATIONS:
The composition of the peach is a balanced combination of provitamin A (beta-carotene), B group vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and vegetable fiber, all in moderate amounts. Peaches contain virtually no sodium or fat. They do contain 9% fructose and other sugars and less than 1% proteins.
It may be said that the composition of the peach is almost perfect for a healthy heart. Vitamins A, C, and E are nature's best antioxidants, and few foods contain all three in such balance. The antioxidant effect of these vitamins maintains artery health in general, and those that nourish the heart in particular.
The B group vitamins (B1, B2, niacin, and B6), which are found in peaches in significant quantities, are necessary for heart muscle cell contraction utilizing the energy of fatty acids and sugars.
Potassium, very abundant in peaches, and magnesium are minerals essential to maintain normal, strong heartbeat rhythm.
Not only is the peach the lowest of any fruit in fat, its sodium content is also among the lowest, with only one milligram (mg) per 100g of edible portion. A low sodium diet helps aviod arterial hypertension and aids the heart's activity.
Peaches are medically indicated in the following cases:
-Heart disease: Eating peaches is of benefit whenever there is any degree of heart failure, any impairment in the heart's capacity to perform effectively its pumping activity. Even though peaches are not a direct heart stimulant, they do aid the work of this organ.
-Digestive disorders: Peaches are easy to digest when they are ripe. They contain soluble vegetable fiber that acts as an emollient in the digestive tract. It is a mild laxative.
-Kidney disorders: Peaches are mildly diuretic, which, together with very low sodium and protein content, make them excellent for those with renal failure.
-Obesity: Peaches are among the best fruits for creating a sensation of satiety, thus reducing the appetite. Their caloric content is quite low: 43 kcal/100 g. Additionally, its depurative action facilitates the removal of the acidic metabolic waste that frequently accompanies obesity.
PREPARATIONS AND USE
(1)Fresh: The peach's velvety peel may produce an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.,thus they should be peeled. The peel may also carry pesticide residuals.While it is true that the peel contains vitamins, eating a little more peeled peach easily compensates for this loss.
(2)Canned: While canned peaches provide somewhat fewer vitamins and minerals, they have the advantage of being available year-round. Peaches canned in as little sugar as possible are preferable.
(3)Marmalade and juice.
The peach's shape is reminiscent of that of the heart, possibly as a reminder of its many benefits for this organ.
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