What are peaches?

Peaches are the fruit of the Prunus persica, a species belonging to the Rosaceae family. These fruit originate from China, where they are now widely cultivated. They are also cultivated in Europe and the United States, and there are many varieties all over the world, different in color and size.

 

What are the nutritional properties of peaches?

100 g of peaches provide approximately 30 Calories broken down as follows:

  • 85% carbohydrates
  • 12% protein
  • 3% lipids

In particular, 100 g of peaches provide:

  • 0.91 g of protein
  • 0.25 g of lipids
  • 9.54 g carbohydrates
  • 1.5 g of fibers
  • 0.806 mg of niacin
  • 6.6 mg of vitamin C
  • 0,024 mg of thiamine
  • 0.153 mg of pantothenic acid
  • 0.025 mg of pyridoxine
  • 0.73 mg of vitamin E
  • 0.031 mg of riboflavin
  • 326 IU of vitamin A
  • 2.6 micrograms of vitamin K
  • 190 mg of potassium
  • 11 mg of phosphorus
  • 9 mg of magnesium
  • 6 mg of calcium
  • 0.61 mg of manganese
  • 0.25 mg of iron
  • 0.17 mg of zinc
  • 0.068 mg of copper

In 100 g of peaches there are about 162 micrograms of beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin of 67 micrograms and 91 micrograms of lutein and zeaxanthin.

 

When should you NOT eat peaches?

No peach interactions with drugs or other substances have been found. If in doubt it is good to seek advice from your doctor.

 

Seasonality of peaches

Peaches begin to mature in May and are harvested until September. 

 

Possible benefits and drawbacks of peaches

The consumption of peaches provides the body with moderate amounts of vitamin C, a molecule with antioxidant properties which are also important for the synthesis of collagen. These fruits are also a source of vitamin A, an ally to the health of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes and not only. It seems, in fact, that this vitamin helps prevent tumors forming on the lung and oral cavity. Iron is important for the production of red blood cells, fluorine for the health of bones and teeth and potassium to that of the heart and arteries. Flavonoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin help fight reactive oxygen species.

Peaches are sources of salicylates and can trigger dangerous pseudoallergic reactions.