Some Surprising Health Benefits and Uses of Peaches

The nutritious peach is chock-full of antioxidants and may protect from heart disease, cancer, and moisture loss in your skin, among several other benefits.
What’s more, peaches are nutritious and may offer an array of health benefits, including improved digestion, smoother skin, and allergy relief.
Here are 9 surprising health benefits and uses of peaches.

۱. Packed With Nutrients and Antioxidants
Peaches are rich in many vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds.
One medium-sized peach (5.4 ounces or 150 grams) provides approximately (2Trusted Source):
• Calories: 58
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: less than 1

gram
• Carbs: 14 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Vitamin

C:
۱۷% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin

A:
۱۰% of the DV
• Potassium: 8% of the DV
• Niacin: 6% of the DV
• Vitamin

E:
۵% of the DV
• Vitamin

K:
۵% of the DV
• Copper: 5% of the DV
• Manganese: 5% of the DV

Peaches also offer smaller amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and some B vitamins.
In addition, they’re packed with antioxidants — beneficial plant compounds that combat oxidative damage and help protect your body against aging and disease. The fresher and riper the fruit, the more antioxidants it contains (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).
۲. May Aid Digestion
Peaches contain fiber, which contributes to smooth digestion and a lower risk
of gut disorders.

۳. May Improve Heart Health
Peaches contain compounds that may help reduce risk factors for heart disease,
such as high blood pressure, as well as triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
However, more studies in humans are needed.
۴. May Protect Your Skin
Compounds in peaches and peach flowers may help keep your skin healthy by maintaining
moisture and protecting against sun damage. However, more research is needed.

۵. May Prevent Certain Types of Cancer
Compounds found in peaches may offer some protection against cancer by limiting the formation, growth, and spread of cancerous cells.
۶. May Reduce Allergy Symptoms
Peaches may help lower your immune system’s response to allergens, thus reducing allergy symptoms.
Other Potential Benefits
Peaches may offer several other health benefits. The most well-researched include:
۷. May boost immunity: Peaches
are rich in immune-boosting nutrients and antioxidants. Test-tube studies
report that they may also fight certain types of bacteria (40Trusted Source).

۸. May protect against certain toxins: In one
study, peach extracts given to smokers increased the removal of nicotine
through the urine (41Trusted Source).
۹. May reduce blood sugar levels:
Studies show that compounds found in peaches may help prevent high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance in obese rats (22Trusted Source).