Health Benefits of Peaches For Moms To-Be & Kids

Peaches are from the family of Rosaceae that have a delicate aroma. They have yellowish or whitish flesh and their skin feels velvety. Moreover, they are round in shape and enough in size to make you feel full. In the botanical term, they are called a drupe. Even though peaches can be eaten around the year, they are mostly consumed in summer. The average life of a peach tree is 18 years.

Today, peaches are cultivated commercially around the globe and are eaten with great interest. Homemakers and Chefs often use this fruit in their dishes. Besides, peaches have a lot of health benefits to offer. 

Nutritional Profile

It is always healthy to consume various fruits and vegetables in a balanced form. If you add peaches to your daily consumption, 168g of it will provide you with:

• 65.5 calories
• 1.53 g of protein
• 0.42 g of fat
• 0 g of cholesterol and sodium
• 16 g of carbohydrate
• 14.10 g of sugar
• 2.52 g of fibre

This fruit also has carbs, magnesium, potassium, niacin, copper, manganese, iron, antioxidants, phosphorus, vitamins C, A, E, and K.

The Many Health Benefits of Peaches for Kids and Adults

Peaches are not only tasty but also very beneficial for the health of kids and adults. From digestion to heart problems, this fruit helps in treating various ailments.  

Peaches have enough fibre content in them. The fibre adds bulk to your stool and aids constipation. The fruit also provides necessary bacteria to your intestine and produces fatty acids. They feed the cells of your gut and may help in reducing inflammation.

This sweet fruit might promote your heart health. Researchers say that it lowers the risk of having unhealthy cholesterol and heart pressure levels. The potassium content in this fruit regulates blood circulation and develops the circulatory system of a baby. 

Vitamin C present in the peaches builds collagen- a protein. This protein acts as an antioxidant and keeps the skin firm and healthy. Research says that it tends to control wrinkling, elasticity, roughness, and colouring of skin. Besides, it holds on to the moisture in the skin and improves its texture. 

Peaches have anticancer properties called polyphenols, carotenoids and caffeic acid. Medical research says that it may prevent cancerous cells from producing themselves. 

The round fruit reduces allergies. Peaches build the immune system and fight against allergy triggers. With the consumption of peaches, allergies like sneezing, itching, or coughing can be reduced. 

The bone development of children can be facilitated by eating peaches. Due to the fluoride, phosphorus and calcium, teeth and bone strength is maintained. 

Besides, peaches also have Vitamin A, Vitamin C and antioxidants like beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein that promote eye health. It helps in achieving a sharper vision. This fruit keeps the body hydrated as well because of its high water content.

Benefits of Consuming Peaches  During Pregnancy

Pregnant women can satisfy their sweet tooth by consuming peaches in adequate amounts. They are safe and beneficial for you and may help you treat various ailments.

Peaches have Vitamin C in them that is essential for expecting women. Most pregnant women have a deficiency of iron. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of the same. It also forms the tissue of a foetus. Moreover, it plays an important role in the development of bones, teeth, blood vessels, cartilage and muscles. 

This fruit’s potassium content keeps the fluid balance in the body of both you and the baby. Furthermore, it reduces fatigue, anxiety, depression, mood swings, cramps and swellings during pregnancy. 

The gastrointestinal problems that arise during pregnancy can be brought under control through peaches. This fruit has dietary fibre content in them that maintains the bowel movements in the body. Moreover, it limits the occurrence of indigestion and constipation.

Peaches have a phosphorous presence. This component strengthens the bone for you and develops the same in babies. Besides, the magnesium content reduces the chance of experiencing premature contractions and cramps. 

Another important element that peaches have is folic acid. It helps in the brain and spine development of the foetus. Additionally, beta-carotene boosts the immune system in you and your babies. Peaches may help in weight management too. 

All in all, it is quite healthy for you to consume peaches. Therefore, add it to your grocery list. 

Risks of Consuming Peaches During pregnancy

You must keep in mind the side effects of every fruit and vegetable you might consume. Though peaches have many benefits, it also has side effects. Some of the risks are:

1. Women with high blood pressure should limit their consumption of peaches to prevent adverse effects. 
2. The excessive consumption of this sweet fruit may lead to bleeding and raise the body’s temperature.
3. It might irritate the throat if it’s not peeled before consumption.
4. Prevent yourself from eating peaches that can be affected by pesticides. Only purchase organic fruits. 

Besides, before the consumption of peaches during pregnancy, it is advised to consult your doctor. It may help you understand the benefits and side effects according to your body. 

The Tasty Way of Including Peaches in Your Diet

When you decide to include peaches in your diet, you should wash them properly. Thereafter you can use them in the following recipes for you and the baby:

1. Peach juice
2. Banana and peach fruit milkshake 
3. Peach toppings in cereals and milk

4. Wheat and Peach Porridge

5. Ragi and Peach Puree

6. Oatmeal Porridge With Peaches

7. Carrot and Peach Puree

8. Peachy Chicken Dish

You should introduce peaches to your babies when they are 6 months old. Moreover, you can wait until they turn a year old. For clarity, you can consult your child’s paediatrician. Nonetheless, the appropriate consumption of peaches will continue to be beneficial for you and your child.