A ripe, juicy peach can be one of the joys of summer. Peaches are in season during late spring and summer and pack a nutritional punch. According to Jonny Bowden, author of "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth," peaches are low in calories but high in nutrition, making them a healthy part of your diet. The juice from peaches is equally as beneficial to your health and provides many of the nutrients your body needs daily. Look for peach juice without sugar added because it is the most nutritious.
Supports Eye Health
Your eyesight may start to decline as you age, but eating the right foods can help prevent conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Bowden reports that peaches, and their juice, contain several compounds that help support the health of your eyes. Peaches contain both lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been identified as nutrients that are good for your eyesight.
Antioxidants
Plant foods contain many different antioxidants that help you achieve good health, as well as prevent certain health conditions. Peach juice contains several antioxidants that help ward off disease and keep you healthy. In particular, peaches, and peach juice, contain beta-cryptozanthin, Bowden notes. Beta-cryptozanthin is a potent antioxidant that may help reduce your risk of certain types of cancer. Specific antioxidants in peaches may also help inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. It also acts as an antibacterial agent, which helps your body identify and destroy illness-causing bacteria before it is able to become a problem.
Vitamins
Peaches and peach juice contain small amounts of many vitamins. Vitamin C is one vitamin in peaches that helps support a healthy immune system and may help ward off sickness. Peach juice also contains a good amount of vitamins A and K. Look for 100 percent peach juice to get more of these vitamins. Juice blends often contain added sugars that decrease the nutrition juice, including the vitamin content.
Minerals
Peach juice contains trace amounts of many minerals that are beneficial to your health. A 3/4 cup glass of peach juice supplies a small amount of calcium, a nutrient your body needs to make and maintain strong bones and teeth. A serving of peach juice also contains a good amount of potassium, as well as tiny amounts of iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.
References
- "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth"; Jonny Bowden; 2007
- California Peaches, Plums, Nectarines: Nutrition Facts
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