With the arrival of summer comes annual trips to roadside stands and farmers’ markets where well-loved assortments of Texas’ succulent peaches arrive in consecutive waves, peaking in July and August, through the Labor Day holiday. According to the first Texas census, peaches were mentioned as a commercial crop in 1890, and by 1910, the peach production in Texas peaked with 10 million trees. Unfortunately, the current tree count is a tenth of that—due to inconsistent weather cycles—causing a supply that’s not sufficient for commercial export outside the state.
Texans are well aware of the many health benefits of our juicy peaches. In fact, out-of-state Texas peach-lovers travel to Texas just to pick, buy, and enjoy the delicious peaches grown in the Texas Hill Country. History states that some peach trees were planted in Texas by the original Spanish explorers (and by the Franciscan padres who also gave the Lone Star State the beginnings of its wine industry). Most born-n-raised Texans will tell you that “peach season” is looked forward to throughout the year.
Peaches: Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease & Breast Cancer
The health benefits of peaches are many, but you may not be aware of some important findings regarding obesity-related diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer and the healing effects that peaches have shown with these particular health concerns.
According to new studies by Texas AgriLife Research, peaches and nectarines have bioactive compounds that can potentially fight off obesity-related diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study showed that the compounds in stone fruits such as peaches and nectarines could be a weapon against “metabolic syndrome,” in which obesity and inflammation lead to serious health issues, states Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos, AgriLife Research food scientist. Cisneros-Zevallos continues, “Our work indicates that phenolic compounds present in these fruits have anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties in different cell lines and may also reduce the oxidation of bad cholesterol LDL which is associated to cardiovascular disease.” (1)
Even the most aggressive type– breast cancer cells — died after treatments with peach and plum extracts in lab tests at Texas AgriLife Research.
In other lab tests by Texas AgriLife Research, breast cancer cells, even the most aggressive type, died after treatments with peach and plum extracts, and scientists say the results are greatly promising. Not only did the cancerous cells keel over, but the normal cells were not harmed in the process. Cells were treated with an extract from two commercial varieties, the “Rich Lady” peach and the “Black Splendor” plum. “These extracts killed the cancer cells but not the normal cells,” Cisneros-Zevallos said. A closer look at the extracts determined that two specific phenolic acid components — chlorogenic and neo chlorogenic — were responsible for killing the cancer cells while not affecting the normal cells, Cisneros-Zevallos said. (2)
More Health Benefits of Peaches
- rich in potassium & iron
- helps urinary disorders
- contains lutein, zeaxanthin & ß-cryptoxanthin
- improves immunity
- good source of fiber
- anti-oxidant properties
- cataracts – eye health
- powerful diuretic
- excellent relaxant
- rejuvenates skin
- regulates bowel movements
- low in calories
- ORAC value is 1814
- good source of Vitamin C
- helps maintain the nervous system
- lowers cholesterol
- provides 1.5 grams protein
- effective against intestinal worms
- helps with metabolic syndrome
- destroys Candida fungus
Peach Mango Green Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients | Always use organic ingredients when available.
1 cup vanilla almond milk
1/2 banana – frozen
1/2 avocado
1 cup chopped frozen mango (or fresh)
1/2 cup frozen peach slices
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 cup of ice
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender & blend until smooth. Add more liquid or ice as needed to reach the desired texture.
And More
The importance of eating a healthy diet cannot be overstated. Organic fruits and vegetables should make up the majority of the foods that you consume every single day. These nutrient-dense foods contain almost everything your body needs to support its repair and healing mechanism. So if you are fighting a health concern right now or just don’t feel on top of your game healthwise, a diet over-haul may prove to be very beneficial. Remember that this will not happen overnight. The body doesn’t become unhealthy overnight, and neither does it become healthy overnight. Do your best to eat healthy at every meal, and soon you will begin to notice positive changes in your health. I’ve seen it happen repeatedly, and no matter what your health issues, you can experience good health again!
References
1) Texas A&M AgriLife Communications (2012, June 18). Peaches, plums, nectarines give obesity, diabetes slim chance. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 14, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2012/06/120618132921.htm
2) Texas A&M AgriLife Communications (2010, June 2). Peaches, plums induce deliciously promising death of breast cancer cells. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 14, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2010/06/100602111145.htm
3) Belhadj F, Somrani I, Aissaoui N, Messaoud C, Boussaid M, Marzouki MN. Bioactive compounds contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities during ripening of Prunus persica L. varieties from the North West of Tunisia. Food Chem. 2016 Aug 1;204:29-36. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.02.111. Epub 2016 Feb 16.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace your doctor’s advice. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.
