Peach, peach - a plant of the family Subgenus of almond, pink. Very close to the almond tree, which differs only in fruits. The peach tree is a thermophilic tree, not very tall, which forms a wide crown, has lanceolate leaves with a serrated edge and almost sessile, which appear before the development of the leaves, pink flowers. Fruit, peach: when ripe, very juicy, spherical, with a groove on one side, usually velvety. Wrinkled stone with dotted dimples. Fruits ripen in July and August.
The peach of the homeland, as suggested, is northern China, and in Europe it was decided to breed in Italy. The plant is grown in a moderately warm or subtropical climate, the main peach plantations are concentrated in the Caucasus, Central Asia, on the southern coast of Crimea, in Moldova, in Ukraine, in southern Kazakhstan, in Armenia, in Georgia , etc.
Mature peach fruits contain: sugars (up to 15%), organic acids (quinic, malic, tartaric, citric, etc.), essential oils, minerals (potassium, calcium, iron, copper, etc.), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamins of group B, provitamin A, pectin substances. Peach fruits contain a large amount of carotene, especially the yellow varieties. Peach seeds contain up to 60% of fatty oil with a characteristic almond smell, essential oil (bitter almond), amygdalin glycoside, which is the carrier of the almond smell.
Peach fruits have diuretic and mild laxative effects. Organic acids and essential oils contained in the pulp of the fruit stimulate gastric secretion, help improve digestion and increase appetite. Due to the high content of minerals in peaches (iron, copper and others), it is used in the treatment of anemia and gastritis. Also in the pulp of the fruit contains potassium salts, which are shown in violation of heart rhythm and other heart diseases. For violations of heart rate, anemia, stomach diseases, with low acidity, with constipation, take 1/4 cup of peach juice 15-20 minutes before eating.
Peach fruits are rich in vitamins, so its use is recommended as a prophylactic against colds, infectious diseases, vitamin deficiencies; Vitamins have an adaptogenic effect, that is, they help the body adapt to the adverse effects of the environment. Fresh peach fruits contain a large amount of sugars (dried fruits contain up to 70-80% sugar), therefore, these fruits are contraindicated in diabetes and obesity. In addition to the fruits themselves, traditional medicine for rheumatism and gastrointestinal diseases also uses a decoction of peach leaves and flowers. Fresh peach flowers are a good diuretic, the seeds have anthelmintic properties of action.
The use of peaches is prohibited for obesity and diabetes due to the high content of carbohydrates and sugar in this product. In addition, peach allergy may occur, especially if they have a velvety surface with pollen. You should also know that peach bones are toxic. Excessive consumption of peaches can lead to dysbiosis and intestinal discomfort. In addition, it is not desirable to abuse peaches with high acidity, so as not to cause complications.
Do not eat fruit with a dry or withered bone, especially children, as they are likely to have been treated with chemicals for the longest possible storage period. Even peaches differ in excitatory action, so they are undesirable for people with an excitable nervous system.
