Peach juice has been a beloved health drink for thousands of years and remained popular because of its rich supply of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, in addition to its sweet and refreshing taste.
What is Peach Juice?
Peach juice is derived from peaches, the fruit of the Prunus persica tree. Native to northern China, this fruit has been cultivated there for as many as 8,000 years and is an important cultural, culinary and medicinal fruit. Slightly smaller than an apple, peaches have a light fuzz on their outer skin and a stone (pit) in their center. The flesh is soft and juicy and is typically orange or yellow when ripe. Peach juice is a slightly less common fruit juice in many markets and grocery stores, but it is very simple to make at home and presents very few side effects to the majority of people who drink it.
Peach juice is a hearty and nourishing drink that contains significant levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, various B-family vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and sulfur, among others. It also boasts a number of antioxidant compounds, such as lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene, which further improve your overall health. When you juice or blend peaches, you do lose a significant amount of the dietary fiber offered by the fruit but the other nutrients more than makeup for this and deliver quite a few impressive benefits. [1]
The sweetness of peaches in a glass of juice. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Serving Size : Nutrient Value Water [g] 87.49 Energy 44 Energy [kJ] 184 Protein [g] 0.63 Total lipid (fat) [g] 0.03 Ash [g] 0.27 Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 11.57 Fiber, total dietary [g] 1.3 Sugars, total including NLEA [g] 10.27 Calcium, Ca [mg] 6 Iron, Fe [mg] 0.27 Magnesium, Mg [mg] 7 Phosphorus, P [mg] 17 Potassium, K [mg] 128 Sodium, Na [mg] 4 Zinc, Zn [mg] 0.11 Copper, Cu [mg] 0.05 Manganese, Mn [mg] 0.05 Selenium, Se [µg] 0.3 Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] 3.6 Thiamin [mg] 0.01 Riboflavin [mg] 0.02 Niacin [mg] 0.58 Pantothenic acid [mg] 0.05 Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.02 Folate, total [µg] 3 Folate, food [µg] 3 Folate, DFE [µg] 3 Choline, total [mg] 4.1 Vitamin A, RAE [µg] 19 Carotene, beta [µg] 189 Carotene, alpha [µg] 1 Cryptoxanthin, beta [µg] 78 Vitamin A, IU [IU] 381 Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg] 61 Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] 0.49 Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] 1.7 Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 0 16:0 [g] 0 Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] 0.01 18:1 [g] 0.01 Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] 0.02 18:2 [g] 0.02 Tryptophan [g] 0 Threonine [g] 0.03 Isoleucine [g] 0.02 Leucine [g] 0.04 Lysine [g] 0.02 Methionine [g] 0.02 Cystine [g] 0.01 Phenylalanine [g] 0.02 Tyrosine [g] 0.02 Valine [g] 0.03 Arginine [g] 0.02 Histidine [g] 0.01 Alanine [g] 0.04 Aspartic acid [g] 0.11 Glutamic acid [g] 0.1 Glycine [g] 0.02 Proline [g] 0.03 Serine [g] 0.03 Sources include : USDA [2]
Benefits of Peach Juice
In terms of the health benefits of peach juice, it is able to support the kidneys, protect the cardiovascular system, stimulate the immune system, aid in weight loss, optimize digestive health, detoxify the body, boost vision, shield the skin from aging, strengthen the respiratory system, eliminate inflammation and help you sleep soundly at night.
Anticancer Potential
Studies suggest that white-fleshed peach has the ability to increase the metabolism of toxins which are present in the body as a result of smoking. This helps in eliminating them as early as possible and protecting the healthy tissue from the harmful effects of nicotine, which can result in lung cancer. [3]
Researchers from Texas A&M University have found that polyphenols in peach help in inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells. [4]
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Between the iron and potassium content found in peach juice, in addition to vitamin C, this juice is ideal for protecting the heart. Iron increases circulation and ensures proper oxygenation and blood flow, while potassium functions as a vasodilator to ease tension in the blood vessels and reduce strain on the heart. Vitamin C helps speed the healing process of damaged arteries and tissues, reducing the overall risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. [5]
Prevents Aging
The anti-aging properties of vitamin E and other antioxidants are well known, as they can help eliminate free radicals from the surface of the skin, decreasing the appearance of wrinkles and other age spots. This juice can also soothe inflammatory conditions and improve the tone and glow of the skin. [6]
Weight Loss
As one of the lowest-calorie fruit juices, there are only 60 calories in a single cup of peach juice, which can make a great weight-loss diet. You will get a necessary burst of nutrients, without taking up too many calories for the day. [7]
Improves Respiratory Health
When it comes to respiratory infections and inflammation, the peach juice is legendary as a soothing substance that can cut through mucus and phlegm, helping to eliminate the underlying infection and clearing out the respiratory tracts. [8]
Relieves Inflammatory Conditions
Whether you are suffering from arthritis, gout, migraines or an upset stomach, the numerous minerals and antioxidants in the peach juice will help soothe those tissues and even prevent histamine releases in the case of allergic reactions. [9]
Detoxifies the Body
For generations, peach juice has been used for the diuretic and laxative properties it has, which can help to speed the expulsion of toxins, fats, and salts from the body, while also relieving strain from the kidney and liver. [10]
Boosts Immunity
Providing a high level of vitamin C and vitamin A, along with lutein, lycopene and other antioxidants, this juice will work as an excellent line of defense against any foreign pathogens attempting to infect the body. [11]
Improves Vision
Beta-carotene is found in high levels in peace juice and can help to reduce oxidative stress in your retina, thus preventing macular degeneration and slowing the onset of cataracts as you age. [12]
Regulates Sleep Disorders
Peach juice does have mild sedative qualities, making it a popular juice to have right before bed. Certain minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants are able to balance hormone levels and induce the release of “feel-good” hormones that can lull you into peaceful, uninterrupted slumber. [13]
How to Make Peach Juice?
If you don’t want to hunt around numerous stores for peach juice, it is quite simple to make at home.
Fresh Peach Juice Recipe
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the peaches and then cut them in half. Remove the stone and the flesh immediately surrounding it.
- Scoop out the tender meat of the peach from the skin.
- Add the peaches, water, sugar, and ice to a blender.
- Blend thoroughly for 1-2 minutes, until the consistency of the juice is even and smooth.
- If the juice is still too thick, add more water and re-blend.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve or cheesecloth into another container.
- Press or squeeze the remaining fibrous material (pulp) to get as much juice out as possible.
- Serve your juice chilled and enjoy!
Uses for Peach Juice
Having a glass of peach juice is an excellent way to start your day, but it can also be used in other culinary applications. You can always use your peach juice as a base for fruit salads or freeze the juice in popsicle containers for a warm summer day. Peace juice is also a popular addition to many cocktails, such as sangria or specialty mojitos. Peace juice can even be added to certain savory dishes for glazes or marinades.
Therapeutically speaking, the peach juice is often used as a topical agent for skin irritation or wound healing, thanks to its high levels of antioxidants and vitamins. Some people also mix peach juice into their organic hair treatments, as it can help to boost the luster and smoothness of your hair, particularly if you have split ends or dandruff.
Side Effects of Peach Juice
Drinking peach juice is an excellent way to protect your health but if you drink too much, you may suffer some side effects, such as allergic reactions, stomach upset, fatigue and diarrhea. These side effects mostly occur when people drink an excessive amount of peach juice, although normal allergies and sensitivities to this fruit do exist.
- Allergies: There are a number of people who are allergic to peaches, in which case this fruit juice should be avoided, but allergic sensitivities exist in milder forms, and some people will experience swelling in their lips, tongue or throat, redness or itching, or shortness of breath when they drink too much peach juice. [14]
- Stomach Issues: An excessive amount of peach juice will inevitably cause stomach upset, namely cramping and gas, but that will often be accompanied by diarrhea or painful bowel movements. This is limited primarily to people drinking far more of this juice than recommended.
- Fatigue: There are some reports that peach juice can lead to fatigue or exhaustion when consumed in large amounts. This juice is known to be a sedative and sleep aid, so consider that before downing 2 glasses first thing in the morning.
