Peaches and Health
Peaches contain a goodly amount of potassium and also contain vitamins C and A. They have diuretic and laxative properties, aid in the stimulation of digestive juices, and add color to the complexion. Peach leaf tea destroys worms. As with most foods, prolonged cooking will leach vital nutrients from peaches.Dried peaches have a higher concentration of nutritives, but be aware that most commercially-dried peaches are treated with sulfur dioxide to enhance color and prolong storage life. Be sure to read the label if you are allergic to sulphur.
Like its cousin the almond, peach pits contain a toxic substance known as hydrocyanic acid or cyanide which should be avoided. Ingestion of large quantities of the pits can be fatal.
More about Peaches:
• Peach Selection and Storage
• Peach Cooking Tips
• Peach Varieties
• Peach Equivalents and Substitutions
• Peaches and Health
• Peach History
• Peach Legend and Lore
• Peach Recipes
Peaches Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge, licensed to About.com, Inc.
