Peaches, known for their warm, summery flavor, offer a plethora of benefits, especially when used to flavor tea. Made with the leaves or fruit of a peach tree called Prunus Persica, this tea is usually prepared for its various health benefits. Peach tea is a flavored tea infused with the essence of peach, offering a delightful combination of black, green, or herbal tea with the natural sweetness and aroma of ripe peaches.
Historical and Nutritional Overview of Peaches
One of the most popular fruits in the world, peaches are known both for their culinary as well as medicinal properties. The ancient Chinese civilizations recognized the various potential benefits of peaches, including their potency in treating various chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and nervous system disorders.
According to Chinese literature, the origin and cultivation of peaches date back to 1000 B.C. in China. About 3000 years ago, peaches were transferred from China to all regions with temperate and subtropical climates on the Asian continent; they were spread to Persia (the ancient name of Iran) through the Silk Road and from there throughout Europe; and from Europe, they were taken to the Americas by Spanish and Portuguese explorers. The species name (persica) of this fruit tree is derived from the word "Persia", which also indicates its path of trade in ancient times. About 1400 BC, the Egyptians used peaches in offerings to the "God of Tranquillity". The plant was cultivated in Greece by 332 B.C., according to Plinius, and Virgil (70-19 B.C.) mentioned it in Roman literature. Although peaches originate from China, in the past, the Romans called them Persian apples. That name translates as "pêche" in French, which eventually resulted in the current English name for the peach.
Peaches, as an important fruit crop, are now cultivated more widely in temperate regions worldwide, with the Asia continent accounting for about half of that production. As the largest producer of peach fruits in the world, China currently has approximately more than 1000 peach cultivars, followed by Italy, Spain, and the United States of America (USA). Peaches are crucial in terms of nutrition and economy, and they are an essential part of the human diet. They are among the most consumed fruits in the world due to their amazing flavor and taste. They have a comparatively short storage life, and peaches can be used as fresh, dry, or frozen fruit. Also, they are processed to produce canned fruit, jellies, jams, juice, pulp for yogurts, and liquors.
Peaches are rich in many vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. One medium-sized peach (5.6 ounces or 161 grams) provides approximately:
Read also: Nutritional Info: Diet Peach Tea Snapple
- Calories: 74 kcal
- Protein: 1.46 grams
- Fat: 0.435 grams
- Carbs: 16.3 grams
- Fiber: 2.42 grams
- Vitamin C: 6.6 mg (7.3% of the Daily Value)
- Vitamin A: 38.6 µg (4.3% of the Daily Value)
- Potassium: 196 mg (4.2% of the DV)
- Niacin: 1.3 mg (8.1% of the DV)
- Copper: 0.126 mg (14% of the DV)
Peaches also offer smaller amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and some B vitamins. In addition, they’re packed with antioxidants. These beneficial plant compounds combat oxidative damage and help protect your body against aging and disease. The fresher and riper the fruit, the more antioxidants it contains. However, fresh peaches have higher levels of antioxidants and appear to be more effective at protecting against oxidative damage than canned ones.
Benefits of Peach Tea
Overall, peach tea is a great choice if you are looking for a refreshingly sweet drink packed with numerous health benefits. Peach tea contains antioxidant compounds, which can help protect the body against aging and diseases.
Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants protect your cells and help stop or limit the damage caused by free radicals. They also boost your immunity. Peaches are a great source of these rich antioxidants. They also contain chlorogenic acid, which is another type of antioxidant that has various health-promoting advantages. The antioxidants present in peach tea play a huge role in boosting your immune system. They can reduce strain in your body by seeking out dangerous compounds that threaten your overall health.
Peaches have bioactive compounds whose medicinal properties have been demonstrated. According to researchers, the intake of peaches may decrease the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human blood plasma and protect against a variety of chronic diseases. The results of a 2014 study demonstrated noticeable antioxidant activity in the aqueous extract of peach fruit. Also, in a 2016 study, it was found that the aqueous extract of peach peel has a strong antioxidant property.
Heart Health
Packed with vitamins and minerals, peach tea can help improve the integrity of your blood vessels and arteries. The potassium content present in peach tea metabolizes carbohydrates and stabilizes electrolyte levels, which lowers your blood pressure and helps in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Read also: Lipton Georgia Peach Tea Review
Regularly eating fruit, including peaches, may promote heart health. Peaches may lower risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. What’s more, test-tube studies show that peaches may bind to bile acids - compounds produced by your liver from cholesterol. The bound bile acids - together with the cholesterol they contain - are eventually excreted through your poop, which may help lower blood cholesterol levels. Additional test-tube and animal studies found that peaches may reduce total and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, as well as blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Research in obese rats further reported that peach juice may lower levels of the hormone angiotensin II, which raises blood pressure.
Flavonoids-natural compounds found in peaches-have been linked to reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Peach tea may aid in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels due to its potassium content. Potassium is essential for blood pressure regulation, and a cup of peach tea provides a moderate amount.
Bone and Teeth Strength
Peach tea contains an excellent amount of calcium and fluoride that helps keep your bones and teeth strong.
Energy and Metabolism Boost
Peach tea prepared without using black tea lacks caffeine, however, its consumption energizes your body and gives you a boost of metabolism. It also promotes fat burning and can help you lose weight.
Blood Sugar and Skin Protection
Studies have shown that peach leaf contains a list of compounds that play a role in helping lower your blood sugar and protect your skin from sun damage.
Read also: Delicious Keto Cobbler
Vision Support
Peach tea contains beta-carotene which is a precursor of Vitamin A, which might help protect the retina and provide good vision.
Digestive Health
Peach tea gets rid of toxins in the body with its fiber and potassium content which helps facilitate bowel movements and prevent digestive problems such as constipation, gastritis, colitis, and stomach ulcers.
Peaches may contribute to healthy digestion. One medium-sized fruit provides about 2.4 grams of fiber, about half of which is soluble fiber, while the other half is insoluble. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool and helps move food through your gut, reducing the likelihood of constipation. Soluble fiber provides food for beneficial bacteria in your intestines. In turn, these bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which feed the cells of your gut. Peach flowers are another part of the fruit that may benefit digestion. They’re commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat digestive disorders. A 2023 study found that the active ingredient in peach flowers may play a role in the treatment of constipation. In addition, animal research from 2015 shows that compounds found in the flowers may effectively increase the strength and frequency of gut contractions, which helps maintain the proper rhythm to push food along smoothly.
Peach-leaf tea is known for its calming properties and can help alleviate digestive issues such as nausea and stomach cramps. Peach tea contains dietary fiber, which aids in normalizing bowel movements and can help in preventing constipation. Additionally, certain compounds in peach tea, like antioxidants, have been recognized for their potential to reduce inflammation.
Weight Management
Yes, peach tea can aid in weight loss as it is low in calories and boosts metabolism when consumed without added sugars. Peach tea can be a supportive part of your weight management routine. Drinking peach tea can contribute to your daily fluid intake, helping you stay hydrated. When prepared without added sugar, peach tea is a low-calorie beverage. Additionally, the natural flavors of peach tea can make it an appealing alternative to water, which might encourage you to drink more fluids overall.
Skin Health
Peach tea is rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential vitamins well-known for their roles in skin health. When you regularly consume peach tea, you supply your skin with hydration, which is critical for maintaining a smooth and supple complexion. The antioxidants in peach tea can combat free radicals, which are unstable molecules that contribute to skin damage and aging. Test-tube studies indicate that compounds found in peaches may improve your skin’s ability to retain moisture, thus improving skin texture. What’s more, both test-tube and animal studies show that extracts made from peach flowers or flesh applied directly to the skin may help prevent UV damage.
Potential Anti-Cancer Properties
Like most fruits, peaches provide beneficial plant compounds that may offer some protection against various cancers. Specifically, peach skin and flesh are rich in carotenoids and caffeic acid - two types of antioxidants found to have anticancer properties. Test-tube studies have also shown that compounds in peach kernel extracts may limit the growth of colon cancer cells. Peaches are also full of polyphenols, a category of antioxidants shown to reduce the growth and limit the spreading of cancer cells in test-tube studies. According to a 2014 in vitro study, peach polyphenols may be able to kill cancerous cells without damaging healthy ones. In another 2014 study, postmenopausal women who consumed at least two peaches or nectarines each day had a 41% lower risk of breast cancer over 24 years.
Allergy Symptom Reduction
Peaches may reduce allergy symptoms. When the body is exposed to an allergen, it releases histamines, which your immune system makes to help rid the body of the allergen. Histamines are part of your body’s defense system and trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, or coughing. A 2013 study shows that extract from peach seeds may help reduce allergy symptoms by preventing the release of histamines in the blood. A 2022 study also found that peaches may have an anti-allergic effect.
Immunity Boost
Peaches are rich in immune-boosting nutrients and antioxidants. When you drink peach tea, you're not only enjoying a flavorful beverage but also giving your immune system a potential boost. In addition to vitamins, peach tea contains beneficial compounds such as antioxidants that help protect your cells against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can weaken your body's ability to combat infections. Your body’s immune response can be positively influenced by your hydration status.
Mental Clarity and Stress Reduction
Drinking peach tea may contribute to enhanced mental clarity due to its moderate caffeine content. The presence of caffeine can improve your focus and alertness. Peach tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid known for promoting relaxation without sedation. The tea's natural sweetness and aroma might have soothing properties, which can help reduce stress levels.
Peach Blossom and Obesity
Prunus persica (L.) Batsch is a deciduous fruit tree cultivated worldwide. The flower of P. persica (PPF), commonly called the peach blossom, is currently consumed as a tea for weight loss in East Asia; however, its anti-obesity effects have yet to be demonstrated in vitro or in vivo. Since PPF is rich in phytochemicals with anti-obesity properties, researchers aimed to investigate the effects of PPF on obesity and its underlying mechanism using a diet-induced obesity model.
Male C57BL/6 mice were fed either normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD containing 0.2% or 0.6% PPF water extract for 8 weeks. PPF significantly reduced body weight, abdominal fat mass, serum glucose, alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, and liver and spleen weights compared to the HFD control group. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that PPF suppressed lipogenic gene expression, including stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 and -2 and fatty acid synthase, and up-regulated the fatty acid β-oxidation gene, carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1, in the liver.
This study is the first, to the researchers' knowledge, to demonstrate that PPF was effective at reducing adiposity in HFD-fed obese mice. PPF significantly suppressed HFD-induced body weight gain and abdominal fat accumulation without change in food consumption. White adipose tissue is the major site of lipid storage, and its main depots in rodents include epididymal, perirenal, and mesenteric pads, which were all reduced by PPF. It is well known that obesity is accompanied by abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism. Herein, the elevated glucose levels were markedly reduced to normal levels after PPF treatment.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Drinking peach tea in moderation can be beneficial, providing hydration and antioxidants. While most people can safely eat peaches in moderation as part of a healthy diet, excessive consumption of peaches can cause bloating. The peach is a sweet, juicy fruit known for its distinct color and taste. It's been a favorite summertime delight for centuries, originating in China. Throughout its existence, many men, women, and children have enjoyed eating it. Today, it remains a popular fruit. You can enjoy it as a solitary snack, in a smoothie, or as part of an elaborate dessert.
Allergies: Prior to drinking peach tea, identify any fruit allergies you may have, particularly stone fruits. If you’re allergic to fruits such as apples, apricots, plums, and cherries, you may also be allergic to peaches. Peach is among the more common fruit allergies and typically causes itching and swelling of the mouth or throat. People with birch pollen allergies have a greater risk of being allergic to peaches. This is due to the presence of a protein similar to one found in birch pollen. So, talk with your healthcare provider if you suspect a fruit allergy.
Caffeine Content: Peach tea may contain caffeine, depending on the base tea used.
Sugar Levels: Some peach teas, especially pre-made varieties, contain high sugar content.
Medication Interactions: Certain compounds in tea can interact with medication. Tea can also affect the absorption of iron supplements.
Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended that you consult your doctor about the safety of peaches during this time. If you are pregnant, limit consumption as the caffeine and herbal components present could affect fetal development.
Diabetes: Peaches are higher in carbohydrates, so if you are diabetic, just be aware of how much you are eating during the day.
Digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease: Peaches are a high-FODMAP fruit due to their fructose content. Peaches should be avoided if you are on a low-FODMAP diet to relieve digestive discomfort caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease.
Laxative Effect: The mild laxative effect, while beneficial for some, can be problematic for others if excessively consumed. Excessive intake may result in diarrhea or other digestive discomfort.