Calorie content and nutritional value of peaches, fruit consumption norms for weight loss
Peaches are a favorite fragrant fruit of many, however, in recent decades, healthy eating trends have become more and more fashionable, and what is tasty is not always healthy in it. Even supposedly healthy food can cause harm if consumed incorrectly. It is believed that there are no products in the world that would be allowed for consumption by absolutely all categories, and peaches are no exception. That is why it is worth carefully figuring out how to properly include such a fruit in your own diet.
Chemical composition
The presentation of the chemical composition of most foodstuffs begins with such an indicator as BJU, that is, the balance of the main components present in any food. Most of all in this fruit of sugar, that is, carbohydrates - 9.5 grams, and proteins and fats are presented rather formally - they are 0.9 and 0.1 grams, respectively. Do not be surprised at such figures - this fruit is just very juicy, and therefore the main weight of the mass is provided by water: 86.1 grams of water is 100 grams of peaches. Separately, it is worth mentioning dietary fiber, of which there are 2.1 grams.
If we talk about vitamins and minerals that peach is rich in, then, as in any fruit, they are presented in large quantities, but unevenly. Each fruit is valued for its own special set of such substances, but we will highlight only those components that are really a lot in the composition of peaches.
- Vitamin C. There is so much of this substance here that only 100 grams of this fruit covers about 10-12% of the daily needs of the human body. Thanks to the active popularization of preparations based on vitamin C in Soviet times, everyone knows about its functions - this component has a huge stimulating effect on the immune system, thanks to which the body is much more successful in resisting various diseases. In summer, we get sick much less often, not so much because of favorable weather conditions, but because of the abundance of vitamin C in peaches and other fresh fruits.
- Beta-carotene as a source of vitamin A and vitamin A itself. Interestingly, not only the vitamin is abundant in peach, but also raw materials, from which even more of it can be obtained biochemically in the human body. Both of these components in 100 grams of fruit satisfy the daily requirement by about 10%. The substance in question plays an important role in various body systems, and it is especially customary to highlight the importance of vitamin A for vision - in its absence, the latter begins to decline. In various chemical varieties, the same vitamin is responsible for the growth and development of all organs, takes part in the formation of cell membranes and has an antioxidant effect, preventing aging.
With a lack of such a component in the diet, in addition to a decrease in vision, weakening of the immune system and slow growth are also likely (especially true in the case of children).
- Vitamin E. This component is relatively small - 7% of the daily norm per 100 grams of product, but its deficiency is critical for a person. The main functions of the substance include an antioxidant effect on the body and counteracting the formation of blood clots, but with a catastrophic lack of vitamin E, severe consequences are possible in the form of degeneration of nerve cells, weakness of bones and smooth muscles, atrophy of the reproductive system and an increased likelihood of a number of diseases, such as cancer.
- Silicon. This is what the peach is most valuable for - only 300 grams of this fruit will completely cover the daily need for this mineral.
Only 1 gram of it is constantly present in the human body, but its importance cannot be overestimated, since it is needed for the elasticity of blood vessels and promotes the absorption of a number of other microelements.
- Chromium. Peach is also rich in this substance - from 100 grams of the product a person can get 25-30% of the required amount. There are many potential uses for this mineral, but it is especially appreciated for its critical role in the process of stabilizing blood sugar levels. It is not a fact that you need (and can) get it from peaches, but an acute need for it is typical for all people who have problems with metabolism. Experts also argue that, if necessary, chromium can replace the missing iodine for the body.
- Potassium. It has been proven that this component in the human body works ideally only in combination with sodium and magnesium, which the peach is not so rich in, but potassium in it is approximately 13-15% of the daily norm per 100 grams of weight.The most well-known benefits of this macronutrient for maintaining the normal functioning of the heart muscle, but in fact, its functions are much wider - in particular, it is needed for the normal functioning of the liver and kidneys, as well as the nervous system.
The list of useful components of the peach does not end there, it simply cannot be called the main source of other vitamins and minerals in the daily menu of a person.
Glycemic index
For patients with diabetes, only fruits act as a possible dessert, and even then not all - you have to constantly monitor that there are no sharp jumps in blood sugar levels. Most patients would most likely think that the sweet peach is contraindicated for them, however, the situation is just the opposite - the fruit has a low glycemic index (30) and is even recommended for diabetics.
This is explained quite simply. Firstly, the peach does not contain the so-called fast carbohydrates, because its absorption by the body is extended in time and does not provoke a sharp jump in blood glucose. Secondly, there is a significant amount of chromium present here to help regulate blood sugar levels instead of missing or "not working" insulin.
That's why most nutritionists not only do not prohibit peach in diabetes, but even recommend it - in particular, for the sake of obtaining the same chromium. Despite the fact that this fruit is one of the ten most useful fruits for diabetics, it is still not worth abusing it, because there is quite a lot of sugar, although it is digested slowly.
For a diabetic person, the daily allowance is only one piece of fruit per day.
Nutritional and energy value
Following proper nutrition is impossible without understanding the calorie content of all foods included in the diet, and maintaining the balance of BJU is also extremely important. About BJU 100 grams of a fresh product has already been mentioned above, it remains to be added that the same weight accounts for about 45 kcal - that is, peaches, as befits fruits, are not very high-calorie. At the same time, it is more convenient for many consumers to focus not so much on weight as on the number of pieces.
The calorie content of one peach is highly dependent on the weight of the fruit, because it can radically differ in size. There are average figures, according to which each fruit contains approximately 7.9 grams of carbohydrates, 0.73 grams of protein and 0.1 grams of fat, as for calories, then 1 pc. energy by about 37 kcal. In practice, these figures may turn out to be far from reality, so be careful.
Naturally, in the process of preparation, the figures given may also change. So, canned peaches, such as candied fruits, may contain much less water, but be flavored with additional sugar. The exact figures, of course, depend on the specific recipe, however, average figures circulate on the Internet, according to which 0.27 grams of protein, 0.12 grams of fat and 14.6 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams of such a product. Calorie content is also slightly increased - up to 67.7 kcal.
Dried peach is even more high-calorie - there is very little water in it, and without it, the proportions look completely different. Such a product cannot be called dietary, because each 100 grams contains almost 58 grams of carbohydrates (as well as 3 grams of protein and 0.4 grams of fat), so such a dessert is definitely contraindicated for diabetics.Calorie content also shows high rates and is 253 kcal, because the delicacy turns out to be dangerous for the figure.
If the season of fresh peaches is over long ago, and you want to feel a bright fruity taste in a product that has not undergone heat treatment, but so that the figure does not suffer much, you can try dried fruit. You will still have to look for such a variant of delicacy, besides, it is noticeably “heavier” than fresh, however, compared to dried, it can even be called dietary. It contains about half as many BJU components as dried, namely 1.5 grams of protein, 0.3 grams of fat and 31 grams of carbohydrates. The same proportion applies to calories - an average of 142 kcal per 100 grams.
Benefit and harm
Peach has a versatile effect on health - it can bring both benefits and harm, and this applies equally to all the above options for its use. Perhaps it’s worth starting with a good one - it’s not for nothing that this fruit is considered very useful.
- Fiber and pectin - popular components for many types of plant foods. Their special value lies in the fact that they not only contribute to the proper digestion of food and the balance of microorganisms in the stomach and intestines, but also have some healing properties. That is why nutritionists advise not to limit your diet exclusively to food of animal origin, and peaches are no exception.
- This fruit is literally overflowing with various components aimed at removing from the body all that is superfluous that can be. So, the same fiber helps to remove toxins from the gastrointestinal tract, and various vitamins present in the chemical composition of the fetus contribute to the elimination of antioxidants.A well-cleansed body feels much better, and a properly nourished person literally looks younger before our eyes.
- Fruit pulp is considered an indispensable ingredient for many cosmetic creams and masks., and an essential oil is made from the stone, characterized by use in a similar field. All this indicates that peach contains abundant substances that have a positive effect on skin health, but you can get them without cosmetics, just by eating fruits. Of course, in order to achieve a similar result in this way, fruits must become an integral part of the diet.
- Like many other plant foods, peach is quickly digested and excreted from the bodytherefore, such food will never cause constipation. If a person has constipation with an unenviable frequency, he should increase the amount of plant foods in his own menu. And although not all vegetables and fruits are suitable for the role of a laxative, the peach will cope with this task very gently.
- Also, this fruit is simply very rich in various vitamins and minerals, so necessary for various body systems for full functioning. It is not surprising that the peach is able to quickly restore the lack of various vital components, because it is often "prescribed" for vitamin deficiency or for the speedy recovery of the body after an illness or operation.
However, one should not think that such a fruit is useful for all people without exception. Absolutely harmless food does not exist in nature, therefore there will always be those for whom the use of peach is undesirable or even contraindicated.
- Peach is not the sweetest fruit, and therefore it is even allowed for diabetics, however, you should not think that there is no sugar here at all or it is harmless. With limited use, there really will be no harm, but the abuse of these fruits and a sedentary lifestyle can theoretically even lead to weight gain. The same diabetics, despite the benefits, are advised to eat no more than one fresh fruit per day, and it is strictly forbidden to use canned, dried and dried fruits.
- Scientists have noticed that the components present in peach are able to give a pronounced stimulating effect. In most cases, this is only a plus, since the fruit helps to cheer up and solve various problems with redoubled energy, but because of this property, these fruits are contraindicated for people with various mental disorders. It is believed that in this situation the final effect may be unpredictable.
- Allergy to peaches is not so common, but it is not a huge rarity. Its peculiarity is that it, having never been diagnosed before, can manifest itself at certain points - for example, after pregnancy, at the stage of breastfeeding.
- Since peaches have a certain laxative effect, in case of chronic diarrhea, they, like many other fruits and vegetables, are advised to be excluded from the diet. Although this fruit cannot be called literally a laxative, in the conditions of an already disturbed stool, it can significantly aggravate the situation.
- Peach is a fruit with a characteristic sourness, from which we can already conclude that it contains acid. Such a component will certainly increase the overall acidity of the stomach, and in fact, in conditions where this indicator is already elevated, this can result in an attack of acute pain.It is highly undesirable to increase the level of stomach acidity also for those patients who have it as a whole is normal, but gastritis or peptic ulcer is observed.
Use for weight loss
Peaches or freshly squeezed juice from these fruits can be used as part of various diets for weight loss - this is facilitated by a noticeable cleansing effect of the components of the fruit. An organism devoid of toxins and toxins, with a well-functioning metabolism, is somewhat prone to self-regulation, therefore it is not even necessary to eat this fruit every day - it is usually enough to clean yourself, and in the future just try not to repeat previous mistakes in nutrition planning.
The proposed program, in a sense, does not even resemble a diet, but simply fasting days, since it usually lasts only 2-3 days.
The calorie content of the daily diet in the presented program will be very small - at the level of only 1100-1200 kcal, however, the compilers note that for weight loss, even during unloading, it is undesirable to give up minimal exercises. The menu can be quite poor for certain vitamins or minerals, so this deficiency should be compensated for by tablet analogues.
The fundamental point is the observance of drinking volumes in the amount of one and a half liters per day - otherwise it will simply be impossible for toxins to leave the body.
In the proposed menu, the number of peaches is indicated in accordance with the average weight of this fruit, pitted, which is estimated at 85 grams. Nutritionists, by the way, recommend choosing fruits of moderate maturity, which would have a rather dense structure, but overly ripe, literally flowing fruits should not be chosen. So, the diet for a fasting day will look something like this.
- For breakfast - any cereal from cereals in the amount of three tablespoons, diluted with ¾ cup of homemade yogurt or kefir. You can’t add sweeteners to such a breakfast, but you need to add a medium-sized crushed peach instead.
- Lunch consists practically of one peaches, but now already two. You can supplement the snack with bran (a tablespoon), and drink it with plain water.
- Dinner even during the diet remains the main meal, it is supposed to eat more than ever before. The authors of the unloading propose to arrange it in the form of a mixture of dairy products and fruits. First you need to mix half a glass of yogurt or kefir with 150 grams of light cheese with a fat content of not more than 4%. The fruit component is prepared separately - different fruits, among which one kiwi, tangerine, apple and, of course, peach, are cut into pieces of any size and shape. All this is mixed, but again without the use of any extraneous sweeteners.
- At noon, as for lunch, it is proposed to eat two peaches, but you can drink something more interesting than water - for example, kefir with spices (half a teaspoon of cinnamon and half as much ginger).
- Finishes the fasting day pretty humble dinner - in half a glass of light (no more than 2% fat) cottage cheese, add a tablespoon of bran, and crumble a peach there.
In total, you need to eat seven peaches per day, so be careful: if you have contraindications or reasons why the abuse of this fruit is undesirable, it is better to look for an alternative method for losing weight.
For more information about peaches, see the next issue of the program "Live great!".