Peach Palm, which is scientifically known as Bactris gasipaes, is actually a palm tree that bears a fruit that is considered a drupe that contains a single seed.
The fruits are smaller in size than peaches and plums, and they range in color from yellow to red, depending on the variety of the peach palm. These palm trees are native to South and Central America, and are not a widely exported crop, although they can often be found in exotic import markets, according to organicfacts.net.
The fruit is considered so valuable because it provides a storehouse of energy, which can replace common culinary staples that provide carbohydrates, like potatoes. In fact, the consistency and texture of cooked peach palm is similar to a sweet potato. Peach palm is usually not eaten raw, as it has a rather strong, acidic taste, but when cooked, it can be dried into meal or flour to be used at a later time, according to organicfacts.net.
Besides being a delicious addition to a fruit basket,peach palms are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds that make it an ideal component of a healthy diet. Peach palms contain significant levels of fiber, carbohydrates, vitamin C, E, A, B, and K, as well as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and zinc.
100 grams of peach palm contains following nutrients:
|
Calories |
164 |
Sodium |
0 mg |
|
Total Fat |
4 g |
Potassium |
0 mg |
|
Saturated |
0 g |
Total Carbs |
34 g |
|
Polyunsaturated |
0 g |
Dietary Fiber |
3 g |
|
Monounsaturated |
0 g |
Sugars |
0 g |
|
Trans |
0 g |
Protein |
3 g |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
|
|
|
Vitamin A |
1,500% |
Calcium |
28% |
|
Vitamin C |
34% |
Iron |
3% |
Health Benefits of Peach Palm
Skin Protection
When it comes to keeping our body's largest organ protected, vitamin C, vitamin A, and a healthy fluid balance in the body can be very effective. Peach palm possesses both of those antioxidant vitamins that can stimulate the regrowth of new skin cells and protect the ones that are there, while the potassium levels in peach palm ensure a proper water balance in the body and facilitate the exchange of fluid to cells to keep them functioning at an optimal level.
Growth and Development
Peach palm is especially recommended for children, as it is ideal for spurring proper growth and development. Aside from its balanced composition of vitamins and minerals, peach palm also has proteins and other organic compounds that are essential for growth. Furthermore, for pregnant mothers, the folic acid levels in peach palm make it great for protecting against neural tube defects.
Immune System
As already mentioned, the immune system is benefited due to vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidants, as well as certain key minerals like magnesium and calcium, which can stimulate the white blood cells to act more efficiently, and can.also eliminate the chronic damaging effects of free radicals.
Vision Health
One of the most important vitamins found in peach palm is vitamin A, as well as other carotenoids that help protect the body. Carotenes are essential for vision health, as they act as antioxidants to reduce or eliminate cataracts, while also preventing macular degeneration in the ocular cells
Digestive Health
As with most fruits and vegetables, peach palm is a very good source of dietary fiber, which impacts our body in a number of ways. When it comes to digestion, fiber facilitates the smooth digestion of food and eliminates constipation. It can reduce excess gas and bloating as well, while also helping to prevent more serious gastrointestinal conditions, like gastric ulcers and colon cancer.
