One Major Side Effect of Eating Peaches, Say Science
Let's make sure we're very clear about one thing right off the bat: Peaches are an excellent source of several key nutrients. Boasting various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the fuzzy fruit can be enjoyed by itself as a snack, sliced and put on top of a salad, or incorporated into a dessert.
However, there's one pitfall (get it?) to peaches that may affect some groups of people more so than others. Since peaches are so sweet, they're a bit higher in fructose (sugar) than some other fruits, which also means they're considered a high-FODMAP food. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides, and Polyols—aka the scientific names for carbs that could cause gastrointestinal distress.
This is more of a concern for people who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), especially those who are just learning they have it and are trying to figure out which foods trigger symptoms. When someone first learns they have the functional gut disorder, a physician may suggest they follow a low-FODMAP diet for a few weeks. Essentially, this diet calls for the elimination of all foods that are considered high in FODMAPS, including garlic, onion, wheat, apples, cherries, and ice cream, just to name a few.
However, this diet can be very restrictive and can also cause you to miss out on some high-fiber, prebiotic-rich foods. That's why it's extremely important for you to slowly begin to reintroduce healthy high-FODMAP foods back into your diet. This way, you'll be able to pinpoint which foods are actually triggering symptoms. For some people, it may just be a few foods that are causing bloating, diarrhea, gas, or constipation.
Another group of people that should steer clear of peaches are those who have an allergy to stone fruits. Fruits that have a hard seed or pit such as peaches, apricots, plums, and nectarines are considered stone fruits. If you eat a peach and feel itchy or swollen on your face, lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, it's possible you have a mild allergy. More severe symptoms include coughing, skin rash, and vomiting, for example.
Bottom line: Peaches can be enjoyed safely by most individuals. However, if you suspect you have IBS or get an itchy throat after consuming stone fruits like dark cherries and mangoes, it may be best to pick another fruit to munch on this summer.
For more, be sure to check out 8 Low-Carb Fruits For Weight Loss.
