Are peaches considered “heaty” or “cooling”?
May 25, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Peaches have a sweet and sour taste and are warm in nature. They enter the Lung and Large Intestine meridians, promoting salivation, moistening the intestines, invigorating blood circulation, and aiding digestion. Peaches are neither “hot” nor “cool” in nature; rather, they are classified as warm. However, peaches should not be consumed indiscriminately. Their sugar content is very high—approximately 7 grams of sugar per 100 grams of peach. Unrestricted or excessive consumption by individuals with diabetes may cause rapid increases in both blood glucose and urinary glucose levels, thereby worsening their condition.
In daily life, many people enjoy eating peaches. It is commonly believed that peaches should be avoided during colds or coughs. So, are peaches considered “heat-inducing” (warm/hot-natured) or “cooling” (cold/cool-natured) in traditional Chinese medicine?
Are Peaches Heat-Inducing or Cooling?
Peaches have a sweet and slightly sour taste and are warm in nature. They primarily affect the Lung and Large Intestine meridians, promoting fluid production, moistening the intestines, invigorating blood circulation, and resolving blood stasis. Peaches are neither strongly heat-inducing nor cooling—they are classified as warm-natured. The peach tree is a deciduous small tree, and its fruit—the peach—is juicy and edible fresh, canned, or even preserved. Its kernel is also edible.
The flesh of the peach is typically white-yellow. There are numerous peach varieties: most have fuzzy skin, while “nectarines” have smooth skin; “flat peaches” (or “pan tao”) are flattened and disc-shaped; and “bitter peaches” (or “bi tao”) refer to ornamental flowering peach trees. However, peaches should not be consumed indiscriminately. They contain high sugar levels—approximately 7 grams of sugar per 100 grams of fruit. Uncontrolled overconsumption by individuals with diabetes may cause rapid spikes in blood glucose and urinary glucose levels, worsening their condition. Peaches also contain substantial amounts of large-molecular compounds, which can burden the gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing stomach pain or diarrhea. Therefore, individuals with weak digestive function should avoid them. Excessive consumption of peaches may also lead to “internal heat” (a TCM concept referring to excessive internal body heat), manifesting as symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, and sore throat—thus, moderation is advised.
Individuals with pronounced internal heat should exercise caution when consuming peaches, as they may further exacerbate heat-related symptoms. We hope this article has been helpful to you!
