One of the most wonderful things about August is that it’s peach season! Ontario peaches are available almost everywhere and it is the best time to satisfy all your peach cravings.
Not only are peaches soft and juicy, and taste wonderful, they are versatile (they can be eaten cooked or fresh) and healthy. Peaches have health benefits as they aid in digestion, heart health, maintaining a strong immune system, and in improving allergy symptoms. More specifically, one large peach has about 68 calories, 2 grams of fibre, and 1.3 grams of protein. Peaches also have a moderate amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Potassium. Here is a look at how peaches can help with your health.
Heart:
All fruits are important for a healthy heart but some preliminary studies have shown that peach extract can help lower cholesterol and high blood pressure. The potassium peaches will also help control blood pressure.
Digestion:
Peaches contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre helps to stabilize blood sugar and keep cholesterol at healthy levels. Insoluble fibre helps with digestion and prevents constipation. Some research has shown that tea made with peach flowers may help improve digestion.
Inflammation:
Certain micronutrients and prebiotics found in peaches can help decrease inflammation. Inflammation causes many chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Immune System:
Both the fuzzy skin and the flesh contain antioxidants that can help your body fight cell damage and protect you against aging and illnesses. Scientists have found that postmenopausal women who ate at least two serving of peaches each week had lower rates of certain types of breast cancer.
Eyes:
The beta-carotene found in peaches can help with vision health. Your body turns beta-carotene into Vitamin A which is important for your eyes.
How to pick the best peaches?
Peaches should be sweet smelling. If they are firm and do not have much aroma, they will need to ripen at room temperature for a few days. Once ripe, keep them in the fridge or slice them and freeze them. Fresh peaches are higher in antioxidants than canned peaches and canned peaches are often peeled which means you lose many of the health benefits. Also, be wary of the sugar added to many canned fruit.
Peaches can be grilled, sautéed or baked. Here are some ideas:
- Pair peaches with berries and a bit of dark chocolate for a healthy dessert. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/recipe-sliced-peaches-berries-chocolate-chips/
- Chop peaches into a sweet-and-spicy salsa. https://thekitchengirl.com/peach-pico-de-gallo-tomato-salsa/
- Grill peaches to pair with pork chops or serve in a cinnamon-spiced dessert. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sweet-savory-pork-chops-grilled-peaches-recipe/ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/recipe-grilled-peaches-with-cinnamon-honey-yogurt-dip/
- Blend fresh or frozen peaches into a creamy smoothie. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/recipe-peach-vanilla-yogurt-smoothie/
- Add sliced peaches to salads, oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet treat.
- Or just keep it simple and enjoy a fresh, juicy peach on its own.
