Peaches are a truly delightful summer fruit! Not only do they have one of the most unique flavor profiles on the planet, but they are juicy and absolutely delicious when eating cold or picked right off the tree. You’ll find that they’re also one of the best fruits you can eat, thanks to their high nutritional value. Here are some of the best health benefits of peaches you need to know about:
Rich in Fiber
A single peach will give you a little over 2 grams of fiber, which is just under 10% of the fiber you need in your daily diet. Not only is it rich in the soluble fiber that absorbs toxins and cholesterol from your intestines, but it also contains insoluble fiber that works like a scouring pad to cleanse your intestinal tract. You’ll find peaches are an amazing addition to your diet thanks to their high fiber content.
Low in Calories
That’s right: peaches are lower in calories than many other fruits. While they taste incredibly sweet, they contain just 59 calories in a single medium-sized peach. That’s around half the calories you get from a banana or apple, and you’ll find that peaches can be equally satiating. Peaches also contain a small amount of protein, along with a healthy dose of complex carbohydrates that will give you a nice energy boost after eating. Definitely one of the best snacks to have as a pick-me-up on the days you’re tired, or to start your morning off right.
Loaded with Vitamin C
Each peach you eat will give you around 10 to 15% of your daily dose of Vitamin C. Not only will this help to boost your immune system, but you’ll find that peaches will also play a role in keeping your skin healthy and supplied with collagen. The Vitamin C in peaches can do wonders to prevent free radical damage, making it an excellent addition to your diet.
Great for Your Eyes
Peaches also contain a lot of Vitamin A, the antioxidant that your body needs to protect the cells of your eyes from degenerating. One medium peach contains 24 micrograms of Vitamin A, but 243 micrograms of beta carotene. This carotenoid is used by your body to produce Vitamin A, and you’ll find that it’s a tasty way to get more of this critical eye health-promoting vitamin in your diet.
Heart-Smart
Peaches contain a small amount of potassium, the mineral that is needed to regulate your fluid levels and which plays a role in your blood pressure. The potassium in peaches will help to balance out sodium levels and prevent fluid retention, thereby lowering your risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You’ll find that they’re an absolutely delightful and delicious way to get more of the critical micronutrients your body needs.
Important Note: Don’t Overdo It
Peaches are rich in the nutrients listed above, but you’ll find that they’re also higher in sugar than many other fruits. That sugar is natural fruit sugar that is paired with fiber to make it slower-acting than processed sugar, but it’s still an addition to whatever other sugars you’re consuming in your day. It’s a good idea to limit the amount of extra carbs and sugar in your diet in order to lose weight, as that will help your body to burn more fat rather than relying heavily on blood sugar. That means that you should limit yourself to eating fewer servings of fruit—usually no more than two per day. Enjoy a peach every day or two, but make sure to consume other fruits as well to get the best possible range of antioxidants and micronutrients.