August's Superfood: The Peach

Did you know that August is National Peach Month? This month we celebrate summer peaches.  These are my son’s favorite fruit . . . I can’t keep a ripe peach in the house! Not only are they naturally sweet and delicious, but they also pack some major health benefits!  Learn about the top five health benefits of this popular stone fruit.

1. Promote Eye Health

Beta carotene is responsible for eye health, and peaches are a rich source of beta carotene that improves vision health by increasing circulation of blood in all body parts!

2. Get Amazing Skin

One of the major health benefits of peaches is their high vitamin C content, which is widely used for skin care. You can get plenty of healthy skin-promoting vitamin c from eating a large peach, or applying them directly to you skin on dark circles and wrinkles.

3. Enjoy Nutrient Dense Snacks

One large peach contains around 70 calories and will satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth. Peaches are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. They are packed with vitamins A, C, E, and K and include seven healthy minerals (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, Manganese, and Phosphorus)!

4. Improve Bowel Health

Peaches are rich in fiber, which helps to aid our digestion and prevent constipation.  Other stone fruits like nectarines and plums offer the same benefits.

5. Prevent Cancer and Heart Disease

Peaches are rich in lycopene and lutein, which studies have found to help to prevent macular degeneration and cancer and significantly decrease the risk of heart disease.

What is your favorite way to eat a peach?  Do you just bite right into the fresh fruit or do you have a favorite recipe?  I would love to hear your ideas in the comments below!  Here is my quick and easy recipe for baked peaches, a healthy end of summertime dessert.

Baked Peaches

Ingredients

• 4 organic peaches, sliced in half and pit removed
• 1/4 cup honey or agave nectar
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds (optional)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place the peaches in the baking pan, sliced side up. Drizzle with remaining ingredients. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until peaches are tender.  Enjoy!

Enjoy. Be Well, Be NutritionWise.

~ Nicole Meadow, MPN, RD, CSP, CLC

This post is solely for informational purposes. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for medical advice. Before undertaking any course of treatment or dietary changes, you should seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider.