There’s a reason the old saying “feeling peachy” refers to being in a good mood. Summer may be coming to an end, but these fuzzy fruits are here to stay.
Vitamin C
Did you know that one peach provides us with more than 25% of our daily vitamin C requirements? Vitamin C plays an essential role in keeping our immune system up and running - helping to fend off nasty viruses and bacteria. It is also involved in the formation of collagen, an important protein needed to build healthy skin, muscles, blood vessels and bone. Vitamin C also assists our bodies to absorb iron from iron rich plant-based foods (e.g.lentils and chickpeas). This is particularly important if you’re vegetarian, as enjoying a peach after your meal can assist your body in absorbing the iron from the meal.
Fibre
One peach contains a whopping 3g of dietary fibre, which is 10-12% of the recommended daily intake. The high fibre content of peaches makes them a great snack, as fibre helps to slow down digestion, keeping you fuller for longer. The soluble and insoluble fibre in peaches also helps to add bulk and keep our bowel movements regular.
Antioxidants
The beautiful honey golden colour of these peaches means they’re loaded with beta-carotene, a very powerful antioxidant with disease fighting properties. Beta-carotene keeps our immune systems healthy and can reduce the risk of many cancers and other chronic diseases. Peaches are also rich in zeaxanthin, an antioxidant that is involved in keeping our eyes healthy. Zeaxanthin acts like ‘natural sunglasses’, helping to filter the light that is reflected on our eyes and reduce any damage from oxidative stress.
Potassium
Peaches provide us with a rich source of potassium, a nutrient that coordinates the movement of our muscles and nerves. Potassium also assists in keeping the fluids in our bodies balanced and in doing so helps keep our blood pressure under control
Our favourite ways to enjoy peaches:
- Added to plain yoghurt for a natural sweet flavour
- Added to summer salads
- Bake sliced peaches and sprinkle with cinnamon for a yummy dessert
