In the last month or so, we have been blessed with at least two large donations of fresh peaches here at St. Anne’s! As Sisters in our community are accustomed to saying: “May God reward the generous givers!”
Inspired by this delicious treat, I thought it would be just “peachy keen” to give you the ‘scoop’ on the health benefits derived from this “stone fruit,” the peach. Other stone fruits include apricots, plums, and cherries.
According to Medical News Today, fruits from this class work well against diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. This source also shared study results that they may reduce bad cholesterol.
Peaches can also lessen one’s risk of cancer. Being a good source of vitamin C, also makes peaches good fro fighting developments known to cause cancer. This vitamin C can also improve skin texture, fight sun damage to skin, and (along with the fiber, potassium, and choline in peaches) is good for your heart. This source also shared that, like other fruits and vegetables, peaches provide high fiber which can lower risk of colorectal cancer.
Care2.com actually offers some very interesting facts about how peaches can even help you lose weight. A peach only has 35-50 calories (another estimate was higher). “A peach makes you feel full and keeps you from overeating.” Furthermore, peaches reduce hair loss and help the scalp. Care2.com further notes that peaches can calm an upset stomach, cleanse kidneys and bladder, and even reduce stress.
This is the best time of year for buying these Chinese natives, according to Medical News Today. Along with eating them by themselves, this article offers the idea of making smoothies, adding a few slices of frozen peaches.
Livestrong.com lists several vitamins found in peaches: Vitamin A (for healthy vision), Vitamin C are the leaders, though this fruit is also a source of vitamins E, B-6, and K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate and pantothenic acid.
Top10homeremedies.com offers still more benefits, adding that they protect vision, and improve cardiovascular health.
Even if they didn’t have one of these nutritional benefits, they are so very tasty. One of my friends has a white freestone peach tree in her yard. The peaches are slightly smaller but very sweet and make great fresh peach pies (like the fresh strawberry pies you top with whipped cream).
Also, slicing one or two peaches thinly and cooking with a little sugar, water & cornstarch makes a fantastic topping for hot cereals or pancakes. Although you can put them up in jars, it is easy to freeze them in plastic bags…and, who can resist peach preserves?
I’m sure we all have our favorite plans for peaches. They will never taste better than they do right now!