Peaches can benefit your health in many different ways. Studies have shown that they may help regulate your digestive tract, support heart health, improve your immune system, help control your weight, aid in better vision, reduce blood clotting, inflammation and normalizing kidney function. This all depends on the individual, so if you have health conditions or concerns, ask your doctor whether or not this potassium rich fruit will benefit you.
They come in two varieties – yellow and white. The white are a bit sweeter but contain the same healthy vitamins and minerals. Either type of peach is a perfect way to fight your sweet tooth and stay healthy.
If you want some peaches to enjoy during the winter months, you can try freezing them at home. Or simply buy from the frozen food section in your local grocery store.
- Raw, Whole or Sliced – When eaten as is, you are receiving all of the health benefits from peaches. Some don’t like the skin, but it is better not to peel it off because this is where the majority of their antioxidants come from.
- Fruit Salad – This kind of goes with eating peaches raw, but you can add it in with other beneficial fruits. Watch out and don’t make it too big because you don’t want to consume too much glucose.
- Juice – If you’re buying peach juice, make sure to read the nutritional label and ingredients. Most of the premade peach juices contain little to no real fruit juice. Making your own is easy and will allow you to gain all of the health benefits of peaches with no added flavors or sugar.
- Smoothies – Smoothies are an easy, convenient way to get peaches into your diet, and you can customize the smoothie to your taste. Add other fruits and you will get benefits from them as well. Add some milk or yogurt, but beware of fat and sugar contents, as you’re already getting sugar from the fruit(s) you are using. Coconut milk or water is good because it hydrates you and is low in calories and fat.
- Grilled – Peaches grill quickly and it brings out their juiciness and sweetness. You can cut them in half, take out the pit, slice, or leave in half. Brush some oil on the cut areas and grill on all cut sides until the grill marks them. Don’t leave them on too long or they will fall apart. Grilled peaches are great alongside a meat dish. You can also enjoy them as a dessert, on top of ice cream or frozen yogurt. Grilling is not the best way to get nutrients from a peach, or any food for that matter. It tends to suck out some of what makes them so good for you.
- Yogurt – Peach yogurt is a great way to enjoy this summertime fruit. Like with many other foods, when you use store-bought yogurt, make sure to read labels and ingredients. They can be loaded with added sugars, flavors and coloring. You can make your own by adding sliced peaches, or small chunks, to plain, low-fat yogurt. Greek yogurt is one of the best to use as it has more probiotics than other yogurts and contains much more protein.
I think in the case of picking an overall winner for the best way to eat your peaches is up to the individual. Everyone has their favorite ways to enjoy fruits. All of these choices, especially when making your own and not using store-bought, are good for you and give you the needed vitamins and nutrients provided by peaches. However, grilling is the only option that may not be too good for you, although it will taste great.
Personally, I feel that eating a raw peach is the best way to go (or add to a fresh fruit salad). It is perfect when you’re on the go and don’t have the time to stop and make something. Rinse, wipe and you’re good to eat.
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