Of all the fuzzy fruits, peaches are arguably most people鈥檚 favorite. Peaches are also one of the best you can eat 鈥 and not just for their sweet, juicy flavor, which reaches its peak from June to August. Yikyung Park, ScD, a WashU Medicine professor of surgery at Siteman Cancer Center, points out that they also offer a variety of nutrients that support overall health.
Yikyung Park, ScD, WashU Medicine nutritional epidemiologist at Siteman Cancer Center
鈥淧eaches are a good source of vitamins A and C, both important for the immune system, skin and vision. Vitamin C also helps with collagen production, helping to maintain healthy skin,鈥 she said. Potassium is another positive for peaches: Even though it鈥檚 a mineral that鈥檚 essential to a range of functions 鈥 from regulating blood pressure and supporting normal muscle, kidney and nerve function 鈥 the body doesn鈥檛 produce potassium on its own, so it has to come from food. Peaches are an excellent choice, as they鈥檙e only around 60 calories.
Peaches contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. 鈥淒ietary fiber supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements and keeps you feeling full longer, which can help with weight management,鈥 Park explained. 鈥淭he fiber and natural plant compounds in peaches are good for your heart because they help manage cholesterol levels and support a healthy gut.鈥
Besides helping out the body鈥檚 major organs, peaches also excel on a microscopic level. They鈥檙e brimming with antioxidants, including various polyphenols and carotenoids. 鈥淭hese help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may lower the risk of chronic conditions, such as heart disease and certain cancers,鈥 Park said. 鈥淭heir high water content also supports hydration, making peaches a refreshing way to help meet your fluid needs, especially in warmer months.鈥
Peaches are an ideal grab-and-go snack, but just a little creativity and preparation can pay off delicious dividends. Grill them for about six minutes, and their sugar begins to caramelize, imbuing salads and salsas with an extra depth of flavor.
Types of fuzzy fruits
Apricot
Although dried apricots frequently star in trail mix, if there鈥檚 a time to eat them fresh, it鈥檚 right now: They are at their sweetest and most succulent in midsummer. And at almost 90% water, they鈥檙e excellent for hydration, which is also key this time of year. Apricots are stacked with vitamin A, an antioxidant that can help protect your eyes from conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts and night blindness.
Honey-Lime Grilled Peaches with Yogurt and Nuts
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