Sweet Delight and Nutrient Heavyweight: Peaches
They do not make us pucker our lips like lemons do, satisfy our craving for crunchiness like an apple does or taste especially good with peanut butter as bananas do. However, they can turn a bit of cream into ambrosia.
Peaches are one of nature’s most delectable treats. They are a sweet subtle pleasure, much like a cool breeze on a sultry day.
Though pastel hued and coated in a soft fuzz, peaches pack a hefty nutritional punch. They are low in sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat and are only about 37 calories each. They are rich in vitamins, fiber and protective bioactive compounds.
Health Benefits of Peaches
- One peach provides us with three grams of colon-friendly fiber.
- Peaches support our bones, red blood cells and nervous system by giving us potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, zinc, calcium and iron.
- Peaches provide us with 10 vitamins: A, C, E, K, plus six of the B complex vitamins: thiamin, riboflavin, B6, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid.
- Stone fruits such as peaches and plums contain phenolic compounds that could protect us from metabolic syndrome – a cluster of health issues that can lead to diseases such as diabetes.
This is a great time of year to enjoy fresh peaches as August is National Peach Month. Here is an easy and interesting peach recipe you might want to try.
Balsamic Grilled Peaches (serves 4)
Ingredients
- ~ 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
- ~ 4 large ripe peaches, cut in half and pitted
- ~ 1 small head butter lettuce, washed, dried, separated
- ~ 1 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, drained, cut into 1/2 inch pieces, room temp
- ~ 2 1/2 Tbsp. toasted sunflower seeds
Preparation
- Arrange peach halves on a sheet pan, single layer. Brush the cut side with 4 tablespoons of the dressing. Broil or grill for 3-5 minutes or until the peaches have softened and are a golden color.
- Divide the lettuce onto four serving plates. Top each plate with two peach halves and some of the cheese. Drizzle the salads with remaining dressing.
- Garnish with sunflower seeds, serve right away.
Per serving: 16 grams of sugar
Sources: Medical Daily; Yummly
Photo of peaches by John Nyboer
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