Peaches are a staple in my house during the summer months!

I love to add them to everything! From smoothies to salads to main dishes, you’ll be sure to find it as a star ingredient!

And while peaches truly make the “fruit is nature’s candy” statement true, they also offer a variety of health benefits!

In fact, summer wouldn’t be complete without juicy, delicious peaches; I feel that they just make life a little bit sweeter.

And the best part is that what makes a peach delicious is more than just flavor!

Let’s take a look at 5 amazing benefits you get by simply enjoying a bit of nature’s candy!

5 REASONS YOU SHOULD EAT A PEACH TODAY

1.HELP FIGHT METABOLIC SYNDROME

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal area, and increased cholesterol levels.

When these conditions occur together, they increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

A new study performed by Texas A&M shows that stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and plums contain compounds that have anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects on the body.

2. IMPROVE HEART HEALTH

Did you know that peaches contain a significant amount of fiber, potassium, choline, and Vitamin C?

These minerals and nutrients found in this sweet treat all work together to support and sustain a healthy heart.

• Potassium is an essential component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
• Choline helps keep the heart and blood vessels healthy by reducing blood pressure.
• Vitamin C is needed for the manufacture of collagen — the glue that holds cells together. Collagen will help improve coronary cells.

That seems like a whole lot of benefits for such a small fruit! (But then again, I won’t complain!)

3. GIVES YOU GLOWING SKIN

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that protects the skin by fighting damage caused by the sun and pollution.

When you consume vitamin C in its natural form or apply it topically, it has been shown to reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin texture. Cheers to looking young!

So, let that juice run down your chin and don’t wipe it off, just rub it in!

4. IMPROVES DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Peaches contain a water content of over 80%!

This, along with a high amount of fiber, make peaches the perfect food to increase ease of elimination.

They may also have somewhat of a diuretic effect and can help to settle the stomach. Peaches also help to rid the digestive tract of intestinal worms because of their antimicrobial properties.

It’s a pretty powerful fruit, isn’t it?

5. FIGHT INFLAMMATION

Peaches have excellent anti-inflammatory properties because of their high content of Vitamin A and fiber!

Inflammation is a natural and beneficial response in the body that helps it heal and defend itself.

However, when inflammation becomes chronic — lasting weeks, months, or even years — it can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and even cancer.

So as you can see, supporting your body’s anti-inflammatory processes is essential, and there’s no better way to do it than with healing, whole foods!

CONCLUSION

So, the next time you are visiting the farmer’s market, be sure you stock up on peaches!

Take time during this wonderful season to enjoy the juicy goodness of peaches all by themselves, in baked cobbler, diced up over homemade granola, or blended into a smoothie.

Your body and your tastebuds will thank you!

What is your favorite way to enjoy peaches? Tell us in the comments!

Hungry for more? Head here for a delicious Energy Bar Recipe that you can use dried peaches in!