Peach, please. Why your favourite summer fruit is so healthy.

Maybe it’s because they’re only available for such a short time each year, but in our books, nothing beats a sweet, juicy, perfectly ripe peach. During peach season, we use them everywhere we can, from smoothies to salads. But we don’t love these fuzzy fruits just for their amazing taste – like pretty much all fresh fruits and veggies, peaches are incredibly good for you. Read on for some of the reasons you should take advantage of peach season while it’s still here!

Firstly, they’re an amazing sweet treat if you’re managing your weight. Though we should all know that calories aren’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s still pretty great to discover that a large peach contains just 68 calories and virtually no fat. And when the summer heat is in full force, we can’t think of a better guilt-free dessert than some sliced fresh peaches, a splash of coconut milk and some toasted, chopped almonds. Yum.

But peaches aren’t just a low-calorie treat – they’re also packed with vitamins and minerals your body needs. They’re a great source of vitamin A, which is important for maintaining your vision and promoting healthier skin. And peaches are also packed with vitamin C, a tissue-building antioxidant that also helps build resistance to infections. Speaking of antioxidants, a recent study found that peaches are also a fantastic source of flavonoids and chlorogenic acid, which fight free radicals and help prevent inflammation.

These summer gems are also a great source of potassium – with the average peach providing 333 mg, about 7% of your recommended daily intake. Potassium is critical for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart rate, and helps prevent kidney stones…so if you can boost your intake while eating something utterly delicious, that’s what we call a big win.

Finally, there’s fibre. We already know fresh fruits and veggies are an amazing source, and peaches are no exception. Fibre helps lower cholesterol, makes it easier to maintain a healthy weigh, and keeps your digestive system running smoothly. It’s just one of those things we simply can’t get enough of…especially when all our favourite produce is in season!

Feeling inspired to eat more of our favourite summer fruit? Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Try sliced peaches with plain yogurt, nuts and a drizzle of maple syrup for a healthy breakfast rich in fibre and healthy fats.
• Add sliced peaches to your favourite salad or grain bowl!
• Try a summery take on fresh salsa by combining peaches, tomatoes, red onion, jalapenos and lime juice.
• Having barbecue for dinner? Halve some fresh peaches and throw them on the grill too! Best. Dessert. Ever.