Fruity Nutritious Peaches

Peaches are delicious, as well as versatile. Available year round, this fruit adds nutrition and flavor to any diet.

This fruit can be canned or dried, used to make jellies, jams or preserves, used in desserts as filling, and are used in a lot of other dishes.

It's energizing and full of benefits.

When you purchase them, consider when you'll be eating them.

If it's within 2 or 3 days, look for the fruit to be soft when you apply light pressure.

Otherwise, you would want the fruit to be more firm.

When they are firm, they will ripen in a matter of 3 or 4 days. There are many varieties, but all of them have a yellow tone with no green.

Health Benefits of Peaches

Fresh peaches are a good source of the "good" carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are a vital source of energy for the body.

This fruit also contains phytonutrients, antioxidants, falvonoids, and carotenoids.

Studies show phytonutrients may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis and eye ailments.

Flavonoids help protect against cancer and heart disease.

Carotenoids help maintain eye health.

Nutritional Benefits

• 40 calories in 1 medium size fruit
• Fat-free
• Cholesterol-free
• Sodium-free
• High in Fiber
• Rich in Iron
• Rich in Potassium
• Contains beta-carotene (Vitamin A)
• Contains Vitamins C and E

Immunity Enhancing

Packed with beta-carotene (Vitamin C), this nutrient fortifies membranes so they are more resistant to infection. So the next time you are sniffling from a cold, try a fruit Smoothie to enhance immunity.

Energizing Smoothie

Blend 1 cup of nonfat vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup of peach slices without the skin, 1/2 cup orange juice and 1/2 cup crushed ice until smooth.

Beautifying Facial Mask

This fruit is rich in malic acid, which is a key ingredient in many cosmetic products. The alpha hydroxy acid breaks down molecules that bind damaged cells to the skin's surface. The cells can then be easily exfoliated.

Facial Mask Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 Peach, pitted and skinned
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 pack instant plain oatmeal

Instructions:

1. Blend together until smooth.
2. Gently pat the mixture on your face.
3. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse with tepid water.

You can refrigerate this mixture for a week.

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