Happy National Peach Cobbler Day! National Peach Cobbler Day on April 13th each year recognizes a delicious dessert that originated during the 19th century. Peaches, with their juicy, sweet flavor and soft, velvety skin, are not only a delightful dessert treat but also pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. From supporting digestion to boosting immunity, peaches offer a myriad of reasons to indulge in this delectable fruit. Let’s delve into the nutritional wonders of peaches and discover a wholesome peach cobbler recipe to enjoy their goodness.
Nutritional Profile of Peaches
Peaches are low in calories and contain no saturated fats. They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for overall health. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients found in peaches:
Vitamin C: Peaches are packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps boost immunity, promote healthy skin, and aid in collagen production.
Vitamin A: These luscious fruits are also a good source of vitamin A, crucial for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and mucous membranes.
Dietary Fiber: Peaches are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which supports digestion, prevents constipation, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Potassium: They contain potassium, an electrolyte essential for nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining fluid balance in the body.
Antioxidants: Peaches are rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Health Benefits of Peaches
Peaches offer an array of health benefits due to their rich nutritional profile. Some of the health benefits of peaches include:
Digestive Health: The high fiber content in peaches aids digestion and helps prevent constipation, promoting regular bowel movements and a healthy gut microbiome.
Heart Health: Potassium in peaches helps regulate blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease. The antioxidants in peaches also help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
Skin Health: The vitamin C and beta-carotene in peaches promote collagen production, which helps maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin and protects against UV damage.
Immune Support: The abundance of vitamin C in peaches boosts the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses.
Weight Management: Peaches are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a satisfying snack choice that can help control appetite and aid in weight management.
Whether enjoyed fresh, grilled, or baked into a delectable peach cobbler, incorporating peaches into your diet can help support and promote your overall well-being. So go ahead, indulge in nature’s sweet gift, and reap the rewards of Better Health with every juicy bite.
Healthy Peach Cobbler Recipe
Now that you’re aware of the incredible health benefits of peaches, let’s put them into practice with a nutritious peach cobbler recipe that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
– 4 cups fresh or frozen peaches, sliced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup oats
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Toss until the peaches are evenly coated, then transfer them to the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, oats, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the almond milk and melted coconut oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined and a crumbly dough forms.
- Crumble the dough mixture evenly over the peaches in the baking dish.
- Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the peaches are bubbling.
- Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy peach cobbler warm, topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.