Nutrition Facts
Your taste buds are not the only parts of your body that cheer every time you enjoy juicy, sun-ripened California peaches. Head to toe, inside and out, your whole body applauds the nutritional benefits this delicious fruit provides.
California peaches contain beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamin C, vitamin E, fiber and many other nutrients essential to good health. Plus, canned California peaches are versatile and available all year, making them any easy way to add nutrition and flavor to a well-balanced diet. In this section, you’ll find nutritional details, including Nutrition Labels, for California peaches. You will also find useful information about incorporating canned California peaches into your diet.
Health Facts
Think of antioxidants as aggressive protectors of your body’s cells. When harmful free radicals attack your cells in an attempt to steal electrons, antioxidants come to the rescue. Antioxidants sacrifice their own electrons thereby neutralizing the harmful free radicals and protecting your cells.
Working together, beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamin C, vitamin E and hundreds of other more discreet antioxidants strive to protect your body from daily cell damage and many chronic diseases. Although these antioxidants can be obtained through dietary supplements, scientists agree that food sources provide the best benefit to the body.
Beta Carotene
Red-pigmented beta-carotene is a powerful member of the antioxidant family. Visible in the vibrant orange color of California peaches, beta-carotene is transformed to vitamin A in the body. Helpful Hint: Beta-carotene is usually listed as vitamin A on Nutrition Labels.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin, internally and externally, as well as in protecting the eyes, building strong teeth and bones and healthy hair. Additionally, research indicates that vitamin A has been linked to reduced rates of cancer and heart disease. Just one serving of California peaches contains six percent of the U.S. RDA for vitamin A.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C boosts the immune system, promotes healing and helps prevent cancer, heart disease and stroke. This aggressive antioxidant is essential to optimum health and California peaches can help. One half-cup serving of canned peaches contains eight percent of the U.S. RDA. As part of a vitamin C-rich diet, canned peaches can help you obtain the maximum benefits of this nutrient.
Vitamin E
Research indicates that vitamin E is particularly effective in preventing heart disease and breast cancer. While vitamin E is primarily found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and wheat germ, California peaches contain a significant amount. In a study conducted by Ohio State University, one half-cup serving of canned peaches contributes up to 24% of the U.S. RDA for vitamin E.
Canned foods "fit" your lifestyle
A busy schedule makes achieving “Five a Day for Better Health” seem like a daunting task. But you don’t have to sacrifice your health just to keep pace with your watch. Canned fruits and vegetables, including California Cling Peaches, bring convenience to nutrition.
Canned produce is available all year long so don’t worry about it spoiling before you get a chance to eat it. Just keep your cupboards stocked and several cans chilled to have nutritious fruits and vegetables ready to serve.
Canned fruits and vegetables are also nutritionally comparable to fresh produce. Research indicates that nutrient levels are retained throughout the canning process and that canned foods provide the same health benefits as their fresh counterparts. According to a study conducted by the University of Illinois Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, “Canned fruits and vegetables also act as a weapon in helping to combat the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer.” A second study, conducted by the University of Massachusetts, found that recipes made with canned ingredients are comparable in nutrition and flavor to the same recipes made with fresh ingredients.
In addition to being nutritious and convenient, canned California peaches are also versatile. Although simply delicious straight from a chilled can, they are also a flavorful addition to numerous recipes. Visit our Recipes section for some enticing selections or try these easy serving suggestions:
Add a burst of summertime flavor and nutrition to your breakfast table all year long. Serve canned California peach slices, well drained, over cold scereal, oatmeal, pancakes or waffles.
Energize cottage cheese or yogurt with canned California peaches, diced or sliced and well drained, for a healthy afternoon snack.
Canned California peaches can even be dressed for dessert. Serve with frozen yogurt or ice cream for a nutritious sundae topping.
