When it comes to peaches, most people only eat the fruit itself and throw away the skin. However, did you know that you can eat peach skin? Contrary to popular belief, the skin is not only edible but also has some great health benefits.
Peach skin is edible, and it’s a good source of fiber. You can eat it raw or cooked. Peach skin contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that may improve your health. Peach skin is completely safe to eat, you should however wash it first to get rid of any contaminants.
Peach skin is a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber plays an important role in maintaining digestive health and it can reduce the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes.
Benefits of Eating Peach Skin
There are several benefits to eating peach skin. Let’s have a look at a few of the most important benefits:
Antioxidants
According to a study published in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” in 2012, the skin of peaches contains a compound called chlorogenic acid, which may help to prevent inflammation and oxidative damage in the body.
Peach skin has been shown to improve heart health and protect against dangerous free radicals that can cause serious diseases such as cancer.
In addition, peach skin contains carotenoids which are antioxidants that promote good vision and protect against macular degeneration.
Vitamins
Peach skin is also a great source of vitamins A & C. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals, helps maintain healthy skin and eyesight, strengthens the immune system, and keeps your bones strong.
Vitamin C boosts the immune system, promotes wound healing, aids in iron absorption, and can reduce fatigue.
Potassium
Peach skin is also rich in potassium which plays many essential roles in the body like regulating blood pressure and heart rate. In addition, potassium helps the body to absorb calcium which is necessary for strong bones and teeth.
Fiber
One of the main benefits of eating peach skin is that it contains a lot of fiber. Fiber promotes digestive health, supports weight loss, and can reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Fiber plays a role in keeping blood sugar levels stable. This is especially important for people with diabetes or those who are at high risk of developing diabetes.
Risks and Side Effects of Eating Peach Skin
Eating peach skin may have some side effects which you should be aware of.
Allergies
Some people may experience an allergic reaction to eating peach skin. This is especially the case if you have a known allergy to aspirin.
The bark of the peach tree contains high levels of salicylic acid, which is similar in composition to aspirin. This could trigger an allergic reaction if you are allergic to aspirin.
Diarrhea
Eating too much peach skin has been reported to cause diarrhea or other gastrointestinal problems. If you are sensitive to fibers, then it might be best not to eat peaches with skin because they contain more fiber than the fruit itself.
If you experience a reaction after eating peaches with skin, stop eating them immediately and consult your doctor for advice on what to do next.
Constipation
In addition, eating too much peach skin may cause constipation and bloat. Eating fiber-rich foods may not be for everybody. It may be best to eat peaches with skin only in moderation or avoid eating them altogether if you are sensitive to fiber or have digestive problems.
Therefore, it is crucial that you introduce this dietary change gradually and take it easy at first.
The easiest way to start would be by adding small amounts of peach skins into your salads at first. This will allow your body to adjust slowly before adding larger amounts of the peel into meals.
Risk of Pesticides
There is always a risk that pesticides or other chemicals may be present on the skin of peaches.
Always thoroughly wash peaches well before consuming them, to reduce the risk of ingesting any chemicals.
If you typically buy organic produce, then you should not have to worry about ingesting chemicals from peaches with your skin.
Washing your peaches
Peaches are delicious, but they can be a little messy to eat. Here’s how to wash your peaches without wrecking the delicate skin:
You’ll need:
- A bowl of water
- Cloth or paper towel
- Soft bristled brush (like a toothbrush – optional)
The first step is to fill up a bowl with water and dunk your peach in it.
Then rub the peach in circular motions against your hand palm to clean off all the dirt and soil that may be on the surface of your peach. Swirl it around in there for a while, then put that peach down and check for any stems and leaves.
Gently use the soft brush to remove any remaining dirt.
Wash the peach with your hand under running water to remove any leftover debris on its surface (this will also make you less likely to damage the skin when cutting it).
Now for the fun part
Eat!
The first time or two might be a little messy, so have a cloth or paper towel handy just in case. You will get used to how much pressure is needed and soon peaches will be a breeze to eat.
Adding Peach Skin Into Your Diet
There are many ways to enjoy peach skin but make sure that you wash the skin well before eating it.
You can also dry out the skin and turn it into chips which can be used as a healthy alternative to other snacks.
You can add peach skin to salads, smoothies, baked goods, and even soups.
In general, it is a good idea to add more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Ingesting peaches with skin is no exception when you consider the amazing health benefits that they have to offer.
Conclusion
As you can see, the answer to “can you eat peach skin” is yes! Peach skins are completely edible and healthy if eaten in moderation.
As long as you wash your peaches well before consuming them and don’t experience any side effects such as bloating or diarrhea after eating them, then there isn’t really anything wrong with including peach skins in your diet.
In fact, the fiber and antioxidants found in peaches may promote good health and help ward off diseases like heart disease and cancer.
However, if you are suffering from constipation or digestive problems, it may be best to avoid eating peach skin.
Eating peaches with skin has the potential to provide you with lots of health benefits.
