Biting into the sweet goodness of a fresh-picked peach is a delight for health gurus and couch potatoes alike. Fresh peaches deliver a variety of nutrients and fiber for relatively few calories.
Caloric Information
Caloric value varies slightly depending upon the size of the peach. A small raw peach -- approximately 2.5 inches in diameter -- contains 51 calories. A larger, 3-inch diameter peach provides 87 calories, according to the USDA's National Nutrient Database.
Low-calorie Serving Suggestions
As a rule, avoid eating canned peaches packed with heavy syrup, which adds a significant load of unnecessary sugar to your diet. Top a bowl of whole-grain breakfast cereal with raw peach slices. Chop up any remaining peach slices into 1-inch cubes and mix them into a cup of low-fat yogurt for a healthy, calcium-rich snack.
Considerations
Vitamins and minerals present in a peach include vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Sugar accounts for the majority of a raw peach's carbohydrate content. Removing the skin from a raw peach before eating it takes away part of the fruit's dietary fiber, points out Dr. Hope Ricciotti, coauthor of "The Healthy Family Cookbook."
References
- USDA's National Nutrient Database: Peach
- "The Healthy Family Cookbook"; Dr. Hope Ricciotti & Vincent Connelly; 2004
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