Summertime means peach season. This juicy fruit not only tastes good - it's good for you. 

Benefits of Peaches

Prevent Cancer

• Peaches are rich in phenolic and carotenoid compounds, which possess anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.
• The chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids present in peaches inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells without affecting normal cells.
• Peaches are rich in beta-carotene, providing protective effects against lung cancer.

Aid in Digestion

• The alkaline content and fiber in peaches are good for maintaining digestive health.
• Dietary fiber in peaches absorbs water and helps prevent stomach disorders such as constipation, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, gastritis and irregular bowel movements.
• Peaches cleanse and eliminate toxic waste from the intestines and prevent the body from contracting various abdominal disorders, including stomach cancer.
• Peaches also help dissolve kidney and bladder stones.

Useful in Pregnancy

• The vitamin C in peaches helps in the growth of healthy bones, teeth, skin, muscles and blood vessels of the baby. It also helps in the absorption of iron.
• The folate in peaches helps prevent neural tube defects.
• Potassium in peaches helps avert muscle cramps and general fatigue.

Other health benefits of peaches include relief from hypokalemia, obesity, cholesterol and blood stasis, and a boost cardiac health and neurodegenerative diseases. They also help with eye care, skin care, and maintaining a healthy nervous system, bones and teeth.

Grilled Peach and Brie Smothered Chicken

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken cutlets
• ¼  tsp ground pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 firm ripe peach, halved
• 4 oz Brie, sliced

Directions

Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high.

Step 2: Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and salt.

Step 3: Oil the grill rack. Grill peach halves with the cut side down, until lightly charred, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and slice. Grill the chicken until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 160^°F, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and top the chicken with the peach slices and cheese. Grill until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 165^°F and the cheese is melted, 1 to 2 minutes more.

Per Serving

Calories: 342; Protein: 33.3g; Carbohydrates: 6.9g; Dietary fiber: 1.2g; Sugars: 5.4g; Fat 20.2g; Saturated fat: 6.4g; Cholesterol: 93.3mg; Sodium: 481.2mg