Peaches are small fruits with a yellow or white pulp and fuzzy peel. They are often called stone fruits because the inner pulp is covered by a shell that contains edible seeds. Native to Northwest China, peaches have been grown and enjoyed for thousands of years. Peaches can be delicious on their own or mixed with other fruits, such as blueberries or mango.
This article will explore how peaches may impact blood sugar levels and the health benefits of including this fruit in your diet.
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Glycemic Index Table
Peaches are considered one of the top low glycemic index fruits, with a score of 28.¹ Low glycemic index fruits are often high in fiber and essential nutrients, which is true for the peach.
Peaches contain less fructose, a naturally occurring sugar found in fruits, than other fruit options.
While fresh fruit is always the best option, in some geographic areas, fresh peaches are not available. If you purchase canned peaches, be mindful of the ingredients and avoid any varieties that include added sugar, as this drastically increases the glycemic index rating and significantly impacts blood sugar levels.
The below glycemic index and glycemic load data is for 100g of raw, yellow peaches:¹ ²
Nutritional Facts
Peaches are a low-carb fruit with just 10 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams. Although its sugar content is relatively high, its fiber content compensates for this and creates a balanced, low glycemic index fruit. Peaches also have a low amount of fat and cholesterol, as well as trace amounts of vitamins A, E, and K.
The below nutritional information is for 100g of raw, yellow peaches.²
Nutritional Facts
Are Peaches Good for Weight Loss?
Peaches can be a great option if your goal is to lose weight. However, moderation and portion size are key since peaches contain high sugar levels.
Peaches are high in water and have high fiber content, which will improve satiety levels and help you feel full. Peaches also have no saturated fats, cholesterol, or sodium, making them an ideal choice for those seeking to lose weight.
Some ways to enjoy peaches include:
- Eating it as a whole fruit
- Using it as an ingredient in a fruit salad
- Combining it with plain Greek yogurt (an excellent source of protein!)
- Adding peaches to smoothies
- Pairing peaches with nuts and cheese
Are Peaches Safe for People Living with Diabetes?
Peaches are an excellent choice for people living with diabetes due to their low glycemic index and low glycemic load ratings. Peaches are rich in insoluble fiber that adds bulk to stool and improves digestion. Peaches can also easily relieve constipation, a common ailment for people living with diabetes.
An animal study found that consuming peach juice rich in polyphenols can prevent or reduce the risk factors associated with the development of obesity-related metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.¹⁴
Another study found that a polysaccharide sugar derived from seasonal peach gum was found effective in controlling post-meal blood sugar levels and is potentially the equivalent of a non-insulin therapy for people living with diabetes.¹⁵
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Allergies
Peach allergies are relatively common and can cause mild to severe allergic reactions. Allergies to peaches typically manifest as oral allergy syndrome (OAS) or pollen-food syndrome. This reaction occurs when the proteins in a peach trigger an immune response in individuals with a sensitivity to birch pollen. Symptoms of OAS include itchiness of the mouth, lips, or throat, swelling, and redness. In severe cases, allergic reactions can cause hives, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.
The proteins that often cause allergic reactions are found in the fruit’s skin but can also be found in the peach flesh.
If you suspect an allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance to peaches, please consult a healthcare professional.
References
References
- University of Sydney. (2023, May 1). Glycemic Index – Glycemic Index Research and GI News. https://glycemicindex.com/
- USDA FoodData Central. (2019, April 1). Food Details - Peaches, yellow, raw. Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/325430/nutrients
- Li G, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Lang J, Chen Y, Ling W. Estimated daily flavonoid and stilbene intake from fruits, vegetables, and nuts and associations with lipid profiles in Chinese adults. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013 Jun;113(6):786-94. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.01.018. Epub 2013 Mar 20. PMID: 23522824.
- Kahlon, T. S., & Smith, G. (2007). In vitro binding of bile acids by bananas, peaches, pineapple, grapes, pears, apricots and nectarines. Food Chemistry, 101(3), 1046–1051. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.02.059
- Vásquez-Villanueva, R., Marina, M. L., & García, M. E. (2015). Revalorization of a peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) byproduct: Extraction and characterization of ACE-inhibitory peptides from peach stones. Journal of Functional Foods, 18, 137–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2015.06.056
- Kim, Han-Soo. (2006). Effects of the Feral Peach (Prunus persica Batsch var. davidiana Max) Extract on the Lipid Compositions and Blood Pressure Level in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Journal of Life Science. 16. 1071-1079. 10.5352/JLS.2006.16.7.1071.
- Noratto, G., Martino, H. S., Simbo, S., Byrne, D., & Mertens-Talcott, S. U. (2015). Consumption of polyphenol-rich peach and plum juice prevents risk factors for obesity-related metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease in Zucker rats. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 26(6), 633–641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2014.12.014
- Lemarié, C. A., & Schiffrin, E. L. (2010). The angiotensin II type 2 receptor in cardiovascular disease. Journal of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system : JRAAS, 11(1), 19–31. https://doi.org/10.1177/1470320309347785
- Belhadj, F., Somrani, I., Aissaoui, N., Messaoud, C., Boussaid, M., & Marzouki, M. N. (2016). Bioactive compounds contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities during ripening of Prunus persica L. varieties from the North West of Tunisia. Food chemistry, 204, 29–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.02.111
- Kim, G. J., Choi, H. G., Kim, J. H., Kim, S. H., Kim, J. A., & Lee, S. H. (2013). Anti-allergic inflammatory effects of cyanogenic and phenolic glycosides from the seed of Prunus persica. Natural product communications, 8(12), 1739–1740.
- Shin, T. Y., Park, S. B., Yoo, J. S., Kim, I. K., Lee, H. S., Kwon, T. K., Kim, M. K., Kim, J. C., & Kim, S. H. (2010). Anti-allergic inflammatory activity of the fruit of Prunus persica: role of calcium and NF-kappaB. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 48(10), 2797–2802. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2010.07.009
- Koikeda, T., Tokudome, Y., Okayasu, M., Kobayashi, Y., Kuroda, K., Yamakawa, J., Niu, K., Masuda, K., & Saito, M. (2017). Effects of Peach (Prunus persica)-Derived Glucosylceramide on the Human Skin. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 17(1), 56–70. https://doi.org/10.2174/1871522217666170906155435
- Kim, Y. H., Yang, H. E., Park, B. K., Heo, M. Y., Jo, B. K., & Kim, H. P. (2002). The extract of the flowers of Prunus persica, a new cosmetic ingredient, protects against solar ultraviolet-induced skin damage in vivo. Journal of cosmetic science, 53(1), 27–34.
- Noratto, G., Martino, H. S., Simbo, S., Byrne, D., & Mertens-Talcott, S. U. (2015). Consumption of polyphenol-rich peach and plum juice prevents risk factors for obesity-related metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease in Zucker rats. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 26(6), 633–641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2014.12.014
- Wang, Y., Lin, D., Wang, X., Zhu, W., Ye, J., Li, G., Ma, Z., & Deng, X. (2017). The impact of a novel peach gum-derived polysaccharide on postprandial blood glucose control in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. International journal of biological macromolecules, 98, 379–386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.01.085
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