Well, it’s summertime, and that means sweet, juicy peaches.

The peach (Prunus persica) is native to the region of northwest China between the Tarim Basin and the north slopes of the Kunlun Mountains. The specific epithet refers to its widespread cultivation in Persia (modern day Iran).

In fact, once called Persian apples, peaches belong to the genus Prunus, which includes the cherry, apricot, almond and plum, and are actually part of the rose family. China produces 58 percent of the world’s peaches and nectarines.

Peaches and nectarines are the same fruit, but peaches are fuzzy while nectarines are smooth. Italy is the world’s second largest peach producer.

In the United States, Georgia is known as the “peach state,” but South Carolina produces three times as many. In fact, at one time, Spartanburg County alone produced more peaches annually than the entire state of Georgia.

Peaches are either yellow or white. Typically, white peaches are sweeter and less acidic than their yellow relative. More than 300 varieties of peaches are grown in the United States, and over 2,000 are grown globally.

There are two main varieties of peaches: clingstone and freestone.

May is the beginning of peach season, which continues until early September, but peach season is at its peak in July and August. Most folks probably just think of the peach as a summer treat, but the benefits of peaches are numerous.

Here are a few:

• Peaches boost immunity. Peaches are rich in vitamin C and zinc which aid in normal functioning of the body’s immune system. These nutrients effect wound healing and help reduce the prevalence and severity of disease.

• Peaches treat obesity. Research suggests the phenolic compounds found in peaches have anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity properties, which help in fighting metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

• They help prevent cancers. Peaches are rich in phenolic and carotenoid compounds, which bear anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties. These nutrients help in fighting various types of cancers such as breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer. Studies show that chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid found in peaches exert beneficial effects in inhibiting growth of breast cancer cells without affecting normal cells, unlike chemotherapy. 

• They help with skin care. Peaches help maintain healthy skin due to the amount of vitamin C they furnish. Vitamin C also provides defense against harmful free radicals and skin infections. Peaches contribute protective effects on the skin against ultraviolet radiation, and the antioxidants zeaxanthin and lutein found in peaches have significant effects on the skin damaged by UV-B radiation.

• They are useful in pregnancy. Peaches contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C in peaches helps in the healthful growth of bones, muscles, skin, teeth, and blood vessels of the baby. Folate helps in preventing neural tube defects like spina bifida. Potassium found in peaches helps prevent muscle cramps and general fatigue, which is common during pregnancy.

• Peaches are great for maintaining digestive health. They contain fiber, which absorbs water and helps in preventing digestive disorders like constipation, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, gastritis and irregular bowel movements. The fiber found in peaches also helps in the cleansing and elimination of toxic wastes from the intestines, and prevention of various abdominal disorders, including stomach cancer.

• Peaches are great for the eyes, too, because they contain beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A within the body. Beta-carotene plays an important role in preserving eye health. Carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin in peaches help protect the retina from age-related macular degeneration.

• Peaches actually help keep bones and teeth healthy. They contain phosphorus, which, along with calcium, promotes remineralization (hardening) of bones to maintain their rigidity and strength. The vitamin C found in peaches, along with calcium, strengthens the jaw bones and gums, keeping the teeth intact.   

One caution when enjoying peaches, though, as their seeds actually contain small amounts of cyanide (apricot seeds do, too), so it’s best to discard them. 

David Crocker, of Landrum, has been a master personal trainer and nutritionist for 30 years. Diet or exercise question? Email him at dwcrocker77@gmail.com or text him at 864-494-6215.