The Benefits of Pears
Pears are a fruit high in fiber and antioxidants, as well as containing vitamins A and C. Pears also contain Lutein, which is beneficial to eye health (protecting against macular degeneration).
How do you select a ripe pear?
Selecting a pear that is ripe is very easy, as this fruit has an extremely pungent scent. If the pear emits a sweet smell, they are most likely ready to eat. Pears should also feel crisp when squeezed lightly. The color of the skin can vary depending on the variety of pear, but the flesh should be white.
How do you store pears?
To best keep fresh after purchasing, add a pear to the refrigerator immediately. Besides refrigeration, storing them at room temperature is the next best way to hold onto their delicious taste for longer periods of time. Pears can be stored in plastic or paper bags in their crisper drawer for 5-7 days. If you notice they become soft and mushy, they can be frozen and used as if they were fresh.
The most popular pear varieties:
There are many different types of pears including; Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, Comice, and Forelle. Different varieties of pears can be specifically found in certain regions based on their climate, which is why you usually cannot find them at your local grocery store.
The Health Benefits of Pears:
The most known health benefit that comes to mind when thinking of pears is their fiber content. Pears also contain Vitamin C and antioxidants. Some studies have suggested that a daily intake of pears may reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
The Health Benefits of pear juice:
Pineapple-Pear Juice: Pears contain vitamins A and C, as well as Lutein for eye health (protecting against macular degeneration). Pineapples contain Vitamin C as well, and this juice is a great source of potassium.
Concord Grape-Pear Juice: Pears contain Lutein, while Concord grapes are extremely high in Resveratrol (which has anti-aging properties). This combination creates an antioxidant-rich juice that can help fight free radicals and decrease the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
How do you incorporate pears into a healthy diet?
Pears can be used as a delicious and nutritionally sound addition to almost every meal! Try adding slices of pear on top of your morning oatmeal, or dice them up and place them inside salads. You can even use them to make warm or cold, healthy desserts.
Advantages Of Pear Fruit:
They are a great source of dietary fiber. Pears can reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer and ovarian cancer. They are also rich in potassium, Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, tryptophan, and thiamine.
They are high in iron which helps to prevent anemia. Pears are also rich in Vitamin B-6 which help to prevent stress, depression, and anxiety.
They contain a good amount of antioxidants and Vitamin A which is very beneficial for healthy-looking skin and hair.
Pears are high in folic acid which is important during pregnancy.
Disadvantages of Pear Fruit:
Though pear fruit contains some amazing health benefits, it also has some disadvantages. It can cause diarrhea and flatulence (gas).
It may not be safe to eat due to the presence of certain toxins. This is mostly seen on unripe or unhygienic fruits. You must select the best quality ones to have all benefits of pear fruit.
The fiber content in pears is very high, so it may not be suitable for people who are suffering from certain health conditions like stomach ulcers and intestinal obstructions. Pregnant women should also avoid taking them unless recommended by a doctor.
Pear Benefits for skin:
Daily intake of pears can help to keep your skin hydrated, soft, and young-looking. They are also rich in Vitamin C which is beneficial for the human body.
Pear benefits for hair:
Pears contain high levels of iron which helps to prevent hair loss, breakage and split end. Daily intake of pears can help to keep your hair hydrated, soft, and shiny.
Pear benefits weight loss:
Pears are high in fiber content which makes them a great food to prevent constipation. Fiber also plays an important role in promoting weight loss because it helps to decrease hunger pangs and appetite. Pears can be a great fruit to include in a weight loss diet.
Pear benefits for acne:
Pears contain high levels of Vitamin C, which is known to prevent wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. It is also beneficial for oily skin because Vitamin C promotes collagen production thus improving the elasticity of the skin cells. If you have sensitive skin, pears can be a great addition to your diet because they contain soothing properties that help to reduce inflammation and redness.
Pear benefits for baby:
Pears are high in iron which is important for healthy blood cells and helps to prevent anemia (deficiency of red blood cells). They also contain Vitamin C which plays an important role in producing collagen, a protein that makes the connective tissues strong and firm.
Pear benefits for cancer:
Pears are rich in antioxidants which play an important role in fighting cancer. They contain polyphenols (plant-based chemicals with antioxidant properties) like catechins, quercetin, and kaempferol. These substances help to protect the body against cancer-causing agents like free radicals.
Pear benefits for bone health:
Pears are rich in boron, an essential mineral that helps to strengthen bones and improve bone mass density (BMD). They also contain Vitamin C which is known to prevent loss of bone mass.
Pear benefits for weight gain:
Pears are high in fiber content which makes them a great food to prevent constipation. Fiber also plays an important role in promoting weight gain because it helps to decrease hunger pangs and appetite.
Pear benefits for blood pressure:
Pears are rich in potassium which is beneficial for controlling high blood pressure. Being a diuretic food, pears are known to help reduce fluid retention by flushing excess water from the body. Potassium is also beneficial for preventing the hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis).
Pear benefits for diabetics:
Pears are low on Glycemic Index (GI), which makes them suitable for diabetic patients because high GI foods can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Pears contain polyphenols (plant-based chemicals with antioxidant properties) like catechins, quercetin, and kaempferol. These substances help to protect the body against cancer-causing agents like free radicals.
Pear benefits for heart health:
Pears contain a high level of potassium which is beneficial for controlling high blood pressure. Eating pears can also help to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Pears contain polyphenols (plant-based chemicals with antioxidant properties) like catechins, quercetin, and kaempferol. These substances help to protect the body against cancer-causing agents like free radicals.
Pear benefits for digestion:
Pears are low on Glycemic Index (GI), which makes them suitable for diabetic patients because high GI foods can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Pears contain fiber content that is beneficial for preventing constipation. Pears are also high in Vitamin C which helps to improve the absorption of iron from other sources and reduces diarrhea.
Pear benefits for respiratory health:
Pears contain a high level of Vitamin C which in addition to strengthening the immune system also helps to prevent colds and cough. People suffering from chronic bronchitis can find relief by adding pear juice to their regular diet.
Pear benefits for eyes:
Pears are high in Vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells of the eyes against free radical damage, thus preventing blindness and improving night vision.