Autumn pears are delicious and highly nutritious, making them a favorite fruit among many people. However, it is essential to know the right way to eat pears to ensure the body absorbs the nutrients effectively.
Pears are rich in nutrients: They contain water, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin PP, and vitamins from groups P, C, beta-carotene, and folic acid. Whether eaten raw, juiced, cooked, or steamed, pears are known for their excellent medicinal properties.
In addition to being a valuable remedy for respiratory diseases, pears are also used to treat issues related to circulation, cardiovascular health, hypertension, digestion, liver problems, ophthalmology, dental issues, and joint diseases, including gout and skin health.
Unexpected Benefits of Pears
Pears are just as delicious and nutritious as apples. Below are some surprising benefits of pears listed by Popsugar.
- Pears are one of the richest sources of fiber, helping the body meet the recommended daily fiber intake and preventing constipation and colon cancer. A high-fiber diet also reduces cholesterol levels and lowers the risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes.
Photo: bodybyfadi.com.
- Pears are rich in vitamins C, K, B2, B3, and B6. For pregnant women or those breastfeeding, pears provide folate. This fruit also contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese. Eating pears is beneficial for the immune system and cancer prevention.
- Boron found in pears is essential for the body to retain calcium and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- Cancer prevention: The fiber in pears binds to secondary bile acids, thereby preventing colon cancer and other intestinal issues. According to the British newspaper Express, pears contain powerful anti-cancer compounds that may help prevent fatal cancers. Studies show that pears can combat colorectal and lung cancers. Additionally, a study involving 478,000 people found that a higher pear consumption reduced the risk of developing lung cancer. Researchers explain that the anti-cancer effects of pears are attributed to the presence of anthocyanin antioxidants, which inhibit tumor formation and growth.
- Weight loss: Besides fiber, pears are low in calories, making them ideal for those looking to lose weight. One pear provides about 100 calories, so incorporating pears into your daily diet can help you feel full longer. In a 12-week study, participants who ate two pears daily reduced their waist size by 1.1 inches (1 inch is 2.54 cm), according to Times of India.
- Cardiovascular health: Pears are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, and strokes.
- Cholesterol reduction: Pectin and fiber in pears may help lower blood cholesterol levels.
- Inflammation prevention: Compounds in pears possess high anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Pears contain an antioxidant called flavonoid, which may help combat inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases related to the cardiovascular system.
- Improved digestion: Due to their high fiber content, pears can help prevent diarrhea, constipation, and loose stools. A healthy gut will enhance your digestive system’s efficiency, making it easier to have bowel movements and ensuring your internal organs function properly, thus aiding in effective weight loss, according to Times of India.
- Plant nutrients from pears protect against stomach cancer.
- Pears do not cause allergies, making them suitable for those with sensitive constitutions.
- Eating pears daily reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration in older adults.
- Blood sugar control: A medium-sized pear contains up to 84% water. With its high fiber and vitamin content, this fruit helps regulate blood sugar levels effectively. Pears enhance insulin sensitivity and have a low glycemic index of 38. Diabetics can eat one pear daily to curb sweet cravings without harm. However, it is advisable not to consume too many.
- Enhanced cardiovascular health: The antioxidant procyanidin found in pears can reduce heart tissue stiffness, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and raise HDL (good) cholesterol.
A note for you: The skin of pears contains quercetin, an antioxidant that combats cancer and lowers blood pressure, so it is best to eat pears with the skin on.
Considerations When Eating Pears
When consuming this fruit, avoid eating it with radishes, amaranth, or goose meat, as it may cause adverse reactions in the body, potentially leading to poisoning, thyroid swelling, stomach pain, etc.
Excessive pear consumption can also lead to digestive disorders due to excess fructose in the body. Digestive issues can lead to various stomach ailments.
Pear-Based Remedies
Steamed pears with rock sugar are used for “lung heat” coughs.
- 1. Steamed Pears with Rock Sugar: Cut off the top, remove the core, add honey or rock sugar, and steam until cooked. This remedy is used for “lung heat” dry coughs and for pregnant women who often experience nausea.
- Pear and Lotus Root Juice: Peel and core 500g of pears and extract the juice. For lotus root, use 500g, remove the joints, peel, chop, and extract the juice. Mix the two juices and drink as a substitute for water to treat dry coughs and dry throat.
- Pear and Chinese Yam: Peel and core the pear, cut off the top, and add 10g of Chinese yam powder and 30g of rock sugar inside the pear. Steam and eat over 1-2 times in the morning and evening. This remedy is for prolonged coughs, dry or thick phlegm.
- Pear and Radish: Use 1kg of pears (peeled and cored), 1kg of white radish, 250g of fresh ginger, 250g of condensed milk, and 250ml of honey. Extract the juice from the pears, radish, and ginger separately.
Combine the pear and radish juice in a pot, boil vigorously, then simmer until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Add ginger juice, hot milk, and honey, stir well, and continue simmering until boiling, then remove from heat. Allow to cool and store in a jar. This is suitable for symptoms of lung yin deficiency (afternoon fever, prolonged cough, little and thick phlegm, constipation, yellow and scanty urine, and weakness).
