Keep reading to learn all about the health benefits of pears. Scroll down!
Health Benefits Of Pears
Check out here 30 best pear benefits:
1. Fights Against Free Radicals
The presence of vitamin C, vitamin K, and copper in pears fights against free radicals that damage our body cells (1).
2. Prevents Heart Diseases
One of the best benefits of pears include the presence of fiber, which minimizes the risk of stroke and protects us from heart diseases (1). Daily intake of fiber rich food like pears may reduce the risk of stroke by up to 50%.
3. May Treat Cancer
According to the study, pears showed anti-mutagenic and anti-cancer activities by several mechanisms (2). A few studies suggest that eating a diet rich in fruits, such as pears, may help against certain cancers, such as lung, stomach, and bladder (3) (4).
4. Lower Risk Of Allergic Reactions
Anecdotal evidence says that pears, when compared with other fruits, have less chance of allergic reactions when eaten and thus are one of the few fruits that can be given to infants. However, it doesn’t mean that pears do not cause allergic reactions at all. Pear allergies do occur but are rare. Usually, they occur because the proteins in pears are similar to the proteins in pollen, particularly birch pollen. If you have hay fever and are allergic to birch pollen, you also may experience pear allergy symptoms.
5. Controls Blood Sugar Level
According to a study, foods high in anthocyanin, such as pears, can help reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes (5). Even though it is slightly sweet, with a low glycerin index and high fiber content, pears help in controlling the sugar levels in the blood and prevent diabetes.
6. Boosts Immune System
The high content of antioxidants like vitamin C and copper helps in boosting the immune system of the body to fight against various diseases (6).
7. Prevents Osteoporosis
Bone problems are very common these days. So in order to keep those bones healthy and prevent osteoporosis, it is very important to maintain the pH of the body and eat a recommended amount of calcium daily. pH of the body can be maintained through diet by consuming fruits and vegetables daily. The boron-rich pears can help to absorb the calcium consumed easily (1).
8. Increases Energy Levels
The high glucose content in pears may give you instant energy when you feel weak. It gets absorbed very quickly by the body and converts into energy.
9. Digestion
A medium-sized pear contains around 20-25% of the recommended daily intake of fiber. Since its fiber is insoluble, it moves through the colon easily and prevents colon polyps. The high fiber content helps improve digestion (6).
10. Pregnancy
Folic acid is very important for a pregnant woman to keep the baby safe from birth defects. Folic acid present in pears can help you in this issue, and it is recommended to consume regularly during pregnancy (6).
11. For Weaning Children
For weaning children, it is always recommended to give pears because it is hypoallergenic and is a low acidic fruit. So it doesn’t create any digestion related problems (6). This pear fruit can be peeled, heated, and then pureed. The peel also can be fed, but it is very important to take care that it doesn’t have any harsh edges that can hurt children. Pears should not be given to children with diarrhea.
12. May Prevent Gallbladder, Colitis, Arthritis, Gout
Pears help to prevent gallbladder problems, colitis, arthritis and gout if taken regularly (7).
13. Blood Pressure
Anti-carcinogen glutathione and antioxidants present in pears help in controlling the blood pressure (1).
14. Fever
Pears help in curing fever easily with its cooling effects (6).
15. Inflammation
Pears have anti-inflammation properties which help to reduce inflammation of arthritis and other such problems (6).
16. Shortness Of Breath
During summers shortness of breath is quite common due to heat in both children and adults. So it is recommended to take pears during those hot days.
17. Throat Problems
Pears prevent throat problems during summers. So, it is good to take a pear a day or a glass of its juice will do the work (1). To get all the benefits of pears, take them regularly during these hot summer days.
Skin Benefits Of Pears
Find out what are the amazing pear benefits for skin here:
18. Fibers Prevent Skin Damage
Pears are loaded with dietary fibers which play a pivotal role in keeping our skin smooth and soft. They decelerate the discharge of sugar into the bloodstream and prevent the damage of skin collagen (a certain type of protein) caused due to frequent sugar spikes. Consequently, we get a smooth skin and plump look.
19. Keep Wrinkles Away
Munch on pears daily to stay away from aging (6). The fruit is rich in vitamin C – a super-effective antioxidant, vitamin K, and copper. All these elements are capable of combating harmful free radicals thereby protecting our skin cells from severe damages. It eventually helps in toning up the skin and curtailing the formation of fine lines near our eyes as well as lip area.
20. Treat Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, pears can be really beneficial for you (6). Just smash a pear and mix fresh cream and honey with it. Use this paste thrice a week as a face mask and the over secretion of the sebaceous glands present in your skin will reduce to a great extent.
21. Get Acne-Free Skin
People with acne-prone skin can also be benefited by pears (6). Pears contain high levels of vital vitamins and essential minerals. These fruits can boost their immunity and make them stronger internally. As a result, their skin becomes able to fight against acne, pimples and all other types of skin infections from inside.
22. Stay Moisturized For Long
Pears are not only good for oily skin, but are also good for dry and flaky skin. They contain natural humectants, which help balance the normal water content of the skin and retain its natural moisture. Hence, the extract of this fruit is widely used in making moisturizing lotion (6). Regular intake of pear juice can also make your skin even and smooth.
23. Effective Natural Scrub
The natural enzymes present in the fruit make it a great scrubbing agent (6). You can easily get rid of the dead skin cells present in the superficial layer of your skin by blending a mashed pear in your regular face pack and exfoliating your skin with it. The fruit extract can also be used as a gentle peel for accelerating cell turnover.
24. Good For Lip Treatment
Pears are excellent for our lips (6). The credit goes to the lactic acid present in its extract. This acid content of the fruit can keep the cells of your lips healthy and hydrated for long so that you get a soft and smooth pout.
25. Anti-Inflammatory By Nature
The anti-inflammatory properties of pears work as a beauty remedy (6). Consuming pears or using any beauty products containing its extract does not impose any allergic reactions. Hence, it is good for skin and useful for infants too.
Hair Benefits Of Pears
26. Healthy And Nourished Hair
When it comes to the most excellent hair benefits of pears, the first thing that should be included in the list is its ability to make hair healthy and nourished (6). Pears, especially the ripe ones, contain a natural sugar alcohol named ‘sorbitol’ or ‘glucitol’, which feeds the hair roots, nourishes the scalp and keeps the hair moisturized in order to make it healthy.
27. Reduce Hair Dryness
The moisturizing property of pears is extremely beneficial for reducing the dryness of our hair (6). Moreover, it holds lots of vitamin C, which works as a natural antioxidant and helps keep the hair strands conditioned by maintaining the health of the hair cells.
28. Tame Your Frizzy Hair
From regular consumption of pears to giving your tresses a treatment with the fruit – everything is helpful for eliminating those ugly tangles. Your frizzy hair can easily become manageable with the help of pears.
29. Restore The Lost Shine
If you are worried about your dull and unattractive hair, pears can be of help. All you need to do is to prepare a natural hair mask at your home by mixing the extract of 1 fresh and ripe pear, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and water. This is a great hair revitalizer that can revive your dull hair and restore its lost shine (6).
30. Maintain Curly And Colored Locks
Maintaining the curls and shades of your hair can be much easier with the application of pear hair pack. To make such a pack (6). peel and smash a pear properly and then form a smooth paste by adding soybean oil to it. Now, spread this paste all over your hair evenly. After an hour, wash it off with a mild shampoo. The difference will be easily visible!
How To Select And Store Pears
Choosing the right pears and storing them in a perfect manner are essential for getting the most out of the fruits. Here is a guide for you:
1. How To Select The Right Pears
Ripe-to-fall pears are the best to pick. If the skin of the fruit is bright and glossy, do give it a miss. Rather go for the ones that are matte golden in color, featuring a nice fragrant and having a little soft neck. A good pear should be firm enough (not too stiff). The skin of the fruit must be even as well as damage-free. Even if it has a bit of russet (brownish patches) on the skin, go for it as there will be nothing wrong with the flavor or the benefits of the fruit. While buying a pear, make sure that the top portion (close to the stem) is neither too soft nor too rigid. In order to do so, just press that area lightly with your fingertips instead of squeezing the entire fruit.
2. How To Store The Selected Pears
If you want to store ripe pears, put them simply in the refrigerator. Conversely, if you wish to make them ripened at room temperature, place them in a bowl without washing as moisture can decompose the fruit fast. You can also help the pears to be fully grown by keeping them in a pierced paper bag. It will help them get enough oxygen and slow down the decay or over-ripening.
Pear Nutrition Facts
How To Eat / Cook Pears
Now, when you have almost all the information about pears, get ready to know how to eat pears. Here are some tips for you: What is healthier: pear or apple? Check out the infographic below to know the key benefits that pears bring to your skin. Both the fruits are loaded with many beneficial nutrients that can significantly promote overall health. However, while the apple is richer in most nutrients, the pear has more zinc and vitamins B3 and K. Which of the two you pick depends on your choice and your health conditions. Do pears help you sleep? Yes, pears may help you sleep. However, quality research is lacking to back this claim. Do pears make you poop? Yes, pears help in relieving constipation. They are rich in fiber that helps manage constipation and the associated pain.
