:: Pears Benefits

The Many Benefits of Pears

The pear is a fruit that is closely related to apples and quinces. Pears have green, yellow, red or brown skin and white or cream-colored flesh. The fruit are soft and sweet with a buttery yet grainy texture.

Today, more than 5,000 varieties of pears are grown in many countries around the world. The commonest edible varieties are the European pear, the Nashi pear and the Chinese white pear.

Pears can be eaten fresh and raw or used in desserts, pies and pastries. Pears also make great juices and smoothies. Pears also offer several therapeutic and health benefits.

Benefits of Pears

• Pears are rich in fiber, and thus, helpful in maintaining a healthy colon. The fiber content also promotes cardiovascular health, thereby preventing heart disease, strokes and atherosclerosis. Consumption of high-fiber fruits like pears also help prevent constipation and other digestive illnesses.
  
  
• Pears are rich in Vitamin C. Thus, they strengthen immunity and ward off common viral illnesses like the flu and the common cold. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, flushing out harmful toxins and free radicals, preventing premature aging and tissue damage.
  
  
• Pears and apples both contain pectin, which lowers levels of bad cholesterol in the body.
  
  
• Drinking pear juice regularly boosts energy, as the juice is abundant in natural sugars like fructose and glucose. A pear is a healthier alternative to coffee whenever you need a quick energy boost.
  
  
• Pears have anti-inflammatory effects. They help reduce fever and pain caused by arthritis.
  
  
• Pregnant women can eat pears to lower the risk of their baby developing neural tube defects. This is because of the fruit's folate content of the fruit.

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