Pear fruit, scientifically known as Pyrus communis, is a delicious and nutritious fruit that is grown in all temperate regions of the world. The production of pears is second only to apples and it is consumed in a variety of ways including fresh, cooked, dried, or after converting it into a fermented cider-like beverage called “perry”. They are also processed as diced pieces for fruit cocktails, canned halves, and puree for baby food, making them a versatile and appealing addition to any diet. [1] Pear fruit in Hindi is also known as ‘Amritphale’ because of its immense benefits in human health care. [4] Beyond their delightful taste, pears offer numerous health benefits that contribute to overall well-being. In this article, we will explore 20 pear fruit uses and health benefits of consuming pear fruit.
20 Incredible Health Benefits of Pear Fruit
1. Aids in Cancer Prevention:
Pear fruit benefits are also because of the high content of antioxidants in them which contribute to cancer prevention. These help with tissue regeneration while antioxidants combat free radicals that may lead to cancer development. The carotenoids in pears also support the prevention of degenerative diseases like cancer [3] especially uterine cancer in menopausal women. [4]
2. Reduces the Risk of Stroke:
The high potassium content in pears helps lower the risk of stroke. Potassium regulates blood pressure, reduces the strain on blood vessels, and promotes healthy blood flow to the brain. [3]
3. Enhances Cardiovascular Health:
The fiber and potassium content in pears contributes to cardiovascular health. Fiber helps reduce cholesterol levels, while potassium regulates blood pressure and improves heart function. The phytochemicals in pear also help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. [3]
4. Nourishes the lung and prevents respiratory diseases:
Pear has remedial properties that help dispel noxious substances and this principle has been used by Chinese doctors to nourish the lung, relieve coughs, promote salivation, and eliminate phlegm. [3] It also helps alleviate vocal cord inflammation, nourishes the throat, and keeps throat problems at bay. [4]
5. Enhances Brain Function:
Pears contain antioxidants that protect brain cells from oxidative stress and damage. Regular consumption of pears may prevent the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinsonism, Huntington’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. [4]
6. Regulates Blood Pressure and reduces cholesterol levels:
The potassium content in pears helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels. [3] Pears are also rich sources of pectin which helps lower levels of LDL, triglycerides, and VLDL thus reducing the risk of high cholesterol. [4]
7. Rich in Essential Nutrients:
Pears are packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. They are also rich in phytochemicals, especially antioxidants and these nutrients play vital roles in maintaining overall health, supporting the immune system, and aiding in digestion. [2]
8. Promotes Digestive Health:
With high fiber content, pears are excellent for digestive health. The fiber in pears helps prevent constipation, promotes regular bowel movements, and supports a healthy digestive system. Pear juice also aids in the treatment of diarrhea and the management of dehydration in young children. [3]
9. Promotes urinary health:
Pears fruit benefits also include their high arbutin content, making them an excellent choice for relieving urinary infections and acting as an effective urodisinfectant. [4]
10. Supports Eye Health:
Green-skinned pears contain nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin that are beneficial for eye health and maintain clear vision. These nutrients protect against macular degeneration, cataracts, and other age-related eye disorders. [3]
11. Maintains blood sugar levels:
Pears contain abundant quantities of fiber which have no calories and thus form the basis of a balanced diet as it helps maintain blood sugar levels and promote regularity. These soluble fibers contribute to regulating the body’s use of sugar and the phenolic compounds in it also reduce the risk of diabetes. [3]
12. Enhances Immune System:
Pears are an excellent source of zinc and a vital vitamin, vitamin C, which play a crucial role in supporting the immune system. Consuming pears can help strengthen the body’s defenses against common illnesses and infections as well as helps heal wounds and bruises. [3]
13. Reduces Inflammation:
Certain compounds found in pears possess anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the body. Regular consumption of pears may alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and promote overall well-being. [3]
14. Strengthens Bones:
Pears contain important minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals can help maintain healthy bones [3] and preventing conditions like osteoporosis. [4]
15. Supports Pregnancy:
Pears are a good source of folate, a B vitamin crucial for healthy fetal development. Consuming pears during pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects and promote overall maternal health. [4]
16. Reduces blood alcohol levels:
If you have a pear before a drinking session it can go a long way in cutting down blood alcohol level and hangover symptoms. The fruit works with certain enzymes in our body in a manner that alcohol is metabolized quickly. [4]
17. Wound healing effect:
According to research pear fruit is effective in accelerating the healing of different types of wounds. It actively contributes to multiple stages of the healing process. Astringent tannins found in pears help to constrict wounds, the antioxidant vitamin C promotes the production of collagen, the key protein responsible for skin structure, and phytoconstituent arbutin exhibits bacteriostatic properties, that aid in reducing the risk of wound infections. [4]
18. Supports Weight Loss:
Due to their pectin content, pear fruit benefits become more pronounced as they can be a valuable addition to weight loss diets. They have the ability to bind to fatty substances present in the digestive tract and help eliminate them from the body.[4]
19. Promotes Healthy Skin:
Pears are rich in antioxidants that combat free radicals, which can damage the skin and accelerate aging. These antioxidants help maintain healthy skin, [3] and the arbutin in pears also acts as a skin whitening agent and thus makes it an important ingredient in cosmetic products. It helps in treating oily skin, removes acne, acts as a skin moisturizer, and effective natural scrub to improve skin tone. [4]
20. Helps in hair care:
Pear fruit uses include incorporating it into your daily diet as this contributes to nourishing and maintaining healthy hair. Applying pear-based hair packs effectively manages curly hair by reducing frizz and enhancing its appearance. These hair packs also play a significant role in combating dryness, restoring moisture, and revitalizing the hair’s natural shine. [4]
FAQs
1.What is the benefit of pear fruit according to Ayurvedic science?
According to Ayurveda, consuming pear before meals can help alleviate digestive issues such as acidity. In Ayurvedic terms, hyperacidity refers to an excessive level of stomach acid, which is often associated with aggravated Pitta dosha. The cooling nature of pear, attributed to its Sitala (cooling property) property, can assist in reducing acidity and balancing Pitta dosha.
2.How do pears help keep allergies at bay?
Quercetin, a natural antioxidant found in pears, has been shown to help alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing the release of histamine in the body. Consuming pears may provide relief for those suffering from seasonal allergies.
3.How to eat pear fruit?
Pears can be eaten like apples by holding and biting around the core. They can also be peeled, sliced, eaten raw, used in salads, poached, or baked.
Conclusion:
The pear fruit is a delicious treat and a powerhouse of health benefits. From promoting your digestive health to boosting your immune system and skin health, pears offer many advantages. Including pears in your diet can contribute to overall well-being and support a healthy lifestyle.
Disclaimer:
This article is written from a health and wellness perspective and is not medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a certified medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.
