Apart from being nutritious, pear is a fruit that can be used in a variety of dishes and products. It's loved by many for its juicy, sweet flavor and for its health benefits.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the nutrition in pears and the health benefits provided by it along with the types of foods best eaten with them.
Nutrition In Pears
Pears are nutrient-dense and low in calories, making them a great choice for weight-loss diets.
The nutrition in pears makes them an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, which helps support the digestive system. A medium-sized pear contains about 100 calories, 27 grams of carbs, six grams of fiber, one gram of protein, and 0.3 grams of fat.
Pears contain antioxidants called polyphenols, which may protect against heart disease and cancer by fighting free radicals — harmful molecules that cause cell damage when they oxidize DNA.
The fruit is also a good source of vitamin C and K. Vitamin C helps maintain healthy skin tissue, while vitamin K contributes to strong bones by helping with blood clotting.
Health benefits
- High in fiber, pears are a good source of fiber and may help prevent constipation.
- Pears are high in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can help prevent damage to tissues in the body, strengthen bones, and boost immunity.
- Pears have potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and keeps the heart beating regularly. Pears also helps with digesting carbohydrates and absorbing sodium, and water retention. Potassium deficiency can cause muscle weakness or abnormal heart rhythms.
- Pears contain manganese, which works with enzyme systems to form bone matrix components such as collagen. It also helps cells produce energy from glucose, healthy skin, and hair. Manganese is needed by enzymes involved with carbohydrate metabolism.
Potential health risks
Like most food products, pears are not without their risks. While most of these risks are minimal and easily avoided with a little knowledge, some do require more active measures. Despite the nutrition in pears, they come with certain health risks:
- Some types of pear have been shown to contain sulphites, which can cause allergic reactions or other health issues. This risk is highest for those with asthma or allergies to sulphites and other preservatives.
- Pears may be more likely than other fruits to cause bloating due to the large amount of fiber they contain, but that usually goes away quickly.
Uses
Apart from the nutrition in pears, they also offer a ton of versatility in the kitchen. Here're some of their most common uses:
- Pears are used in baked goods and desserts, such as pies and tarts.
- Poached pears are served hot or cold with a sweet sauce of sugar and red wine vinegar.
- Pears poached in white wine with cinnamon sticks, cloves, honey, nutmeg, and lemon juice can be served hot or cold over ice cream or yogurt.
- Pickling
- Fruit salads can be made from sliced pears marinated in red-wine vinegar for ten minutes before serving them at room temperature or chilled. The dish pairs well with prosciutto or salami on a cheese plate as an appetizer option for entertaining guests during the holidays or any time of year.
Takeaway
Pear is a wonderful fruit that can be enjoyed by all. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The pear nutrition profile show that the fruit can be a healthy option to indulge in.
Pear health benefits help us understand how much good the fruit can do. So the next time you crave for something sweet, go ahead and have some pears.