Pears are one of the fruits that are juicy, sweet, and the perfect and healthy way to satiate your sweet tooth. And guess what, it comes with a plethora of health benefits as well. Pears are studded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and other nutritional values that provide your body with much needed nutrients. Including pears in your diet will ensure your body is provided with several health benefits ranging from good digestion, weight management, and boosting heart health. So, are you ready to read all the health benefits of pears?
HealthShots spoke to Priya Palan, Dietitian, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, to know the benefits of pears.
She said, “Pears are a source of many nutrients including fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Along with this, they are high in phytochemicals, especially antioxidants.” All in all, pears are sweet and nutrient-rich fruit with various health benefits.
Here are the health benefits of pears, according to Palan:
1. Improves gut health
We already know that fiber works brilliantly for digestion, and also helps in improving other digestive issues such as constipation. Pears showed to be good for digestive issues because they contain a soluble fiber called pectin, which nourishes gut bacteria and improves gut health. So, for better digestion consume pears regularly.
2. Fights inflammation
Palan said that pears are a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants, which help to fight inflammation and protect against certain diseases.
3. May boost heart health
Pears are good for your heart health as well. According to Palan, “The fiber present in pears plays a role in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, thus decreasing the risk of heart diseases.” Plus, pears have other heart-beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C and antioxidants.
4. Helps alleviate arthritis and headache
Flavonoids present in pears can help with arthritis and headaches as well. How? Well, the major cause of pain in such conditions is inflammation. And flavonoids found in pears fight inflammation effectively and reduce the risk of inflammation, and thus improve both conditions.
5. Fights free radicals
Being a good source of antioxidants like vitamin C, K, and copper, pears help to protect cells from the damage of free radicals.
6. Healthy snack
Palan said that pears are low in calories, high in water and fiber which make it the best snacking option for weight watchers.
Can pears help manage diabetes?
Pears are a good source of fiber and have a low glycemic index, thus do not raise blood glucose very quickly. A person with diabetes can eat a pear as long as they keep the portion in mind along with a healthy diet.