Homer called pears “gift of the gods,” many nutritionists call pears “nutritional powerhouses,” and we simply enjoy this delicious fruit. Unfortunately, the health benefits of pears are underrated. While you’re usually better off eating an apple, a sweet, juicy pear is a tasty and healthy snack choice that will help curb your appetite and stop sugar cravings.
It’s loaded with essential nutrients, fiber, and powerful antioxidants that help fight cancer, boost your immune system and improve your overall health. Next time you are hungry, munch on a pear to reap all its health benefits and satisfy your sweet tooth. I’m going to share a few reasons why pears are so good for us.
Table of contents:
- Pears are good for your heart
- Pears are good for your eyes
- Pears increase your brainpower and boost your energy levels
- Pears help control diabetes
- Pears help prevent cancer
1. Pears are good for your heart
Heart disease is the single leading cause of death in the US and many studies claim that by 2020 it will be the main cause of death around the globe. Believe it or not, a pear a day may keep heart attacks and strokes away. The thing is, pears are plentiful in dietary fiber that helps keep your heart healthy.
It also helps reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. Lower your risk of stroke by up to 50 percent by eating pears every day.
2. Pears are good for your eyes
Due to their high antioxidant and vitamin content, pears are among the best foods that nourish and protect the eyes. Studies show that eating pears on a daily basis can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. That sounds to me like a great reason to eat a pear each day.
More: 9 Best Foods to Eat for Healthy Eyes
3. Pears increase your brainpower and boost your energy levels
One medium pear contains 15 percent of the recommended daily intake of copper‚ a trace mineral that helps keep your nervous system healthy, increasing your brainpower. If you are feeling sluggish in the early afternoon, snack on a pear to boost your energy levels and accomplish your tasks faster. Pears are an excellent source of fructose and glucose that will help keep your energy high all day long. I love adding pears to my morning smoothies for all-day energy.
4. Pears help control diabetes
Pears have a low glycemic index of 38. They help prevent a spike in blood sugar and control the levels of blood glucose. Pears can also help you keep your weight under control. They are low in calories and high in nutrients that help speed up weight loss and boost your immune system.
5. Pears help prevent cancer
Due to its high fiber content, pears can also help prevent different types of cancer, including colon cancer and postmenopausal breast cancer. Moreover, pears are high in potent antioxidants in the form of vitamin C that protects your cells from free radicals. One medium pear contains about 11 percent of the recommended vitamin C intake.
As an added bonus, pears contain hydroxycinnamic acid that helps prevent lung and stomach cancers. Since pear skin contains the majority of antioxidants, it’s highly recommended to eat pears with the skin.
Nowadays pears are underrated and I have no idea why. Fresh, canned, or baked, pears have a plethora of wonderful health benefits. Apart from the benefits mentioned above, eating pears helps improve digestion, prevent constipation, maintain healthy cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, relieve fever, improve bone health, and many more.
I don’t recommend eating canned pears, but if you love them, opt for versions that have no added sugar. You can use pears in smoothies, salads, desserts, sandwiches, or you can enjoy baked pears with cinnamon, honey, and walnuts. One of my favorite ways to eat my pear a day is to slice it and add it to my spinach salad with Parmesan cheese dressing.
What about you? What’s your favorite way to eat pears? If you’re not eating pears yet, why not start today?
