Benefits of pears for digestion and cardiovascular health
An average pear contains about 5.5g of fiber, equivalent to 22% of the recommended daily requirement. Fiber not only supports bowel movements, soothes stools, reduces constipation but also helps control low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL, commonly known as bad cholesterol), thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
In addition to fiber, pears are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, copper and antioxidants. These substances help the body fight free radicals, limit inflammation and protect cells. Thanks to that, pears are considered a fruit that can reduce the risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Jonathan Purtell, a nutritionist at Lenox Hill Hospital (New York, USA) commented: "Le is an excellent source of fiber. Eating pears regularly can help improve bowel movements, balance cholesterol and support long-term heart health."
One study showed that adults with metabolic syndrome who ate two pears a day for three months had positive results: a smaller waist, stable blood pressure and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
When should you limit your pear intake?
Although pears are generally healthy, not everyone is suitable to eat a lot. Due to its high fructose content, pears are a food group rich in FODMAP, which can easily cause bloating and indigestion in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
For healthy people, eating one pear a day is safe, says Dr. Yoshua Quinones, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University. But for people with digestive problems, it is necessary to adjust the amount of food to avoid bloating and discomfort".
In addition, pear allergy is rare but can still occur, especially in people who are sensitive to eucalyptus pollen. If after eating pears, you experience a sore throat, rash or shortness of breath, you should stop eating and see a doctor.
Comparison with apples and other popular pears
Pears and apples are both rich sources of vitamins and fiber, have a low glycemic index, suitable for people with diabetes. Pears are more prominent for their copper, iron and vitamin K content, while apples contain more vitamins A and E.
Popular pear varieties include Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, Concorde and Forelle. Asian pears often have more vitamin C and fiber than European pears. When choosing canned pears, you should prioritize preserving them in natural juices over syrup to avoid excess sugar.
Pears are an easy-to-find, nutritious fruit that brings many benefits to digestion, cardiovascular health and overall health. However, people with intestinal diseases or allergies need to be careful. Eating pears in moderation, combined with a variety of other vegetables and fruits, will help the body stay healthy and prevent many chronic diseases.
