Pears are refreshing and healthy fruits. They are rich in fiber and antioxidants, and regular consumption of these fruits contributes to the loss of excess weight, the stabilization of sugar in the bloodstream. Interested in the abilities of these fruits? And this is only a small part of the huge list of benefits.
General characteristics
Pear is a representative of the Pink family, which, in addition to flowers, includes a long list of delicious berries and fruits. Apples, cherries, plums, peaches, medlar, raspberries also belong to this family. The fruits of the pear tree come in many different shades: green, red, yellow and even brown. Some of the varieties do not change their color after ripening, which complicates the choice of the fetus by maturity. Ripe fruits are sweet, tasty and rich in healthy substances, they are at the same time as crispy as apples and juicy like peaches.
Scientists have been discussing the origin of this plant for several years now. Some believe that European pears (ordinary) and Asian (Ussuri) developed as two different plants, but at about the same time (approximately in 1000 BC). In addition to these varieties, other species of this tree grew in different parts of Africa. But according to the latest studies, the birthplace of pears can be called China.
Asian pears have a crunchy texture, they are harder and do not change after harvest, ideal for storage. European varieties are soft and juicy after ripening.
Today pears are grown in almost all countries. But on a global scale, China is considered the largest producer of these fruits – it accounts for almost 3/4 of the total volume of pears. Also for industrial purposes, the fruit is grown in Argentina, the USA, some European countries, New Zealand, South Korea. More than 3 thousand varieties are known, which differ in size, color, shape and taste of fruits. ..
Pear varieties
The fruits cultivated in our latitudes can be classified into 3 groups:
- winter varieties;
- autumn;
- summer ..
Winter varieties
They tolerate cold well and are intended for storage (some do not lose their qualities until spring). Ripen in October. Harvesting begins shortly before full maturity (before falling off the tree).
Cure – the fruit of a dense consistency, tart taste, average taste and aroma.
Etude Kiev – with juicy oily pulp, pleasant sourish taste and pink aroma; prone to fading.
Bere Ardanpon is a Belgian variety, the fruits are stored until February. Slightly tart, but sweet and mild, can reach 500 g in weight.
Kyrgyz winter – fruits with coarse-grained pulp, tart, with a characteristic taste.
November – very juicy, sweet and sour, with a delicate aroma.
Autumn varieties
Ripen by early November, stored no longer than one and a half months, quickly lose their taste and shape. Good for jams, compotes and other types of preservation.
Otradnenskaya – almost devoid of smell and juiciness, with a sweet and sour taste.
Admiral Gervais – French variety with a sweet-sour taste, juicy flesh and expressive smell.
Memory of Zhegalov – sweet and sour fruits, with juicy, slightly grainy pulp, fragrant.
Duchess pear is a French variety with a characteristic taste, tender pulp and pronounced aroma.
Summer varieties
Ripen by July. Rot quickly, poorly suited for storage. After about two weeks, they lose their taste and beautiful appearance.
Lemon – easily recognizable by lemon blossom, dense pulp with a watery taste.
Lada – fruit with a sweet and sour taste, tender pulp of medium juiciness.
White Leaf – yellowish, juicy and dense.
The rip-off is greenish with ruddy sides, sweet and sour, stored for no more than 10-12 days.
Rogneda – fruits with a thin skin, yellow with red sides, sweet with a nutmeg flavor.
Bere Giffard – green fruits with red-orange sides, with delicate sourish pulp.
The nutritional value
Pears are a rich source of phenolic phytonutrients and fiber, and they also contain many vitamins and minerals. Researchers estimate that 84% pears are water and 15% carbohydrates. One medium pear (weighing about 180 g) contains almost 100 calories.
One pear tree fruit is usually around 5-6 g of fiber. It is necessary for the body for the proper process of digestion. In addition, this substance can prevent many diseases. In addition to fiber, one fruit can provide more 200 mg of potassium, and it is known to be necessary for the proper functioning of the heart and the functionality of the muscles. The main vitamin for immunity – ascorbic acid, in pears is also represented in abundance. One medium fruit is almost 8 mg of vitamin C. Also in this fruit is vitamin K, which is responsible for blood clotting, and vitamin A – a substance that is good for eye health.
Nutritional value at 100 g farmer-online.com
Caloric value
57 kcal
Water 84 g Proteins 0,3 g Fats 0,1 g Carbohydrates 15,2 g Vitamin A 1,12 μg Vitamin C 4,43 mg Vitamin E 0,13 mg Vitamin K 4,41 μg Vitamin B1 0,01 mg Vitamin B2 0,06 mg Vitamin B3 0,17 mg Vitamin B5 0,08 mg Vitamin B6 0,03 mg Folic acid 7 μg Choline 5,27 mg Calcium 9,21 mg Iron 0,13 mg Magnesium 7,24 mg Phosphorus 13 mg Potassium 118 mg Sodium 1,25 mg Zinc 0,21 mg Copper 0,09 mg Manganese 0,06 mg Selenium 0,2 μg
Benefit for health
These tasty fruits are an important source of antioxidants and other beneficial components on which the health of organs and systems depends. However, many studies have shown that increased consumption of plant foods protects against obesity, diabetes, and cardiac diseases.
Here are just some of the benefits of regular consumption of pears.
Source of beneficial fiber
Scientists have calculated: men under the age of 50 need 40 g of fiber daily, for women this norm is about 25 g. The results of long-term observations allowed researchers to say that almost half of the world’s population does not consume the necessary portions of dietary fiber. The lack of this substance is hazardous to health. One of the most common modern fiber deficiency diseases is diverticulosis. Also, do not forget that fiber is the main “prevention” of obesity and heart disease (since it regulates the level of bad cholesterol). Increasing your dietary fiber intake is easy with lots of fruits and vegetables, and pear is one of the best choices. farmer-online.com.
Antioxidant product
This fruit can serve as one of the richest sources of antioxidants. In addition to antioxidant vitamin C, pears contain flavonoids that also fight free radicals. Among the most powerful components called chlorogenic acid – an antioxidant that protects the heart. Cyanidin (found in the peel of the fruit, responsible for the red pigment) helps protect blood vessels from oxidation, and quercetin is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties farmer-online.com.
Anti-cancer agent
Cellulose contained in pears “works” in the body as an anti-cancer agent. It affects the so-called secondary bile acids, reducing their concentration in the body. As a result of such exposure, the risk of developing colorectal cancer is several times reduced.
On the other hand, the consumption of pears is beneficial in preventing stomach cancer. The results of a recent experiment in Mexico City showed that it is enough to introduce 2 servings of fruits (including pears) to the menu daily to significantly reduce the tendency of the body to grow malignant tumors. ..… And American scientists have found a link between pear consumption and esophageal cancer. As it turns out, illness can be avoided by consuming these fruits regularly. By the way, apple, plum and strawberry also have a similar effect. farmer-online.com.
Diabetes benefits
Type 2 diabetes is a common disease that is characterized by high blood sugar levels or the body’s inability to produce insulin. A diet rich in fiber (for example, pears) reduces the risk of this disease, and in patients stabilizes the level of glucose in the bloodstream. In addition, pears are rich in flavonoids (epicatechin, quercetin, anthocyanins), which increase insulin sensitivity.
Cleansing the body
Regular consumption of these fruits (of any variety) is beneficial for the overall health of the body. Pears, in particular, are helpful in removing toxins. This is evidenced by the results of many studies. farmer-online.com.
Prevention of anemia
For people diagnosed with anemia, pears are extremely beneficial as a fruit that contains a lot of iron. But in addition, these fruits contain copper – a substance that helps to improve the absorption of other minerals, including iron. You can prevent fatigue, cognitive impairment, muscle weakness, and organ malfunction by consuming foods rich in copper and iron. And both of these minerals are found in significant quantities in pears.
Bone and Joint Health
The rich content of minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, calcium, makes pears a fruit that is good for bones. These nutrients prevent bone thinning and the development of osteoporosis. And being a rich source of antioxidants and flavonoids, pears prevent inflammation in the joints, reduce the risk of arthritis, rheumatic diseases, gout farmer-online.com.
For weight loss
Pears are among the most dietary fruits. One average fruit contains only 100 kilocalories, which is a rather low figure. But, besides this, fruits are able to quickly provide a feeling of fullness, because they contain a lot of fiber. Studies with the participation of 40 women with overweight showed that pears contribute to a more effective weight loss than oatmeal. In addition, daily consumption of a small amount of fruit stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, which is also useful for easier weight loss.
Fruit for beauty
This amazing fruit contains rich stores of vitamin A, carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. They manifest themselves in the human body as powerful antioxidants. In addition, these components are indispensable for many enzymatic reactions. As a result, we can say that pears are able to prevent the occurrence of age-related changes, in particular the appearance of age spots and wrinkles.
These fruits are useful for people with oily skin, as the substances they contain regulate the secretion of the sebaceous glands (use in the form of a mask of pears, honey and fresh cream). The fruit is useful for treating acne, skin infections, acne. To treat these troubles, ordinary fruit pulp gruel is suitable. In cosmetology, pears are also useful for making home scrubs, means for exfoliating dead cells.
Pears help prevent hair loss, moisturize and nourish them with vitamins. But, perhaps, the owners of curls will appreciate the benefits of pear extract best. Remedies from these fruits make curls more obedient, shiny and easy to comb. At home, it is easy to prepare a mask from the pulp of ripe fruits, apple cider vinegar and a small amount of water.
Other useful properties
In addition to the benefits already mentioned, pears are useful for:
- regulation of the level of fluid in the body;
- stabilize blood pressure;
- reduce the risk of stroke;
- tissue repair and accelerate wound healing;
- immunity strengthening;
- reduce inflammation;
- recovery of visual acuity;
- prevent hangover
Use in the food industry
In the food industry, pears (raw or after heat treatment) are most often used to make desserts.
If desired, they can be consumed peeled or with skin. These fruits perfectly complement any fruit salad, and can also serve as a component for a healthy dessert of cheese, honey and walnuts. Fans of more interesting dishes can prepare an appetizer of watercress, mustard, leek and several slices of pears.
Possible side effects
As a rule, pears practically do not cause allergic reactions. Nevertheless, some people may have an individual intolerance to fruits, which manifests itself as discomfort in the oral cavity, or rather astringency. Other possible side effects include bloating and diarrhea. .. ..
How to choose and store
Since summer and autumn varieties of pears quickly deteriorate, as a rule, they are sold unripe. But this is not a problem affecting the taste of the fruit. It will only take him a few days to mature at room temperature.
Choosing a fruit is worth several parameters. First, it is important to pay attention to its skin. It should be smooth, free from bruises and damage. The color of a quality fruit should be uniform, without dark soft spots.
To determine the ripeness of the fruit, you can easily press your finger on the top of the fruit. If this is done without effort, it means that the fruit has ripened, but if it is too easy (as if the finger falls into the pulp) – the pear is overripe (it is better not to take such fruits).
If you don’t plan to consume pears right away, ripe fruits can be placed in the refrigerator. So they will keep their freshness and suitability for a longer time. To accelerate the ripening of green fruits, it is enough to put them in a paper bag and leave at room temperature for a day or two.
It is better to consume this fruit with the skin, as it contains almost half of all fiber, and also concentrates antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. But in this case it is important to make sure that its surface does not contain “chemistry”
Pears are amazing fruits that a person enjoys since ancient times. In addition to the delicious taste, these fruits have many health benefits. They help reduce excess weight, protect the heart and regulate the level of fluid in the body. Pears reduce blood pressure and prevent cancer, promote rapid healing of wounds and strengthen the immune system, improve blood circulation and protect against osteoporosis. On which side not to look, these fruits are truly divine.
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