Sweet and delicious, pears are one of the favorite autumn fruits for many. They can be very juicy and soft, which makes them ideal for small children and preparation of some of the babies’ first meals. Pears are an excellent source of many valuable elements, especially vitamins and minerals, all important for good condition of our entire organism.
When it comes to nutritional information and healthy properties, pears are similar to apples. They are rich in dietary fiber, which is why they are recommended to be on a regular seasonal daily menu for all. A diet rich in fiber, especially from fruit and vegetables helps prevent bloating, maintain healthy cholesterol level and reduce risk of serious health problems, even cancer. Studies have shown that dietary fiber from fruit, such as pears and apples could have an admirable effect on lowering risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Pears are rich in vitamins, such as C, K, B2, B3 and B6. They are ideal fruit for pregnant women or mothers who are breastfeeding because they contain valuable folic acid. Pears also contain considerable amount of calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese. Combination of good and essential nutrients in pears makes this fruit a great natural antioxidant. Therefore, one pear per day could do miracles for our immune system. Eating pears on a daily basis is warmly advised, just as the case is with apples.
Eating pear skin?
Skin from fruit, such as pear or apple, actually contain the greatest concentration of their valuable substances content, especially dietary fiber. Pear skin also contains quercetin, a powerful antioxidant. In combination with vitamin C and copper, quercetin assists in prevention of body from cancer and multiple sclerosis. It also protects cardiovascular system and lowers a risk of dangerous heart conditions.
However, many people usually peel off skin of both pears and apples, before eating. The reason for that is not that the skin itself is bad for our health, on the contrary. But, most of people are concerned about various chemicals used to keep away insects and parasites from plants, to protect them from diseases and to maintain fruits good appearance. Thorough washing of fruit before consumption can remove most of the material found on their surface. The problem is with waxed fruit, which is more common for apples. Wax makes it really hard to remove all the chemicals. Some part of it also penetrates the fruit itself.
Since great deal of valuable pear nutrients can be found in their skin, you can surely eat it and thus use all the benefits from this delicious fruit. However, pesticides and other chemicals used in growing pear trees and maintaining pears attractive appearance makes this a bit risky.
On the other hand, pears usually have very low level of pesticide treatment so you can safely consume the whole purchased fruit. If you are concerned about this issue, use organically grown pears.
Pear skin recipes
You can benefit from consuming pear skin in many ways. Try to prepare a pear skin tea and enjoy in all healthy properties of this ocular autumn fruit. Use two tablespoons of chopped and dried pieces of pear skin and dried fruit and pour it into 6 dl cold water. Bring it to boil and allow to stand for five minutes. Strain the fluid and drink pear skin tea three cups a day.
