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Pears- nutrition and benefits

Pears – many varieties, many nutrition and health benefits

Although pear season starts with the arrival of sweet juicy Bartletts in late summer, autumn is the time when there’s an abundance of other varieties. The crisp, crunchy Bosc, the succulent, creamy Comice, the soft, juicy Anjou or the bite sized Seckel.

All pears are rich in antioxidant flavonoids, phytonutrients such as betacarotene, lutein and zeaxanthins. These compounds, along with their high levels of vitamin C and A, help our body protect itself from harmful free radicals.

One small pear has about 5 grams of fibre, most of which is insoluble and acts like a sponge, soaking up moisture in our stomach and swelling up in the process, giving us a sense of being full. It also has a laxative effect as it bulks up stool and decreases transit time. Regular eating of pears may also protect us against colon cancer as gritty fibre binds to potentially harmful cancer causing toxins, insulating the colon’s mucous membrane from contact with these compounds.

Pears are often recommended for allergy sufferers as they are among the least allergenic of all fruits and are a safe alternative to highly allergenic fruits such as strawberries. They are also useful for treating inflammatory disorders like colitis, chronic gallbladder disorders, arthritis and gout.

Plan in advance and buy your pears when not completely ripe and wait for them to soften at home to avoid bruising.

On their own, pears make a wonderfully simple snack, combined with baby greens and walnuts they make a fabulous winter salad. Firmer varieties, like Bosc, keep their shape during cooking and can be poached in wine for a delicious yet healthy dessert as the nights draw in.