Pear is a tasty and healthy seasonal fruit. The pulp of this fruit is juicy, has a delicate aroma and pleasant taste. An interesting fact - the stronger a fruit smells, the more vitamins it contains. As for the use of pears for food, they are not only eaten raw, but also dried, dried, baked, made pear jam and stewed fruit.
In the article we will consider the benefits of the product, get acquainted in detail with its composition, and also find out how the pear is useful for losing weight and for athletes, and find out the possible harm and contraindications.
Nutritional value and calorie content of pears
The nutritional value and calorie content of a sweet seasonal pear is different and depends on the variety. The following is a table showing the most popular varieties of pears and their calorie and BJU indicators:
| Julienne | Calories per 100 g | Calorie content of 1 pear (on average) | BJU per 100 g |
| Abbot | 46.12 kcal | 138.36 kcal | B. - 0.41 g G. - 0.49 g U. - 10.17 g |
| White | 42 kcal | 128 kcal | B. - 0.4 g J. - 0.3 g U. - 10.9 g |
| Williams | 51.28 kcal | 157 kcal | B. - 0.5 g J. - 0.2 g U. - 11.56 g |
| Pakham | 42 kcal | 107 kcal | B. - 0.67 g G. - 0.17 g U. - 10.81 g |
| Chinese | 42 kcal | 103.77 kcal | B. - 0.12 g U. - 11.35 g |
| Yellow | 44 kcal | 111.02 kcal | B - 0.4 g F - 0.3 g Y - 10.39 g |
| Green | 42 cal | 105 kcal | B. - 10.60 g |
| Red | 42 kcal | 105 kcal | B. - 10.60 g |
| California | 42.9 kcal | 107 kcal | B. - 10.3 g |
| Winter | 42 kcal | 105 kcal | B. - 10.3 g |
| Crystal | 42 kcal | 105 kcal | B. - 0.45 g G. - 0.26 g U. - 9.09 g |
| Conference | 48.33 kcal | 120, 82 kcal | B. - 0.73 g J. - 0.86 g U. - 12.53 g |
| Lucas | 43.67 kcal | 109.18 kcal | B. - 10.7 g |
The data in the table show that fruits have different calories depending on the variety, but the energy value of the product is in any case low and will not harm the figure.
But we do not always eat fresh pears. Humanity has come up with many ways to prepare this product, and after a certain processing, the calorie content of the fruit often changes.
- Dried pear already contains 201 kcal per 100 g, while its nutritional value also changes significantly: proteins - 2.3 g, fats - 0 g, carbohydrates - 49 g. The rate of carbohydrates almost doubles compared to fresh fruit.
- A baked pear contains 179.8 kcal. The nutritional value of the product per 100 g practically does not change after baking and remains the same as that of fresh fruit.
- Dried pear contains 249 kcal - and this is one of the highest values for this fruit. The nutritional value does not change too much: proteins - 2.3 g, fats - 0.6 g, carbohydrates - 62.6 g.
- Canned (sealed) pears contain slightly more calories than fresh fruit - 65 kcal per 100 g. However, these figures may vary depending on what exactly is prepared from the fruit and how much sugar is added.
The calorie content of a fruit without a peel has its own differences, for example, 100 g of peeled pulp contains only 32 kcal, and a whole medium-sized pear contains 48 kcal. But these indicators can also be different: as we mentioned earlier, it all depends on the variety.
The glycemic index of pears is of particular concern to people with diabetes. Despite the high carbohydrate content, the GI (glycemic index) is low and amounts to 34 units. But diabetics should not use dried pears, since their GI is 82 units.
As for pear juice, 100 g of freshly squeezed liquid contains 46 kcal. When choosing store drinks, keep in mind that they contain a lot of preservatives and sugar, and this significantly increases the energy value of the product.
The chemical composition of the fruit
The great benefit of pears for the body is possible only due to their richest chemical composition. The fruits contain fructose, glucose, sucrose, organic acids and many useful micro and macro elements.
Some varieties of pears contain ascorbic acid in the amount of 3-17 mg. Unripe fruits contain the greatest amount of flavonoids (special plant substances that have a positive effect on the body by stimulating the activity of enzymes). Flavonoids are only found in plant foods, and pear is one of them. Ripe fruit is 97% pulp, the rest is seeds and peel. 100 g of fruit contains 85 g of water.
Below are all the nutrients in the pear.
| Nutrients | Quantity in pear per 100 g |
| Vitamin PP | 0.1 mg |
| Beta carotene | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin A | 2 μg |
| Vitamin B1 (thiamine) | 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (folic acid) | 2 μg |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0,4 mg |
| Vitamin K | 4.5 mcg |
| Calcium | 9 mg |
| Magnesium | 12 mg |
| Sodium | 14 mg |
| Potassium | 155 mg |
| Phosphorus | 16 mg |
| Sulfur | 6 mg |
| Iron | 2.3 g |
| Iodine | 1 μg |
| Fluorine | 10 mcg |
| Molybdenum | 5 μg |
| Silicon | 6 μg |
| Cobalt | 10 mcg |
| Nickel | 17 mcg |
| Rubidium | 44 μg |
| Zinc | 0.19 mg |
Due to dietary fiber, the absorption of fructose in the stomach slows down, which is a definite plus for diabetics and overweight people. The pear also contains a lot of fiber, which has a positive effect on the digestive tract.
The chemical composition is rich, diverse and capable of providing a person with most of the daily intake of vitamins and other useful substances.
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The benefits of pears for humans
Such a healthy fruit as a pear has been used for many centuries to treat and prevent many diseases.
If you consume this seasonal sweet fruit regularly
- you will improve the functioning of the immune system;
- get rid of inflammatory processes;
- normalize the digestive tract;
- regulate your metabolism;
- improve kidney and liver function.
And this is not all the useful properties of the product. Due to the high content of ascorbic acid, pear not only enhances immunity, but also strengthens blood vessels. The fruit is used for the prevention of atherosclerosis, as it removes cholesterol from the body.
It is also beneficial for people with gallstone disease to consume pears as they are rich in dietary fiber. For medicinal purposes, you can use not only fruits, but also a decoction of dried pears: this drink will help the gallbladder to work.
For those who have hair problems, and nails flake and break, you need to eat the fruit daily.
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Benefits for diseases
The pear is recommended by official and traditional medicine for many diseases.
Due to the high amount of potassium, pears are useful for people with cardiovascular problems. Moreover, you can eat the fruit both fresh, and dried, and dried. Compotes, juices and fruit drinks from this fruit will also be useful.
Pears also help with urolithiasis. With cystitis, you must drink pear broth or fruit compote. The drink will relieve pain, increase the amount of urine due to the diuretic effect.
Just 100 g of pears a day helps to raise hemoglobin and get rid of edema, which makes the product useful for people who want to lose excess weight.
Since pears have a low glycemic index, this product can be added to the diet of diabetics. Not only fruit is useful, but also juice. If diluted in equal proportions with water, it will lower blood sugar levels. However, only freshly squeezed juice will be useful.
Important! In severe forms of diabetes, it is better to refuse pears in any quantity. Before consuming the fruit, be sure to check with your doctor.
Pears are recommended for cancer patients, since aromatic fruits significantly increase the effectiveness of drugs that are prescribed for the treatment of malignant tumors.
Features of varieties
As for pear varieties, absolutely everything is useful: "Chinese", "Khrustalnaya", "Duchess", but the most useful variety is "Conference". It contains the largest amount of all nutrients, organic acids and dietary fiber. Due to its properties, pear has a beneficial effect on the intestines.
But the “Duchess” variety contains the antibacterial component arbutin, which destroys pathogenic bacteria in the human body. Doctors recommend drinking a decoction of this pear variety for severe coughing and for problems with the respiratory system.
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Wild pear (wild) is considered no less useful. It is recommended for people with tuberculosis. This fruit relieves severe coughs.
Williams pears are among the lowest in calories and do not cause allergies. This variety is recommended for people with weakened immunity, these fruits are especially useful when baked.
For people with gastritis, pears are allowed only during periods of remission. Thanks to the astringent components contained in the tannins, the inflammatory process is stopped. But smoked pears are best excluded from the diet.
Pear tea, or "elixir of youth" as it is also called, improves overall health and gives the body a boost of energy. Such a drink is drunk in courses of six months, which makes it possible for the body to cleanse itself, relieve inflammation in the joints, improve the digestive tract and normalize pressure. It is also recommended to drink the drink at a high temperature.
Pear twigs can be cut at any time of the year, but it's best done in the spring. Any kind of pear is suitable for a healing drink, the main thing is to cut off the upper part of the branch - it is softer. Store such a blank in glass jars.
But pear leaves, if you make a decoction from them, will help cure fungus and dermatitis.
Benefits for the female and male body
Pears are beneficial for both women and men. First, let's take a closer look at the benefits of this fruit for the stronger sex. Men do not often consume such fruits - and completely in vain.
It is the stronger sex that is more prone to baldness, many because of this strongly complex. To preserve hair, it is recommended to make a pear mask, which also includes burdock oil, honey and essential oils.
Also, a pear brings undoubted benefits to men who have problems with potency. To solve this problem, it is enough to eat 2-3 fruits a day. This fruit recuperates after hard work or strength training.
The benefits of a pear for women during menstruation are invaluable: the fetus reduces pain, improves mood, and increases efficiency. The weaker sex is more prone to diseases of the genitourinary system, therefore, during periods of exacerbation, it is recommended to drink pear-based decoctions.
The pear is widely used in cosmetology. Various masks, creams and shampoos based on this fruit make the skin, hair and nails beautiful and well-groomed.
But most of all, pears are loved for their low calorie content and the ability to use them in dietary nutrition.
The benefits of pears for weight loss
Low-calorie pear, rich in various biologically active substances, is especially useful during the period of weight loss.
On average, if you eat at least one pear a day, you can throw off 450 g. It seems impossible, but it is. The arguments are as follows:
- The high fiber content of the pear gives you a feeling of fullness, which helps control your appetite. Fiber regulates the digestive tract and helps to better absorb vitamins and minerals.
- The juicy fruit contains a lot of fructose, which fills the human body with energy.
- Pears are a low-calorie fruit.
- The pulp of the fruit contains antioxidants that remove not only toxins, but also cholesterol.
However, not all so simple. To achieve positive results, using a pear for weight loss, you must adhere to some rules:
- with a sharp feeling of hunger, eat a pear;
- drink pear juice (freshly squeezed) for breakfast and snacks;
- eat fruit before exercise (fruit is especially useful before heavy exertion);
- replace dinner with a baked pear (such a snack at night will give you a feeling of fullness, but it will not add extra calories).
If you stick to these short recommendations, you will see a positive result as quickly as possible. But nothing comes that easy. To lose weight, it is not enough just to follow a diet. You need an active lifestyle to burn those extra calories.
Why a pear is useful for athletes, we will consider further.
Pear in sports nutrition
The pear is not only allowed, but also recommended for athletes of all sports.
The pear contains zinc, and it is this element that is responsible for the synthesis of testosterone, which men need for training. Zinc is also involved in the synthesis of growth hormones, which has a positive effect on muscle mass.
The fiber found in the fruit is also essential for athletes, as it has a beneficial effect on digestion and metabolic processes. At the same time, there is no fat in the pear that could contribute to the formation of excess fatty tissue.
Harm of fruit to the human body
Despite the vast health benefits of pears, the fruit can be harmful in some cases. Let's take a closer look at some of the contraindications for eating fruit.
So, pears are not worth eating.
- during periods of exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases;
- with a peel on an empty stomach (it is even better to peel the peel, as it can absorb hazardous substances);
- never drink water after a pear, as this can cause heartburn;
- do not eat green fruits, they can lead to constipation or indigestion.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the dangers of a smoked product. Pears prepared in this way can be dangerous not only for people with ulcers or gastritis, but also for a perfectly healthy person. When smoked, carcinogens are formed in the product, which increase the risk of cancer.
When buying, pay attention to the peel of the fruit: if it is sticky, refuse to buy such a fruit. Most likely, the peel of the pear is treated with diphenol - a substance that prevents rotting and keeps the fruit longer. This compound is hazardous to human health. If you've already bought such a product, rinse it well in hot water and scrub with a brush. It is even better not to consume such fruit with the skin.
As for the harm of a pear after heat treatment, everything is ambiguous here. On the one hand, this fruit helps with coughing, and on the other, after baking, some of the nutrients are lost.
You should also be careful with dried pears, as they are high in sugar. The product is not suitable for people who are on a diet. It is also undesirable to eat dried pears with dairy products, as this can lead to indigestion and flatulence.
But dried pears of the "Conference" and "Chinese" varieties, as well as compote from this fruit are allowed to be consumed by everyone. However, you should make sure that you are not allergic to such foods. And for people with diabetes, it is better to refrain from eating dried pears, as they contain more sugar.
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Outcome
Pear is a unique fruit rich in vitamins and minerals. When used correctly, it is able to improve the functioning of the immune system, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, regulate the functioning of the kidneys and liver, and alleviate the condition of urolithiasis. Due to its high potassium content, the fruit is beneficial for the cardiovascular system.
Pear is one of the few fruits that can be consumed on a diet, and for athletes this fruit will become an excellent natural energetic.
