The pear is a fruit that is cultivated in all moderate regions of the world. There is archeological proof of its dietary use three thousand years before the birth of Christ. Early Greco-Roman medical and botanical writers already knew its nutritive and medicinal properties well.
Pears contain small amounts of vitamins C, E, and B. The most important of the minerals they contain are potassium, magnesium, and iron. They are also a good source of trace elements such as copper and manganese, and in lower proportion, zinc. The pear’s vitamin and mineral content is slightly greater than that of apples.
It is also a good source of vegetable fiber, an amount that is slightly less than the apple; the pear contains a greater amount of insoluble fiber rich in lignin. Soluble fiber is more effective against cholesterol, while the insoluble is a more effective laxative.
The pear is also a diuretic, remineralizing, a mild astringent, and refreshing. Its capacity to lower blood pressure has been known since ancient times. This is credited to its diuretic effect. Additionally the pear is rich in potassium, a mineral with the opposite effect of sodium. The higher the potassium intake the, the lower the risk of hypertension.
The pear also stimulates renal function, thus it is a highly recommended fruit in cases of renal failure due to nephritis or nephrosis. In addition to containing no sodium and being very low in proteins. Abundant pear consumption is recommended in cases of cardiac, as well as renal edema.
Pear consumption promotes the elimination of uric acid and other nitrogenated substances through the urine. They have an alkalizing effect on the blood. This is of profit in detoxifying diets used to neutralize excess acid residues.
The pear is also beneficial in weight loss diets because of its mild diuretic action and its depurative effect. When it is ripe and tender, the pear is digested rapidly and easily. It has a mild astringent action and works against the intestinal putrefaction and flatulence occurring in case of colitis and intestinal dyspepsia.
