Pear (Nashpati): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Pear, also known as Pyrus communis, comes from the Rosaceae family. It is grown and consumed all around the world and is harvested during the late summer until mid-autumn. The Pear tree is medium in size and a native fruit of coastal and mildly temperate areas of Asia, Europe, and North Africa.

It is the second most nutritious fruit in the world after apple. Pear is a rich source of many nutrients like vitamins, dietary fibre, amino acids, etc. It has various names in different cultures. In Hindi, it is called Nashpati, and in Sanskrit, it is known as Amritphale, as it is highly beneficial for the human body.

Here is the complete nutritional value of the Pear.

Nutritional value

Interesting Facts About Pear

• There are more than 3000 varieties of Pear all across the world.

• Pear is a pomaceous fruit which grows on different Pear trees.

• Some common types of Pear are Asian, Comice, Bartlett, Anjou Pear, Bosc, Clapp, Seckel, Comcord, Forelle, etc.

• In Sanskrit, it is called Amritphale. In Tamil, it is called Perikke. In Malayalam, it is known as Salvag. Its Spanish name is Peral, and in French, it is called Poire.

• There are 100 calories per Pear, making it a calorie-dense fruit.

• The flowers of the Pear tree are white.

• The skin of a Pear contains various phytonutrients and antioxidants. Hence, it is recommended to eat it with the skin.

• It contains soluble fibre pectin, which improves gut health.

• Pear contains several properties that are linked to the wellness of our health. Let us now dive into the advantages of eating a Pear and understand how this fruit works for our body’s wellbeing.

Beneficial for kidneys: Since Pear has a meagre sodium value, it is an excellent choice of fruit for preventing kidney diseases. Those suffering from kidney stones and other related illnesses find it challenging to balance water and sodium in their bodies. A low-sodium diet ensures that your sodium levels are in control. According to research, Pear contains high amounts of malic acid, making them an ideal choice for protecting your body from kidney stones.

Contains anti-inflammatory properties: The presence of flavonoids in Pears makes them effective at fighting inflammation. It helps to drive away diseases by strengthening immunity. It is also rich in vitamins C and K and copper. Hence, they help the body combat the free radicals and protect the cells from being damaged.

Helps to improve digestion: The fibre content in Pear is a non-soluble polysaccharide, which allows it to act as a bulking agent in the intestines. By doing so, the fruit accumulates the food and makes it bulky, which allows it to pass through the intestines quickly. It also facilitates the secretion of digestive and gastric juices, enabling bowel movements and reducing the chances of constipation.

Pear fruit benefits for diabetes: Consumption of Pear is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes. The flavonoids in Pear improve insulin sensitivity. Also, Pears have a low glycemic index and do not spike your blood sugar levels. Besides being fibre-rich, the fruit ensures that sugar is slowly released into the bloodstream.

Good for bone health: Pear fruit benefits your bone health as it contains two essential nutrients for bone health: vitamin K and boron. Vitamin K, in combination with calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous, keeps the bones strong and healthy. Also, boron in Pear helps to absorb calcium in the body and improves bone density, helping to prevent osteoporosis.

Enhances energy levels: Consuming Pear can be an excellent way to increase energy levels in the body. You can use it as a pre-workout or post-workout snack to improve physical performance. The natural glucose and fructose content in Pear improves stamina and replenishes glucose levels in the body.

Beneficial for blood circulation: Those suffering from anaemia or other deficiencies must consider having Pears. It contains iron, which boosts the level of red blood cells. Copper in the fruit allows better absorption and synthesis of minerals and iron in the body. A sufficient amount of minerals in the body supports overall wellbeing and prevents muscle weakness, fatigue, or organ malfunction.

Fastens the healing process: Vitamin C in Pear is rich in ascorbic acid. It is required at all stages of wound healing as it contributes towards the synthesis, maturation, and secretion of collagen.

Helps to keep the heart healthy: Pear contains potassium, a well-known vasodilator, which dilates the blood vessels and helps to keep the heart healthy. It helps to lower the blood pressure and lowers the strain on the cardiovascular system, reducing the chances of heart attacks.

Pear fruit benefits for babies: Since Pears are rich in fibre content, they are easy on the baby’s gut and help the gut microbiome flourish. It also supports the bowel movements and makes digestion easier.

As a fruit, Pear is not beneficial just for the body. It also ensures healthy hair and skin and is helpful during pregnancy, as it is loaded with multiple nutrients.

Pear fruit benefits for skin

Protect the skin from damage: The dietary fibres in Pear play a crucial role in protecting the skin and keeping it healthy. By slowing down the sugar spike in the blood, Pears help to prevent collagen damage and give you smooth and plump skin.

Prevents Wrinkles: Vitamin C in Pears is an excellent antioxidant which enhances the production of collagen, which improves the skin elasticity and keeps it hydrated. Besides, copper and vitamin K, along with vitamin C, fight the free radicals and protect the skin cells from being damaged, leading to the prevention of skin wrinkles, ageing, etc.

Hydrates the skin: Pears contain natural humectants, which help to balance and retain the optimum moisture level in the skin. It also helps smoothen the skin and make it even.

Pear fruit benefits for hair

Nourishes the hair: Pears possess an excellent ability to nourish the hair and keep it healthy. Ripe Pears contain sorbitol, a sugar that feeds and nourishes the hair and scalp to make them healthy.

Helps to reduce dryness: Pear has moisturising properties, which make it beneficial to combat hair dryness. Additionally, vitamin C in the fruit does its job as a natural antioxidant to keep the strands conditioned and hair cells healthy.

Pear Fruit Benefits in Pregnancy

Pregnant women need plenty of nutrients to ensure the healthy development of the foetus. Pears are loaded with various vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, including fibre, potassium, calcium, etc.

Since it is rich in fibre it helps to reduce the risk of diabetes during pregnancy. It also helps with constipation, which is very common among pregnant women. Potassium in Pear is known to regulate blood pressure.

Pear can also be used in many different ways to reap its full benefits. Here, we shall list down its most important uses.

Pear for Consumption: Apart from consuming the fruit as it is, you can prepare many dishes using it to make it even more delectable. You can prepare fresh Pear bread or enjoy the cinnamon baked Pear at home.

For the face: Prepare a face mask with Pears to achieve lustrous and beautiful skin at home. You can use a combination of Pear and oatmeal to make a face pack.

• Grind the Pear and extract its juice.

• Mix the juice with ½ cup of oatmeal.

• Add one cup of water to the mixture.

• Apply this as a face pack and leave it for 10 minutes.

• Rinse the face with cold water.

Pear in Ayurveda is revered for its ability to cure many diseases and various illnesses. It is known to help with constipation, lower the risk of diabetes, fight cancer and obesity, and so on. Some Ayurvedic properties of Pear are:

Taste -Sweet

Potency (virya)- cold (shita)

Laghu- (light for digestion)

Vrshya- aphrodisiac

• Effect on dosha-Balances all 3 doshas

• Traditional uses of Pear in Ayurveda are as follows:

• It is used as a remedy for hangovers, constipation, and cough.

• The leaves and bark of the tree are used in wound healing.

• The fruit contains pectin, which maintains a balance in the body.

• The fruit is known to possess antioxidant, sedative, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Medicinal qualities

High cholesterol- Consuming stewed Pears sprinkled with cinnamon lowers the cholesterol

Gallstones- In half a cup of pear juice, add half a cup of hot water. Add honey to this and have it three times a day as a remedy for gallstones.

Diarrhoea- Eating a ripe Pear helps to control diarrhoea. (The pear should not be over-ripe or with brown spots)

To improve appetite- Consuming stewed Pear with ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg helps to increase appetite

While Pears are a safe and healthy fruit which can be consumed every day, the side effects can vary from one person to another.

Allergic Reactions - Pears belong to the Rosaceae family, which also consists of apples and cherries. If you are allergic to any of these fruits, there are chances that you may be allergic to Pears, too. If you experience itching, tingling, or swelling around the lips, tongue, etc., you must immediately seek medical assistance.

Intolerance to fructose - Pear contains natural sugar fructose. If you are allergic to this sugar or have a problem digesting it, it is best not to consume it.

Constipation & bloating - While Pear is generally considered suitable for digestive health, consuming too much Pear can cause side effects of pear, including gas, bloating, and discomfort in the stomach for some individuals.

Pears are nature’s delicious gift, which is filled with umpteen nutrients to benefit humans. The various advantages of eating a Pear are due to the high amounts of nutrients like calcium, magnesium, vitamins, iron, phosphorus, etc. All these nutrients play a vital role in preventing diseases of the heart, kidney, stomach, bone, etc.

Apart from the modern culture, Pears also have a vital role in Ayurveda and its treatments. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a very beneficial ingredient. Making Pear a part of your diet can change your health for the better and help you stay fit. However, overconsumption can lead to allergies and cause other issues in those with intolerance.

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1. What is healthier: Pear or apple?

Apple and Pear both contain many nutrients which are excellent for promoting overall well being. However, Pears are richer in B and K vitamins, fibre, and copper. Thus, the choice of fruit depends on your health conditions and needs.

2. Can we eat Pear on an empty stomach?

Pears contain plenty of fibre. Hence, it is not advisable to consume them empty stomach as it can damage mucous membranes in the stomach.

3. Is Pear easy to digest?

Pears are the most tolerated fruits as they can be easily digested. They are an excellent food option for weaning babies.

4. What is the best time to eat Pear?

The best time to eat Pear is in its season, which is from June to August. If you are eating Pear on a daily basis, the best time to eat it would be during the day.