Fruit is promoted as a way of improving health and in this regard there is a large variation in the types of fruit that can be eaten. Generally all fruit is beneficial to the health, although it should be moderated due to the high sugar content. Commercially available pears cultivated in Europe, Asia and America belong to the genus Pyrus, and this genus has been cultivated specifically to increase their water and sugar content. Wild pears contain much less sugar and lower water concentrations and as such are healthier as the risk of overconsuming sugar is lessened. This is one argument as to why wild animals are able to eat fruit without problem, and this relates to the fact that wild fruit is lower in sugar. The sugar in pears is mainly fructose and this explains the laxative properties of pears. Pears are also high in antioxidants and contain around 27 to 41 mg of phenolics per 100 g. Therefore pears can be incorporated into a healthy diet along with other fruit, and their high antioxidant content may confer protection from western disease.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
