Pears in autumn
The pear is a mild, traditional fruit that is available on the market virtually year-round. It contains fewer acids and is therefore sweeter than its rival in popularity - the apple. It is particularly rich in fibre and that is why it is an ideal addition to any diet.
The pear can be a wonderful start of the day being a much healthier and even a more effective option compared to the morning coffee. It can boost our vitality and good mood for the whole day thanks to the essential oils it contains which fight stress and anxiety. In Eastern medicine the fruit is used as a refreshing and energizing remedy.
The pear is an excellent combination of cellulose, pectin, bactericides and ferments which makes it an irreplaceable cleanser of the digestive system. Another important element that it contains is arbutin, which can prevent various disorders of the kidney and bladder. The pear is beneficial in infections of the urinary tract because it has an antimicrobial effect. It also helps the healing of sores on the lining of the bowel and has a good influence on the gall-blader.
Being a close relative of the apple, the pears (especially the big sweet sorts) have a similar variety of nutrients. Even though not a champion in vitamin content, we can find the Vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, E and K in pears. The folic acid in pears is much higher than in apples and plums and in a big pear (around 180 g) it can reach 12 μg. And despite not rivalling the apples in Vitamins C and E, the pears exceed their ever so popular relatives in content of chlorogenic acids which function as antioxidants and support the vascula.
As regards the content of mineral salts, there is 30% more potassium in a pear compared to an apple (211 μg in 180 g). The body needs potassium to maintain normal cardiac activity as well as to regulate the function of nerves and muscles. The potassium contained in the fruit is helpful for palpitations and has a diuretc effect. Other minerals we find in pears (the values refer to 180 g fruit) are: iron - up to 0.3 μg, manganese - up to 0.9 μg, calcium - 16 μg, phosphorus - 19 μg , magnesium - 13 μg. The pear is also a useful source of zinc - 0.18 μg.