Benefits of Pears

There are more than 3,000 different varieties of pears, and nearly a dozen of them are available in the United States each year. In fact, the United States is one of the world’s largest pear producers, yielding (literally) tons of Bartletts, Boscs, and Anjous. 

They provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds,” Pace explains, adding that these pear nutrients contribute to health benefits like reduced risk of certain diseases. Pears are especially beneficial for gut and heart health.

If the pear hasn’t impressed you thus far, maybe its nutrient content and potential health benefits will convince you to give it another try.

Fruits and vegetables are some of the most potent sources of vitamins and minerals, so it’s no surprise that pears contain a long list of nutrients.

The nutrients in pears look good on paper, but how do they benefit your health? We spoke to registered dietitians to uncover the potential health benefits of pears—and there are a lot. Here are the health benefits of pears that the pros highlighted.

Health Benefits of Pears 

Pears are high in fiber. 

What pears lack in popularity, they make up for in fiber. Getting plenty of dietary fiber is crucial for healthy digestion, but it’s a nutrient many Americans are lacking. Fewer than 10 percent of U.S. adults currently meet the recommended amount of fiber each day.

So, why do you need fiber anyway? The essential nutrient is associated with many health benefits, such as heart health, but it’s mainly known for supporting gut health. “Pears provide both types of fiber—soluble and insoluble,” Jones says. “They may help promote gut health by softening or bulking stools, making them easier to pass.

They support heart health. 

The aforementioned fiber in pears isn’t just to move things along in your gut—it’s also a surprising element of a heart-healthy diet. the more fiber you eat, the lower your risk could be for cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. That high-fiber diet can protect against cardiovascular diseases.

Pears could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

There are many reasons why pears are good for blood sugar control. Namely, they’re rich in fiber, low on the glycemic index, and high in an antioxidant called anthocyanin, all of which can prevent blood sugar spikes and help lower the risk for type 2 diabetes.

Pears are a rich source of antioxidants. 

Both of the registered dietitians we spoke to emphasized the impressive antioxidant content in pears. They contain antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin K, quercetin, anthocyanin, and others. Plus, the fiber in pears functions as an antioxidant, Jones says. Together, the large amount of antioxidants in pears—and in the rest of your diet—can help to reduce the risk of many diseases, she adds.

Pears have anti-inflammatory properties. 

Inflammation gets a bad rap, but it’s actually your body’s way of protecting you. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to what it thinks is a threat, but when there’s no active threat, it can build up and lead to chronic inflammation—which isn’t great.

Pears support a healthy gut microbiome.  

Your gut microbiome is a wonderful place that, yes, influences digestive health but also contributes to immune health and other bodily functions. It’s laden with bacteria, but don’t worry—your gut microbiome is also home to “good” bacteria. These are called probiotics, and they feed on prebiotics, which can be found in pears, Pace says.