Pear
Pear, also known as Amritphale is a sweet fruit. There are two varieties of Pear, hard (Nashpati) and soft (Babbu-gosha). Pear is a dietary source of minerals and vitamins. Pear has unique phytoconstituents which have various medicinal properties. Arbutin, a chemical compound present in Pear acts like a skin whitening agent and is also used in cosmetic preparations. Other health-promoting properties of Pear are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Pear also helps manage uterine cancer, has healing property, and maintains the pH level of the body[2].
What are the synonyms of Pear?
Pyrus communis, Amritphale, Nashpati, Babbu ghosa, Naspati, Kistabahira, Perikkay, Berikaya, Beripandu, Batang, Batank, Common Pear, European Pear, Pear tree, Wild tree, Kas rya, Amruel[1].
What is the source of Pear?
Plant Based
Benefits of Pear
Modern Science View
Pear might be beneficial in the management of constipation. Pear contains fructose and sorbitol. These sugars act as a laxative. They are poorly absorbed by the small intestine and move to the large intestine where they attract water. This softens the stool and makes it easy to pass. Pear is also a rich source of fibers. This fiber content adds bulk to the stool. Thus, Pear helps to increase stool frequency as well[3][7].
Ayurvedic View
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 Pears daily or as per your requirement preferably in the morning.
2. Eat it preferably after taking food to manage constipation.
1. Take 1-2 Pears daily or as per your requirement preferably in the morning.
2. Eat it preferably after taking food to manage constipation.
Modern Science View
Arbutin in Pear fruit might be beneficial in the management of liver disorders. Arbutin in Pear has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and liver protecting properties. It decreases the level of bilirubin. Arbutin also prevents lipid peroxidation and protects the liver cells. Pear peel extract prevents the increase of liver enzymes in the blood[3][7][9].
Ayurvedic View
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 Pears daily or as per your requirement preferably in the morning.
2. Eat it preferably after taking food to manage constipation.
1. Take 1-2 Pears daily or as per your requirement preferably in the morning.
2. Eat it preferably after taking food to manage constipation.
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Pear in managing digestion problems[3].
Ayurvedic View
Pear helps to manage digestive problems like acidity when it is taken before food. According to Ayurveda, hyperacidity means an increased level of acid in the stomach. This is due to an aggravated Pitta. Pear helps to reduce acidity due to its Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 Pears daily or as per your requirement preferably in the morning.
2. Eat it preferably before meals to manage digestive problems like acidity.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 Pears daily or as per your requirement preferably in the morning.
2. Eat it preferably before meals to manage digestive problems like acidity.
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Pear in diarrhea[3].
Ayurvedic View
Pear might control diarrhea and reduce the frequency of motion. Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Taking Pear during diarrhea helps to control the loss of water and makes the stool thick. This is due to its Sita (cold) and Stambhak (Astriction) properties.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 Pears daily or as per your requirement preferably in the morning.
2. Eat it preferably after taking food to control diarrhea.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 Pears daily or as per your requirement preferably in the morning.
2. Eat it preferably after taking food to control diarrhea.
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Pear in fluid retention[3].
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Pear in fevers[3].
How effective is Pear?
Insufficient evidence
Acidity, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Fever, Fluid retention, Liver disease
Precautions when using Pear
FAQs about Pear precautions
Recommended Dosage of Pear
- Pear Juice - ½-1 cup a day.
How to use Pear
1. Pear Fresh Fruit
Take 1-2 Pears daily, preferably in the morning.
Take 1-2 Pears daily, preferably in the morning.
Benefits of Pear
1. Wound healing
Pear leaves help in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property. It also helps to reduce burning sensation and inflammation because of its Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
a. Take a few fresh leaves of Pear.
b. Make a paste with coconut oil.
c. Apply it on the affected area and let it dry.
d. Repeat for complete healing of the wound.
2. Melasma
Pear helps in managing blemishes and dark spots in melasma due to its Pitta balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties. It also gives a cooling and soothing effect on the skin.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of the pulp of Pear.
b. Make a paste with rose water.
c. Apply it on the affected area and let it dry.
d. Repeat the same process to manage dark spots in melasma.
Pear leaves help in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property. It also helps to reduce burning sensation and inflammation because of its Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
a. Take a few fresh leaves of Pear.
b. Make a paste with coconut oil.
c. Apply it on the affected area and let it dry.
d. Repeat for complete healing of the wound.
2. Melasma
Pear helps in managing blemishes and dark spots in melasma due to its Pitta balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties. It also gives a cooling and soothing effect on the skin.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of the pulp of Pear.
b. Make a paste with rose water.
c. Apply it on the affected area and let it dry.
d. Repeat the same process to manage dark spots in melasma.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Both Apples and Pears are low-calorie fruits and a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin C and dietary fibre. Dietary fiber reduces the level of cholesterol and sugar in the blood and also prevents constipation. Both Apples and Pears contain certain phytonutrients that help fight disease.
Modern Science View
Yes, Pear skin is absolutely safe to eat. The majority of nutrients lie in or just under the skin of Pear. Pear skin contains fibre, vitamin C and copper. It plays a major role in repairing damaged tissues, fighting disease and reducing free radicals that contribute to aging and cancer.
Modern Science View
Pears are rich in dietary fibre, vitamin C and other essential phytonutrients and low in calories. Consuming 2 Pears a day can fulfill your daily need of fruits.
Ayurvedic View
Take 1-2 Pears daily or as per your requirement preferably in the morning before taking food to manage digestive problems.
Modern Science View
No, Pears are low calorie fruit. One cup of Pear contains about 14g (3.4 teaspoons) of sugar (approximately 80 calories). Pears also have a low glycemic index and thus do not cause a spike in blood glucose level.
Modern Science View
Pears are a rich source of fibre which is why it is best to eat them in the morning as they will boost metabolism. They can also be eaten as a snack during the day. Although Pears are available throughout the year, it is best to eat them in the season (June to August).
Modern Science View
Pear is a low calorie fruit, 100g of Pear have about 57 calories.
Modern Science View
Excessive consumption of Pear juice may be bad for your health. Pears are rich in dietary fibre and too much fibre can be bad for the digestive system. It may cause constipation and interfere with the absorption of nutrients in the body. Pear is also rich in vitamin C and excess of it may cause diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, abdominal bloating and headache.
Modern Science View
Yes, Pear is good for diabetes. This is due to its hypoglycemic effect. Pear might help to lower the blood glucose levels. This might be due to its ability to release insulin from the pancreatic β-cells or inhibition of glucose absorption by the intestine. It might also improve the utilization of glucose by the cells and the tissues. Pear also reduces the risk of diabetic complications due to its antioxidant property[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pear is good for lowering the lipid levels in the body. Pear has hypolipidemic effect that helps to lower the level of triglycerides and LDL (bad cholesterol). Pear helps to increase the level of HDL or good cholesterol. It also acts as an antioxidant and a cardioprotective agent. Thus, Pear reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease associated with increased lipid levels[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pear is good for the heart. Pear has good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to reduce high blood pressure. Pear prevents lipid peroxidation that can lead to damage of blood vessels. Thus, Pear reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular problems and coronary heart disease[7].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Pear is good for the stomach. This is because it helps to reduce acidity and gives a cooling effect in the stomach when it is taken before food.
Ayurvedic View
Pear if taken in excess amount, can cause gas or flatulence. This is because it takes time to digest due to its Guru (heavy) nature.
Ayurvedic View
No, in fact eating Pear helps to reduce acidity when it is taken before food. This is because of its Sita (cold) nature.
Ayurvedic View
Eating Pear in case of a cough might aggravate your problem because of its Sita (cold) nature. Pear can increase the Kapha in your body and aggravate the symptoms of a cough.
References
- Balkrishnan A.Nashpati.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Parle M, Arzoo.Why is Pear so dear.Int J Res Ayurveda Pharm.2016.7(1):108-113.
- WebMD.Pear: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Matin A, Khan MA, Ashraf M.Traditional use of herbs, shrubs and trees of Shogran valley, Mansehra, Pakistan.Pakistan Journal of biological sciences.2001;4(9):1101-1107.
- Rezaeirad D, Bakhshi D, Ghasemnezhad M.Evaluation of some vegetative and reproductive characteristics of select local Pears (Pyrus sp.) in Guilan Province, Iran.The Asian and Australian journal of plant science and biotechnology.2012;6(1):102-107.
- Velmurugan C, Bhargava A. Anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic activity of fruits of Pyrus communis L. in hyperglycemic rats. Asian J Pharm Clin Res.2013;6(5):108-111.
- Martin GJ, Williams G, Stonehouse W, et al. Health and nutritional properties of Pears (Pyrus): A literature review.CSIRO.2015.
- Zhang T, Doria E, Boncompagni E, et al. Extraction and evaluation of nutraceutical molecules in wastes of fruit and vegetables. Int J Food Nutr Sci.2017;4(2):74-80.
- Mirshahvalad S, Feizi F, Barkhordar A, et al. Hepatoprotective effects of arbutin against liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod.2016;11(3):e33392.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.