Pear is any of several tree and shrub species of genus Pyrus in the family Rosaceae. It is also the name of the pomaceous fruit of these trees. Several species of pear are valued for their edible fruit, while others are cultivated as ornamental trees. The genus Pyrus is classified in subtribe Pyrinae within tribe Pyreae.
According to Pear Bureau Northwest,
about 3000 known varieties of pears are grown worldwide. The pear is frequently raised by sowing the pips of ordinary cultivated or of wild kinds, these forming what are known as free or pear stocks, on which the choicer varieties are grafted for increase. Both quince and clonally produced pear rootstocks are also used for Pyrus communis orchards. For new varieties the flowers can be cross-bred to preserve or combine desirable traits. The fruit of the pear is produced on spurs, which appear on shoots more than one year old.
Other species are used as rootstocks for European and Asian pears and as ornamental trees. The Siberian pear, Pyrus ussuriensis has been crossed with Pyrus communis to breed hardier pear cultivars. The Bradford pear in particular has become widespread in North America, and is used only as an ornamental tree, as well as a blight-resistant rootstock for Pyrus communis fruit orchards. The Willow-leaved pear is grown for its attractive, slender, densely silvery-hairy leaves.
Health benefits of Pear :
Pears are a good source of dietary fiber and a good source of vitamin C. Most of the vitamin C, as well as the dietary fiber, is contained within the skin of the fruit. Most of the fiber is insoluble, making pears a good laxative.
Pears provide a very good source of fiber and are also a good source of vitamin B2, C, E, copper, and potassium. They also contain a significant amount of pectin, which is a water soluble fiber.
Pears are actually higher in pectin than apples. This makes them effective in helping to lower cholesterol levels and in toning the intestines. They are often recommended by health care practitioners as a hypoallergenic fruit that is high in fiber. Pears are an extraordinary source of dietary fiber when the skin is eaten along with the flesh. Pears are also an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin E, both powerful antioxidants and essential nutrients.
Pears are often recommended as a hypo-allergenic fruit that is high in fiber but less likely to produce adverse reactions. Pear juice is safe to be introduced to infants as they are mild, yet healthful.
Pears have anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogen glutathione which help prevent high blood pressure and stroke. Pears have anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogen glutathione which help prevent high blood pressure and stroke. The high vitamin C and copper content act as good anti-oxidants that protect cells from damages by free radicals.
The high content of pectin in pears make it very useful in helping to lower cholesterol levels. When not juicing, eat the pear whole for its precious fiber that are highly beneficial for your colon health. The pectin in pears is diuretic and have a mild laxative effect. Drinking pear juice regularly helps regulate bowel movements.
You can get quick and natural source of energy from pear juice, due largely to its high amounts of fructose and glucose. The cooling effect in pear is excellent in relieving fever. Best way to bring a fever down quickly is by drinking a big glass of pear juice.
The anti-oxidant nutrients in pears are critical in building up your immune system. Drink pear juice when you feel a cold coming. Pear juice has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps relieve sufferers of much pain in various inflammatory conditions.Pears contain high level of boron. Boron helps the body to retain calcium, thus prevents or retards osteoporosis. The high content of folate prevents neural tube defects in infants.
The summer heat may cause children to have shortness of breath with excessive phlegm. Drink pear juice during this period to help clear the phlegm. The pears are in season during the summer for a reason. Drinking pear juice every morning and night helps to cool your body down during this time. It nourishes the throat and helps prevent throat problems.
Boil two Chinese pear juice with some raw honey and drink warm. This is extremely healing for the throat and the vocal cord. Pears are an excellent source of natural dietary fiber. One pear will give you 24% of your recommended daily allowance of fiber. Fiber contains no calories, and is a necessary element of a healthy diet as it helps sustain blood sugar levels and promotes regularity.
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