ISLAMABAD (Online) – We’ve long been told that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But now, researchers have discovered that having a pear everyday keeps you healthy and slim.
A new study found that pears are associated with lower body weight. People who consume pears are 35 per cent less likely to be obese, scientists discovered.
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The study also found that pear consumption is associated with higher diet quality.
Researchers revealed that people who consume pears are 35% less likely to be obese – thanks in large part to the high levels of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, copper and potassium in the fruit.
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Pears are an excellent source of fiber, in addition to being a good source of vitamin C.
A single medium pear contains nearly 24 per cent the daily fiber recommendations – and is only 100 calories.
The fruit is also free of fat, cholesterol and sodium – and contains 190 mg of potassium.
Researchers from the Louisiana State University looked at data from 2001 to 2010 for the study.
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They used a nationally representative sample to analyse the association of fresh pear consumption with nutrient intake, nutrient adequacy, diet quality and cardiovascular risk factors in adults.
Dr Carol O’Neil, who led the study, said: “The association between pears and lower weight is very exciting.
“We believe fiber intake may have driven the lower body weights that were seen in this study.”
She added: “There was no difference in energy intake or level of physical activity found between the fresh pear consumers and non-consumers.”
Eating one medium fresh pear each day has a positive effect on nutrient intake.
The fruit has higher percentages of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, copper and potassium, and leads to higher mean intakes of total sugars.
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Consumers of fresh pears also have lower intakes of total, monounsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids and added sugars.
A single medium pear contains nearly 24 per cent the daily fiber needs – and is only 100 calories. Researchers found that people who eat one medium pear a day will see positive health benefits – including lower weight
According to the USDA Guidelines for Americans, people who eat more fruit as part of an overall healthy diet are more likely to reduce their risk of chronic diseases.
But, the researchers noted that little has been published on the health outcomes associated with individual fruits – including pears.
However, the USA Pear Bureau said it is continuing to collaborate with researchers to commission additional studies to show the relationship between pears and positive health outcomes.
