Health Benefits of Pears (Nashpati), Uses And Its Side Effects

Pears are curvaceous , sweet, juicy and are available in an array of colours from bright green to tawny red to sunset yellow type with an unusual texture which alters as its ripening stage appears. Some pears have a rounded body that taper into a neck of various lengths (European Pears) while some are completely round with no neck(Asian Pears) and some have a smooth texture.

Some pears possess a sweet flavour while some have an aromatic one . Pears can be classified into Asian Pears (Pyrus pyrifolia) and European Pears(Pyrus communis). Asian pear varieties show a sandy texture which does not change after harvesting or storage while European pears turn juicy when they ripen.

Pear belongs to any of the tree or shrub species of genus Pyrus in the family Rosaceae. It is also the name of the pomaceous fruit of trees. There are several species of trees which are valued for their edible juices and fruits. The common varieties of pears are- Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, Concorde, Seckel, Comice, Forelle, Starkrimson.

Pears are nutrient dense fruits. A medium sized pear contains approximately hundred calories and is fat free. Pears are rich source of dietary fiber. A medium sized pear provide about fifteen percent of daily copper requirement. The skin of pear is mainly a concentrated source of phenolic phytonutrients.

Pears have a high water content with negligible amount of protein. Pears are cholesterol free. They contain minerals like copper , calcium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium and iron. Pears are also filled with vitamins ( Vitamin A, C, D,K, E,B-12, B-6,), folates, pantothenic acid, and carbohydrates. The fruit excels in phytonutrient category.

The list of phytonutrients contained in pear is as follows:- Hydroxybenzoic acid- chlorogenic acid, gentisic acid, syringic acid, vanilic acid; Hydroxycinnamic acid- coumaric acid, ferulic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid; Hydroxyquinones- arbutin; Flavanols- catechin, epicatechin; Flavonols- isorhamnetin, quercetin, kaempferol; Anthocyanins ( in red-skinned varieties); Carotenoids- beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin.

Mentioned below are the best health benefits of eating Pears (Nashpati). Women can eat pear fruit during pregnancy, it is safe and offers low calories and high nutritional value. We also check side effects of pear consumption in excess and also cultivation details

Pears are beneficial for maintaining skin health. It very effectively treats oily skin if used with fresh cream and honey. Pears help to get acne free skin and are also effective as natural scrub. Pears are also used to treat and tame freezy hair. They restore the lost shine and reduce hair dryness. Pears are also used to prepare jams and jellies.

Regular and moderate consumption of pear is beneficial to health. But too much consumption of Pears (Nashpati) can be harmful. Pears are good source of dietary fiber. But too much of fibers is bad for digestive health because it interferes with absorption of nutrients in the body.

High levels of Vitamin C can give rise to complications like diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, abdominal bloating and headache. High levels of antioxidants can increase the risk of cancer. In a study conducted in the 2011 among 35,500 men, it was found that increased level of Vitamin E can be a cause of increased risk of prostate cancer.

High levels of Vitamin A can cause blurry vision, bone swelling, poor apetite, dizziness, bone pain etc. Pears are safe when taken in a moderate amount. Pears have less chances of allergenic reactions. But there are cases where patients have been reported to develop allergenic reactions.

Pears are one of the world’s oldest cultivated fruits which are loved by almost all generations. The pyrus species are native to Northern Hemisphere of the ancient world. European and East Asian species are native to Eastern Europe and South Western Asia while East and North Asian species are native to Eastern Asia including China , Japan and ManAuria.

Pyrus pyrifolia originated in China from where it was brought to Amritsar’s village by Chinese Merchants. It is the fifth most widely produced fruit in the world. It is mainly produced in China, Europe and United States.

Pear trees grow from 20-50 feet tall, depending on variety. European pears ripen in late summer. Asian pears ripen generally from late summer to early autumn. Most pears grow in full sun to light shade. Slight variations may occur according to varieties. In areas with mild climates, pears tolerate salty and coastal environment.

Pears can grow in loamy, sandy or clay soils though they grow best in rich well drained loamy soil having pH less than 8.5. Alkaline soil is unfit for pear growth. Pears can be grown successfully at 1200-1800 meter above sea level. It can tolerate very low temperature as well as high temperatures during summers.