At Tesco, a five-pack of Conference Pears is priced at £1.60, equating to just 32p per pear. Nicolle Cucco, a registered dietitian, advocates for the inclusion of this underrated fruit in your diet starting in September. As a trained chef and certified PT at Muscle Booster, Nicolle highlights the multiple health benefits of consuming pears from next month, noting that this affordable fruit can support and enhance various bodily functions.

Detailing the science behind the health benefits of pears, Nicolle stated: “As pears become in season in the UK starting in September, consuming them, especially with the peel on, offers several nutritional and health advantages. The diverse vitamins and antioxidants they contain benefit various bodily systems, such as the gut, heart, and immune system.”

A robust immune system safeguards the body against illnesses and diseases by fighting off harmful pathogens like viruses and bacteria, which in turn helps prevent chronic illnesses and supports recovery. 

This immune fortitude not only contributes to a longer and healthier life but also mitigates the severity and frequency of infections. Essentially, it acts as a protective barrier, ensuring the body stays strong by identifying and combating potential hazards.

Nicolle says: “As daylight hours start to fade and temperatures become noticeably cooler, it is really important to start reintroducing food sources that can help boost immunity ahead of the winter months. Pears are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin K, which help boost the body’s immune system, allow wounds to heal quicker, and protect against iron deficiency.”

Pears are packed with essential minerals like copper and potassium. Copper helps with immunity, cholesterol metabolism, and nerve function, while potassium supports muscle contractions and heart health. 

Pears are a fantastic source of polyphenol antioxidants that guard against oxidative damage. Make sure to eat the entire pear, since the peel contains up to six times more polyphenols than the flesh.

The nutrients contained within pears also support the digestive system. Their high fibre content helps maintain bowel regularity and soften stool. Nicolle says: “The fibre is found within the skin, meaning that eating a pear unpeeled is the best way to extract all the gut health benefits.”

Pears are a fantastic source of both soluble and insoluble fibre, which are crucial for keeping your digestive system healthy. These fibres aid in maintaining regular bowel movements by softening and adding bulk to stool

Pears are loaded with pectin, a kind of soluble fibre linked to various benefits, such as better gut health and a stronger immune system. Since the skin of the pear has a significant amount of fibre, it’s recommended to enjoy this fruit with the skin on.

“Unpeeled pears also offer heart health benefits, with a 2019 study of 40 adults with metabolic syndrome having been able to lower their heart disease risk factors by eating two medium pears daily, for 12 weeks.” 

Nicolle said. “The flavonoids which are found within pears can contribute to lowering cholesterol levels and improving blood pressure, two areas that are integral to greater heart health.”

The procyanidin antioxidants in the peel might help reduce stiffness in heart tissue, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and boost HDL (good) cholesterol. 

The peel also contains a key antioxidant known as quercetin, which is believed to support heart health by lowering inflammation and reducing heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Even though pears have a low glycemic index, they still have natural sugars and carbs. If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep an eye on how much you eat to prevent blood sugar spikes.

Flavonoids help reduce inflammation, Nicolle says, which can be particularly beneficial during the winter months as the likelihood of suffering from stiffness increases in cold temperatures. 

While inflammation is a typical immune reaction, ongoing or chronic inflammation can negatively impact your health. It’s associated with various conditions, such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Pears are packed with flavonoid antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and might lower your disease risk. A review from 2018 connects a high intake of flavonoids to a lower risk of diabetes and the likelihood of developing or dying from heart disease. This benefit may stem from the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities of these compounds.

Lastly, Nicolle says: “The best part is that pears should be readily available during the upcoming weeks and months, with their peak harvest season coming in the late summer and early autumn. Eating pears soon after harvest ensures that they will be more nutritious, fresher, and technically tastier.”