Why not try a pear? It could help keep high blood pressure, ulcers and diabetes away (or at least under control), and lower inflammation.
Did you know that if not for a blight that killed many pear orchards in the early days of the United States, pears might have been more popular than apples?
Now, a study at North Dakota State University shows that natural compounds in pears are eagerly devoured by the friendly (probiotic) bacteria in the digestive tract. And when those little organisms are well-fed, they can help control your blood sugar and keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.
Plus, when good bacteria are nourished and satisfied, they multiply. That can reduce the chances that a problematic bacteria like Helicobacter pylori, which causes ulcers, can overgrow and start causing pain in your stomach.
“Bacteria is often perceived as something that causes diseases; however, the body is full of bacteria that are mostly good,” says researcher Kalidas Shetty. “It’s exciting to explore the potential that pears can have to balance beneficial bacterial activity in the digestive process, as gut health helps support overall health of the body.”
The research shows that pears have natural chemical antioxidants and phenolics that interact with the body’s enzymes to improve how the body handles sugar. They can also help hold down the high blood pressure that can occur when you have diabetes.
I consider this type of research to be great news: I’ve always been a sucker for a ripe, juicy pear. And research shows that pears can hold down inflammation – that nasty activity by the immune system that makes you more vulnerable to arthritis, heart disease and other chronic disease. That makes me ready to step away from this keyboard and squeeze the pears on my kitchen counter to see if any of them are ripe enough to eat.
