Pears are a delicious, low-calorie powerhouse fruit, packing fiber, vitamins and beneficial plant compounds.
These nutrients are thought to fight inflammation, promote gut and heart health, protect against certain diseases, and even aid weight loss.
Most people think of reaching for an apple, but some excellent health benefits of pears are making us want to give this tasty fruit its fair chance. Just be sure to eat the peel, as it holds many of this fruit’s nutrients. Doctors advise people with diabetes and heart conditions to include pear in their diet. Pair your pear with protein – think nuts or cheese – for a well-rounded, healthy snack.
If fresh pears aren’t a good option for you or are not in season, canned ones can be a good alternative. But as with anything on the grocer’s shelf, read the label carefully. You don’t want pears packed in light or heavy syrup. Instead, look for labels that say “packed in water,” “100% juice” or “packed in their own juices.”
Healthline has a terrific article and video describing the health and nutrition benefits of pears, including:
- Highly nutritious
- May promote gut health
- Contain beneficial plant compounds
- Have anti-inflammatory properties
- May offer anticancer effects
- Linked to a lower risk of diabetes
- May boost heart health
- May help with weight loss
- Easy to add to your diet
Aside from the health benefits of eating pears, the fruit is lovely to cook with! You won’t be disappointed! They can be prepared in many ways, including grilled, poached or stirred into a breakfast parfait. And, of course, you can always eat them sliced or diced as a salad topping.
Try these Cinnamon Maple Roasted Pears to get you started cooking with pears.
Cinnamon Maple Roasted Pears
Ingredients
- 4 Bartlett pears halved lengthwise and cored
- 2 tsp melted coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon or to taste
- ⅛ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp Kosher salt
- chopped walnuts or nuts of choice optional
- plain Greek or coconut yogurt optional
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F. Place the halved/cored pears in a shallow baking dish. Toss with melted coconut oil, syrup, lemon juice, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
- Turn cut sides down and bake until just tender, 20-25 minutes. Flip and bake another 5 minutes.
- Transfer to 4 plates and dollop with yogurt and chopped nuts if desired. Spoon any pan juices over the top and serve warm.
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