3. Cancer Prevention
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In a study comparing people diagnosed with colorectal adenoma (growths) to those with no diagnosis, researchers found fruit and vegetables to be somewhat protective, but the strongest protection came from fruit. Those who ate almost 6 servings of fruit daily had 25 percent less risk of colorectal adenoma compared to those who ate just one serving of fruit daily. Researchers believe fiber, as well as other nutrients in fruit, play a protective role against cancer development.
4. Heart Disease
Pears are a heart healthy food. They are a sodium-free, fat-free, and cholesterol-free, a good source of vitamin C and are rich in fiber. Researchers have found that pears and apples are the most protective against heart disease, compared with other common fruits. There are many factors such as diet, activity level, age and genetics that contribute to heart disease. However, according to the American Heart Association, eating more fruits and vegetables may also help fend off a heart attack or stroke.
5. Hypertension
Lifestyle changes such as exercising, eating more fruits and vegetables, decreasing sodium while increasing potassium are helpful when it comes to blood pressure. Also, weight loss—if you are overweight, may reduce blood pressure. Pears are a good source of potassium. Eating foods rich in potassium tend to reduce the bad effects of sodium on blood pressure. And replacing high-sodium, high-calorie foods in your diet with low-calorie, sodium free foods such as pears can help reduce sodium intake even more.
Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, national speaker and author of The African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetes.. She is Dannon One Yogurt Every Day Nutrition Advisor.