• The anti-oxidant nutrients in pears are critical in building up your immune system.

• Pear is good for diabetics because its sweetness is supplied in large part by laevulose, fruit sugar that is more easily tolerated by diabetics.

• Pears high vitamin C and copper content act as good anti-oxidants that protect cells from damages by free radicals.

• Pear is good in relieving fever because of its cooling effect. Best way to bring a fever down quickly is by drinking a big glass of pear juice.

• Pear can help prevent Nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys)

• It can help against Acidosis (deficiency in alkalinity of the blood)

• It helps prevent allergies and other skin problems.

• It can help prevent colitis (inflammation of the colon)

• Pear is high in vitamin B-complex and potassium, which is beneficial for the heart and for blood pressure

• Pears are excellent source of pectin (an important aid in digestion and cleansing the body of toxins and other waste) so they help prevent and treat constipation.

• Pears are excellent source of water-soluble fibre. Drinking pear juice regularly helps regulate bowel movements.

• Boil two Chinese pear juice with some raw honey and drink warm. This is extremely healing for the throat and the vocal cord.

When buying pears choose deep coloured and firm pears but not too hard. They should have a smooth skin that is free of bruises or moulds.

To hasten the ripening, store them at room temperature for a few days to soften and ripen. If you will not be consuming the pears immediately once they have ripened, you can store them in the refrigerator where they can remain fresh for a few days.

Pears for juicing are best kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. Over-ripe pears are mushy and are not suitable for juicing.

People who eat pears regularly are also known to have good set of teeth. So next time you see these fruits at the Nakumatt supermarket make sure to buy them to enjoy all the health benefits that they have to offer.

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