Is Pear Healthy or Apple?

When comparing pears and apples, there isn’t much that definitively makes one better than the other. As both fruits stem from the same family, they share many similarities in terms of nutritional makeup and health benefits. Both fruits are full of fiber and rich in antioxidants, both of which are the right things to keep the body running its best.

The old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is attributed to Benjamin Franklin, but he could just as easily have made the same statement about pears. Both pears and apples are great additions to the diet of anyone interested in healthy living…both are high in fiber, low in calories, rich in antioxidants, are good sources of vitamin C, and free of saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Both apples and pears are a great snack if you’re trying to watch your weight because they’re rich in soluble fiber, which slows the digestion process, so you feel full longer and end up eating less.

But which fruit is more nutritious – apples or pears? Is one better for you than another? Let's take a look.

Historical Background

Pear originated in China in the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains in approximately 5000B.C. The Chinese considered the pear as a symbol of immortality. In ancient Greece, pears were used against nausea as a natural remedy. In the Odyssey, Greek poet Homer refers to pears as “a gift of gods.” The pear was sacred to several goddesses – Hera and Aphrodite in Greek mythology, Roma goddesses Juno and Venus, as well as Pomona - the Roman goddess of fruitfulness. Pear leaves were smoked before tobacco became popular in Europe.

And what's about apples? Apples originated in the Middle East more than 4000 years ago. Apples are mentioned in Arabian Nights. Homer also mentions apple trees in the Odyssey. The Norse gods connected their immortality to apples. Apple is popularly known as the forbidden fruit of Eden. However, original Bible scriptures do not mention the forbidden fruit to be an apple.

Introduction

There’s a reason why when people make comparisons, the phrase is “apples and oranges” and not “apples and pears.” Apples and pears are actually closely related and share many similarities.

Both fruits both come from the Rosaceae family and were first cultivated in Asia. And while their outward appearances are different, they both have a similar skin that covers a sweet white inside. Pears and apples share a similar harvest season, with early- to mid-autumn being the best time to find the tastiest and most nutritionally-rich fruits. But of course, any time of year is perfect for enjoying the Health Benefits that both have to offer.

So although pears and apples are alike, is either one better than the other? Can a pear a day keep the doctor away just as well as an apple? 

Nutritional Profile

There are about 7,500 apple varieties, so the exact nutrition facts for apples can vary. However, the USDA states an average 200-gram red delicious apple has:

• 117 calories

• 0.4 grams of fat

• 0.75 grams of protein

• 28 grams of carbohydrates, of which 10 are sugars.

• 4 grams of fiber

• 0.2 grams of iron

• 208 mg of potassium

On the other hand, there are 3,000 varieties of pears, and the nutritional value between types tends to differ more widely than in apple varieties. A regular, 200-gram pear has:

• 114 calories

• 0.2 grams of fat

• 0.8 grams of protein

• 30 grams of carbohydrates and 9.8 grams of sugar

• 6.2 grams of fiber

• 0.4 grams of iron

• 232 mg of potassium

Though pears' and apples' carbohydrate and sugar count seems high, they are actually great foods to eat as a snack while on a diet. Some delicious pears are recommended: Huangguan Pear, Ya Pear, Snow Pear, Red Fragrant Pear, Fengshui Pear, etc.

All fruits have high levels of sugar but are low on the glycemic index. That means they help steady keep blood sugar levels throughout the day and prevent feelings of hunger. Plus, the rich fiber content in pears and apples helps promote feelings of fullness and regulate digestion. Since pears have less sugar and more fiber, though, they will do a better job of moderating hunger.

Vitamins and Minerals

Both pears and apples are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals and have comparable levels of phosphorus and sodium.

But, pears have more copper, a mineral that the Western diet generally lacks. In addition to copper, pears also contain more iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

But when it comes to the fruit with better vitamin content, apples have more vitamins A, E, and B1. Pears have more B3 and K, but both have the same levels of vitamins C and B2.

Health Benefits

Apples are a rich source of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolics, which may help reduce the risk of different diseases by various mechanisms, like cell signaling, antioxidant, and cancer cell antiproliferative effects. These effects can decrease the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Besides being great to eat while losing weight, pears have other health benefits that make them a good kitchen staple. They have been shown to improve digestion, support regularity, and prevent constipation as part of a healthy digestive system. This can help the body detox more effectively and rid itself of toxins. Pears’ fiber content is beneficial for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and lowering cholesterol. Diets rich in fiber have been shown to reduce the “bad” cholesterol that causes cardiovascular disease and other issues. Not only that, but high-fiber foods such as pears have been shown to lower the risk of developing diabetes, cancer, and obesity. It also bolsters the immune system and eases inflammation. Pears’ low glycemic index number and high fiber content are also beneficial for managing diabetes as they regulate blood sugar levels.

Related: How Can Pears Help with Diabetes?

Downsides and Risks

Other than benefits, apples and pears may also have some risks for health. They contain a considerable amount of fructose, overconsumption of which may intensify pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea in people with irritable bowel disorders.

Besides, apple seed contains small doses of the poison cyanide. In high quantities, this can lead to harm.

In addition, apples are quite acidic, making them up to four times more harmful to teeth than soda.

Harvesting and Storing

The storage life of apples and pears depends on harvesting at the proper stage of maturity and correct storage.

Apples have several indicators of maturity. Mature apples are juicy, crisp, firm, well-colored, and have characteristic flavor. When harvested too early, apples are poorly flavored, sour, astringent, and starchy. On the other hand, fruits harvested too late are mushy and soft. The fundamental determinant criteria for maximum storage life are temperature and relative humidity. At a temperature of about 32°F and relative humidity between 90 and 95%, apples could be stored for 3 to 5 months.

Pears, however, shouldn’t be left to ripen on trees as they become gritty and poorly favored due to the development of stone cells in the fruit. Pears should be harvested when their color changes from a deep green to a light green and should be ripened indoors at a temperature of 60 to 70°F. In order to store pears for approximately 1 to 3 months, it is necessary to preserve non-ripened fruit at a temperature of 30 to 32°F and relative humidity of 90%.

Furthermore, there is a specific method for more long-term storage of apples and pears called controlled atmosphere storage. The principle of this method is based on reducing the temperature to the lowest level possible without damaging the fruit by freezing, changing the atmosphere in a storage room by reducing the oxygen, and increasing the carbon dioxide. It helps to slow down the ripening and aging processes of the stored fruits.

Related: How to Ripen Pears?

In Conclusion

To sum up, it can be difficult to pinpoint the health benefits of one fruit over another, because all fruits (and vegetables) contain different amounts of nutrients, and it is for this reason that health professionals encourage a diet made up of varied fruits and vegetables. Because of this, we can’t say it’s better for you to eat pears instead of apples or apples instead of pears. Instead, you should include both fruits in your diet, while perhaps focusing on higher amounts of the fruit that meets your own specific health concern.

Guowang is a distinguished agricultural product export company specializing in a variety of high-quality apples and pears. With a strong, self-operated foundation in agricultural exports, we have grown to become a trusted supplier in the global fruit market. Our advanced facilities include 15 strategically located warehouses with a storage capacity of 3,200 tons, supporting an impressive annual export volume of 3,000 tons. Our fruits are shipped to over a dozen countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Russia.

At Guowang, we’re dedicated to upholding the highest standards in product quality, handling, and customer service. We welcome all inquiries and look forward to building relationships with international partners who value freshness and quality. For more information on our wide selection of apples and pears or to place an order, please visit our website at www.gwpears.com. Experience the exceptional freshness and flavor that Guowang brings from our orchards to your table.

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