Pears offer a good source of vitamin C, folate, and dietary fiber. One medium-sized Pear contains less than 100 calories. Most of the vitamin C in Pears is in the skin, so they should be eaten unpeeled. Providing some iron and potassium, Pears contain pectin, a soluble fiber that helps control cholesterol levels, and cellulose, an insoluble fiber that promotes normal bowel function. Pear are packed not only with flavor, but fiber. Carbohydrates make up 98% of the energy provided by a pear. Carbohydrates are helpful in weight reduction diets, since they contain half as many calories as fat. Pears provide a natural quick source of energy, due largely to high amounts of two monosaccharides: fructose and glucose. A pear is a nutrient dense food, providing more nutrients per calorie, than calories per nutrient. A pear provides 30% more potassium than an apple. Potassium is necessary for maintaining heartbeat, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and carbohydrate and protein metabolism. One medium pear provides 11% of the RDA for ascorbic acid (vitamin C). A pear, with skin, weighing 166 grams, provides 2.32 grams of crude fiber, and 4.5 grams of dietary fiber, of which 41% is pectin.

 

page created by DJ Rosie