Summer is a season with an abundance of fruits, and many people enjoy eating pears. In fact, eating pears in the summer has many benefits. Let's take a look at the benefits of pears together.
1. Reducing the chance of catching a cold
People who eat more pears have a much lower chance of catching a cold compared to those who don't or rarely eat them. Therefore, some scientists and doctors have called pears "all-around healthy fruits" or "general practitioners." With the current severe air pollution, eating more pears can improve the respiratory system and lung function, protecting the lungs from the effects of dust and smoke in the air.
2. Stimulating appetite
Pears contain a lot of carbohydrates and various vitamins, which are easily absorbed by the body to stimulate appetite and have a protective effect on the liver.
4. Clearing heat and calming nerves
Pears are cool in nature and can clear heat and calm the nerves. Regular consumption can help normalize blood pressure and improve symptoms like dizziness and vertigo.
3. Protecting the heart
Pears are rich in B vitamins, which can protect the heart, reduce fatigue, enhance myocardial vitality, and lower blood pressure.
5. Preventing cancer
Eating pears can prevent atherosclerosis and inhibit the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines, thereby preventing and fighting cancer.
6. Relieving constipation
Your tongue may feel rough when eating pears. This is because of the accumulation of stone cells, such as lignin and fiber, which can stimulate the intestines and relieve constipation.
7. Preventing osteoporosis
Pear seeds contain lignin, an insoluble fiber that dissolves in the intestines to form a gel-like film, which can bind with cholesterol and be expelled. Pears also contain boron, which can prevent osteoporosis in women.
How to cook pears?
1. Eating raw: There is a saying that "raw pears clear the heat of the six fu-organs, while cooked pears nourish the yin of the five zang-organs." Therefore, eating raw pears can significantly relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, such as a dry, itchy, sore throat, hoarseness, as well as constipation and dark urine.
2. Juicing: Juicing pears, or boiling them with a little rock sugar, plus ingredients like Malva nut and melon seeds, has a moisturizing effect on the throat and replenishes body fluids, which is beneficial for those affected by hot, dry weather, a "fiery" constitution, a dry sore throat, or a hoarse voice.
3. Steaming with rock sugar: Steaming pears with rock sugar is a traditional Chinese therapeutic remedy. It can nourish yin, moisten the lungs, relieve coughs, and reduce phlegm, providing excellent moisturizing and protective effects for the throat.
4. Pear beverages: "Pear paste candy" is also famous both in China and abroad. It is made by simmering pears with honey and has a significant therapeutic effect on patients with chronic coughs due to lung heat.
Who should be cautious when eating pears?
★ Pears are cool and dampening in nature. Eating too many can harm the spleen and stomach. Therefore, people with a weak spleen and stomach or who are sensitive to cold foods should eat them in moderation.
★ Pears contain a high amount of fruit acid, so those with excessive stomach acid should not eat too many.
★ Pears have a diuretic effect, so those who urinate frequently at night should avoid eating them before bedtime.
★ Patients with blood deficiency, aversion to cold, diarrhea, or cold hands and feet should not eat too many pears. It is best to cook them before eating to prevent worsening symptoms of cold and dampness.
★ Pears are high in sugar, so diabetics should be cautious.
★ Pears contain a lot of fruit acid and should not be taken with alkaline drugs such as aminophylline or baking soda. Pears should not be eaten with crabs to prevent diarrhea.
★ For those using pears to relieve coughs and reduce phlegm, it is advisable not to choose very sweet pears with high sugar content.