Review of the health benefits and nutritional properties of pear (AP15010)

What was it all about?

This project, which ran during 2015, aimed to pull together into one place the most interesting research results about the health benefits of pears from around the world – giving the industry the ability to craft health messages to further promote pear consumption.

As part of the project, human, animal and compositional studies were scrutinised using National Health and Medical Research Council criteria.

The review found the most unique feature of pears compared to other commonly consumed fruit is their high content of digestive regulating nutrients, namely fibre, sorbitol and fructose. It found daily pear consumption may be an effective natural strategy for ensuring normal bowel function across all life stages.

The review also found pears to be rich in phytonutrients, especially phenolic acids, which have benefits for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. Other studies drew links between pears and weight loss, reduced risk of stroke and reduced risk of cancer of the lung, bladder, mouth, pancreas and breast.

Two studies, one animal and one human, showed some potential for Korean pear varieties to reduce blood alcohol levels and hangover severity. Further work is required to support this work in other populations using pears containing high levels of arbutin, which in Australia may be the Nashi pear.