The first mention of the pear is found in Homer’s (9th century BC) epic poem, The Odyssey, confirming that the pear was cultivated in Greece as early as three thousand years ago.
The pear is included as one of the “gifts of the gods” which grew in the garden of Alcinöus, the King of the Phaeacians, a legendary country:
And without the courtyard by the door is a great garden, of four plough-gates,
and a hedge runs round on either side. And there grow tall trees blossoming,
pear-trees and pomegranates, and apple-trees with bright fruits, and sweet
figs, and olives in their bloom. …. Pear upon pear waxes old, and apple on
apple, yea, and cluster ripens upon cluster of the grape, and fig upon fig.
…..These were the splendid gifts of the gods in the palace of Alcinöus.
Homer called it a "gift of the gods" and was probably not wrong. Pear is a very popular fruit, while its important nutritional benefits make it an important "ally" of our health. Pears are in season all year round, but mainly from the end of June to February. They are an excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, folic acid and niacin. They are also rich in copper, phosphorus and potassium, and in smaller amounts of calcium, chlorine, iron, magnesium, sodium and sulfur and are low in calories.
Pears are considered a hypoallergenic fruit, which is rich in fiber but is unlikely to cause side effects and is therefore recommended for people who suffer from various food allergies. They also benefit in the fight against various diseases. So pear juice is even recommended for babies or for people with allergies.
Blood pressure: Pears have antioxidant and anticancer properties that help prevent high blood pressure and stroke.
Cancer prevention: Their high content of vitamin C and copper acts as an antioxidant and protects the cells.
Cholesterol: Due to their high pectin content, pears are particularly important for lowering cholesterol levels.
Intestinal health: Its valuable fibers are beneficial to the health of the colon.
Constipation: The pectin in pears is diuretic and by drinking pear juice regularly you help to regulate bowel movements.
Energy: Pear juice is a quick, natural source of energy, which is largely due to its high fructose and glucose content.
Fever: The refreshing effect of the pear, helps to relieve fever.
Immune stimulation: The antioxidant nutrients in pears are vital for our immune system.
Inflammation: Pear juice has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps to relieve pain in various inflammatory conditions.
Osteoporosis: Pears contain a high proportion of the chemical element that helps the body store calcium and delays osteoporosis.
Pregnancy: Its high folic acid content prevents abnormalities in the nervous system of infants.
Shortness of breath: The heat of summer can cause breathing difficulties for children, and pear juice can relieve these symptoms.
Sore throat: Pears are not an ideal summer fruit for nothing. Pear juice helps to cool the body when the temperature reaches a peak, nourishes the throat and helps prevent sore throats.
