Pears Could Help Manage Early Stage Diabetes

When it comes to diabetes and diabetes-induced hypertension, certain varieties of pears might offer protective health benefits, according to new research published in Food Research International.

Pulp and peel extracts from Bartlett and Starkrimson pears have phenolic compounds that could help reduce risk for hypertension (high blood pressure), early stage diabetes and also intestinal ulcers.

While the experiments on how pears affect metabolic processes, like blood sugar control, were conducted in test tubes, researchers suggest that consumption of these whole fruits could be part of an overall diabetes-prevention diet.

"Such dietary strategy involving fruits, including pears, not only potentially could help better control blood glucose levels, but also reduce over-dependence on drugs for prediabetes stages, or complement a reduced pharmacological dose of drugs with side effects to combat very early stages of type 2 diabetes," the study authors wrote.

Pears and gut health

The bacteria H. pylori, which is associated with gastritis and stomach ulcers, was inhibited by pear extracts, the researchers found. Yet pears did not interfere with the growth of probiotic bacteria, the "healthy" gut flora that keeps intestinal bacteria balanced and leads to better immunity and metabolic health.

The authors said that more studies are needed to determine how other nutritional benefits of pears, such as fiber content or amino acids, might also offer protective properties.

"This research helps make the case to build better 'food crops for health,'" said researcher Kalidas Shetty.

Source: News Wise