Because it is packed with fiber and vitamins, a pear is a healthy snack on its own. You can also eat pears with yogurt or nuts for a snack with more protein and fat. Pears make a tasty topping for oatmeal and a sweet replacement for apples or berries in desserts such as pie or crisp.
Calories and Carbohydrates
One large pear, about 8 ounces, with skin contains 133 calories. Like most fruits, the majority of the calories in a pear comes from carbohydrates. One large pear contains only 0.9 g of protein and 0.3 g of fat. A pear contains 35.6 g of carbohydrates, 22.5 g of which are from sugar. The majority of this sugar, 14.3 g, is in the form of fructose.
Fiber
A pear is one of the highest-fiber fruits, with 7.1 g. This provides 25 percent of the daily value of fiber for women, and 21 percent for men -- more fiber than that in a large apple or 1 cup of strawberries. Because most of the fiber is in the skin, you significantly reduce the fiber content of a pear if you peel it prior to consumption.
Minerals
Pears contain numerous minerals, the most abundant of which is copper. One large pear provides 21 percent of the daily value of this mineral, which is important for healthy nerves, blood vessels and bones. One large pear also supplies 6 percent of the daily value of potassium. Potassium is important for proper fluid balance and muscle function. According to the American Heart Association, potassium is an important nutrient for those with high blood pressure, because it can offset the negative effects of sodium.
Vitamin C
Like many fruits, pears contain vitamin C. One large pear provides 13 percent of the daily value for women, and 11 percent for men. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that assists with collagen formation, iron absorption and the production of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that affects your mood.
Vitamin K
One large pear contains 10.3 mcg of vitamin K, which provides 11 percent of the daily value for women and 9 percent for men. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin important for normal blood clotting and strong bones. You absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin K, better if you consume them with healthy fats. Because pears are low in fat, you can increase the absorption of the vitamin K in the fruit by eating it with peanut butter or a handful of nuts.
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