D'Anjou pears, also often referred to as simply Anjou pears, originated in Europe but are now available globally. D'Anjou pears, like other fruits, are rich in carbohydrates, with minimal protein and fat. D'Anjou pears can be a good choice if you're dieting, due to their low calorie content, but you may find some of the nutritional characteristics of these pears don't support your needs.
Calories
Snacking on D'Anjou pears can be beneficial for weight loss, as they are low in calories. Each medium-sized -- 166 g -- D'Anjou pear provides just 100 calories, or 5 percent of the daily recommended intake of 2,000. If you're trying to lose weight, you can burn the calories in a medium D'Anjou pear through 7 minutes of rollerblading or 10 minutes of jogging.
Carbohydrates
Most of the calories in D'Anjou pears come from the carbohydrates the fruit provides. Each 166 g D'Anjou pear contains 26 g of carbohydrates. This nutrient provides energy for your body, so choosing carbohydrate-rich foods such as D'Anjou pears may benefit your athletic endeavors.
Sugar
While carbohydrates can be beneficial, the type of carbohydrate matters. D'Anjou pears, like other fruits, are rich in sugar. Each 166 g D'Anjou pear contains 16 g of sugar. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate, meaning it is digested rapidly and provides a quick source of energy, but you experience fatigue in the form of a "sugar crash" later on. Sugar can also promote tooth decay, because it forms an acid when it comes into contact with the plaque coating your teeth.
Fiber
One beneficial type of carbohydrate in D'Anjou pears is fiber. Each 166 g D'Anjou pear contains 6 g of fiber, a nutrient that promotes feelings of satiety. Fiber also aids in keeping your blood sugar levels stable and it may help reduce your cholesterol levels. Adult men should consume 38 g of fiber daily, while adult women should consume 25 g.
Protein
D'Anjou pears are low in protein, as each contains just 1 g of this nutrient. Your body needs protein to build and maintain tissues and cells. You can find large amounts of protein in meat, dairy and seafood.
Fat
D'Anjou pears are low in calories partly due to the low fat content, 1 g per medium pear. Fat is the most calorie-dense nutrient, but it is essential for proper health because it aids in vitamin absorption and brain development and function.
Vitamins and Minerals
D'Anjou pears are not robust sources of vitamins and minerals; a 166-g pear provides just 10 percent of the daily suggested intake of vitamin C and 2 percent of the daily suggested intake of calcium.
References
- MyFitnessPal: Calories in Fresh Fruit Green D'anjou Pear
- Mayo Clinic; Exercise for Weight Loss: Calories Burned in 1 Hour; December 2009
- "Journal of the American Dental Association"; Diet and Tooth Decay; April 2002
- Colorado State University Extension; Dietary Fiber; J. Anderson, S. Perryman, L.Young and S. Prior; December 2010
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