Fresh pear (Pyrus communis) consumption may improve blood pressure in middle‐aged men and women with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of major cardiovascular risk factors including abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, atherogenic dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, and a pro‐inflammatory and pro‐thrombotic state, and is highly associated with the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. The primary treatment goals for individuals with MetS is to improve modifiable underlying risk factors such as body weight, physical activity, and diet through lifestyle changes. Pears (Pyrus communis) are a commonly consumed fruit and are an excellent source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, a good source of vitamin C and contains potassium and vitamin K, and bioactive compounds including flavonoids (e.g. anthocyanins and flavanols) and phenolic acids (e.g. gallic acid and chlorogenic acid). Although there is a paucity of clinical research that has investigated the impact of pear consumption on human health, previous research with pears supports their potential as a functional food for promoting overall health, especially with respect to the characteristics of MetS. One of the objectives of this randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover clinical trial was to evaluate the antihypertensive effects of fresh pear consumption in middle‐aged men and women with MetS. Fifty men and women aged 45 to 65 years with three of the five features of MetS were randomly assigned to receive either 2 medium‐sized fresh pears (~178 g) or 50 g pear‐flavored drink mix (placebo) per day for 12 weeks. Resting seated brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate, and pulse pressure were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Preliminary analyses of 36 participants show that after 12 weeks of fresh pear consumption, systolic blood pressure (− 5 mmHg, P < 0.05) and pulse pressure (−5 mmHg, P < 0.01) were significantly lower than baseline levels whereas there were no changes in the control group. No changes were noted in diastolic blood pressure or heart rate for either group at any time point. The results of this study indicate that regular fresh pear consumption may improve blood pressure and vascular function in older men and women with MetS. Future research is needed to confirm the antihypertensive effects of fresh pears as well as to assess their impact on vascular function.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the Pear Bureau Northwest and the Fresh Pear Committee of Federal Marketing Order 927.