PEAR AND PINEAPPLE MONTH

PEAR AND PINEAPPLE MONTH

In October, we celebrate pears and pineapples because, let's be honest, they're tough not to love! The sweet, delicious flavor of both pears and pineapples appeals to a pretty large audience, and there are dozens of different ways to eat these succulent fruits.

FUN FACTS ABOUT PEARS

Believe it or not, pears are actually one of the world's oldest, most cultivated fruits ever recorded. In Greek mythology and several other old legends, pears are known as a "gift from the gods." Fast forward to pop culture, and the pear tree is immortalized alongside a partridge in the Christmas carol known as "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

Today, pears in the U.S. are grown mostly in Washington and Oregon. These two states export about 35% of their fresh pears to over 50 countries across the globe. They're easy to fall in love with! Here are some health benefits of pears that will give you even more incentive to add them to your diet this month:

1. Pears are GREAT for improving digestion. One pear contains 18% of your daily recommended intake of fiber. Plus, due to their gritty texture, pears bind to food and toxins as they pass through your system, which helps protect your intestines from cancer-causing agents.

2. Want to lose some weight? Eat a couple of pears every day! Most fruits are packed with sugar (natural sugar, but still, sugar) which is one reason some people try to limit their intake. However, pears are one of the lowest calorie fruits at only about 100 cal per pear. Plus, since they're so full of fiber, you don't have to eat too many to feel full.

3. Pears aid in skin and hair health. They are high in Vitamin A, and by acting as an antioxidant, they reduce aging effects on the skin like wrinkles and age spots. Plus, eating pears can help reduce hair loss, cataracts, and other various conditions that can come with age.

FUN FACTS ABOUT PINEAPPLES

The pineapple is an interesting fruit because it has served as both a snack, and a symbol throughout American history. The fruit is native to South America, where it was named because of it's resemblance to a pine cone. The pineapple made it's way through the Caribbean, Central America, and was then cultivated by the Aztecs and Mayans. It gained popularity wherever it went and continued to spread. In 1751, George Washington tasted pineapple and declared it his favorite fruit! When we think "pineapple" we usually think "Hawaii," but Hawaii actually only produces about 10% of the world's pineapple crops. Costa Rica takes first place. But, no matter where you are... it's pretty likely that with one taste of this juicy, sweet treat, you'll be hooked. Here are some health benefits of pineapples.

1. Pineapples boost your immune system - big time! They are rich in Vitamin C, which helps in reducing illnesses and strengthening your immune system by stimulating white blood cell activity.

2. They're a big help if you want a healthier digestive system. (So are pears, so try eating them both together this month!) Incorporating pineapple into your diet can protect you from constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, as well as conditions like blood-clotting or high blood pressure. Pineapple also decreases gut inflammation. (Score!)

3. If you have diabetes, START EATING PINEAPPLE! It can help those with both type 1 and 2 of diabetes because it's rich in fiber. For type 1, it aids in lowering high blood glucose levels. For type 2, it results in improved blood sugar, insulin, and lipid levels. But, since it does contain sugar, be sure to monitor how much you consume if you do have diabetes.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Get some pears and pineapples and eat them plain or make a dish with them. Use #PearAndPineappleMonth to post a picture of your sweet meal on social media. There are several different recipes that include pears and pineapples, so try as many as you can!

HISTORY

Within our research, we were unable to find the origin of Pear and Pineapple Month.