This randomized, open-label, placebo-controlled and crossover study examined the effects of fresh pear consumption (2 pears per day for 12 weeks) in middle-aged/older adults with metabolic syndrome.

The effects of pear was compared to a calorie-matched control drink. Both supplementation periods were separated by a 4-week washout.

After 12 weeks, a trend to decreased in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.07) and a significant decreased in pulse pressure (p < 0.05) has been noted after the pear supplementation. Moreover, leptin concentrations were lower in the pear group than in controls (p < 0.05). In addition, waist circumference was lower after pear supplementation than after the control drink (p < 0.05). Similarly, waist-to-hip ratio was significant lower in the pear group in comparison to control at 6 and 12 weeks (p < 0.05 for both).

Therefore, this study suggest that consumption of 2 pears per day can improve the cardiometabolic health and reduce some anthropometric measures in subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Navaei N, Pourafshar S, Akhavan NS, Litwin NS, Foley EM, George KS, Hartley SC, Elam ML, Rao S, Arjmandi BH, Johnson SA. Influence of daily fresh pear consumption on biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in middle-aged/older adults with metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Food Funct. 2019 Feb 5.