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During the summer, you will fall for many fresh fruits and their health benefits. But did you know that one fruit in particular helps fight bad cholesterol? Find out which one.
Sweet and easy to consume, fresh fruits are full of vitamins and health benefits. According to a scientific study, one fruit in particular can reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Quercetin in pears helps fight cholesterol
In this study, Iranian scientists looked at the effects of quercetin, an antioxidant. In the conclusions of their meta-analysis, the researchers report that “Quercetin consumption significantly decreased total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP)“.
And the pear is very rich in this antioxidant since it contains 2 milligrams (mg)! Regular consumption of this fruit, especially the red pear like the William or Comice varieties, would therefore help reduce bad cholesterol.
Distinguishing good cholesterol from bad
Cholesterol is an essential lipid for our body, but it exists in two different forms: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol or bad cholesterol.
Bad cholesterol causes fatty deposits in the arteries, called atheromatous plaques. Quercetin would therefore be effective, according to this study, in reducing bad cholesterol without lowering good cholesterol. It could also lower the level of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation.
Since pears are an autumn fruit, it will soon be an opportunity to eat them very regularly.
Slideshow: The 7 unexpected benefits of pears