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Background: Cactus pear (Opuntiaficus-indica) fruit contains vitamin C and characteristic betalain pigments, the radical-scavenging properties and antioxidant activities of which have been shown in vitro. Objective: We investigated the effects of short-term supplementation with cactus pear fruit compared with vitamin C alone on total-body oxidative status in healthy humans. Design: In a randomized, crossover, double-treatment study, 18 healthy volunteers received either 250 g fresh fruit pulp or 75 mg vitamin C twice daily for 2 wk, with a 6-wk washout period between the treatments. Before (baseline) and after each treatment, 8-epiprostaglandin [Fsub.2[alpha]] (8-epi-PG[F.sub.2[alpha]]) and malondialdehyde in plasma, the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH:GSSG) in erythrocytes, and lipid hydroperoxides in LDL were measured as biomarkers of oxidative stress; plasma Trolox-equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC) and vitamins A, E, and C were evaluated as indexes of antioxidant status. Results: Both treatments caused comparable increases compared with baseline in plasma concentrations of vitamin E and vitamin C (P < 0.05); vitamin A and TEAC did not change significantly. After supplementation with cactus pear fruit, 8-epi-PG[F.sub.2[alpha]] and malondialdehyde decreased by [approximately equal to] 30% and 75%, respectively; GSH:GSSG shifted toward a higher value (P < 0.05); and LDL hydroperoxides were reduced by almost one-half. Supplementation with vitamin C did not significantly affect any marker of oxidative stress. Conclusions: Consumption of cactus pear fruit positively affects the body's redox balance, decreases oxidative damage to lipids, and improves antioxidant status in healthy humans. Supplementation with vitamin C at a comparable dosage enhances overall antioxidant defense but does not significantly affect body oxidative stress. Components of cactus pear fruit other than antioxidant vitamins may play a role in the observed effects. KEY WORDS Cactus pear, antioxidant protection, [F.sub.2]-isoprostanes, vitamin C, oxidative stress, betalains, LDL, LDL oxidation, redox balance, human health

Quick, easy meals begin with foods needing minimal preparation. Canned pears provide just the ticket to tasty, tempting menus from your kitchen. Ripe, peeled, and flavor-filled, they can complement any [...]

From Asian to Anjou and Bartlett to Bose, pears are a perfect addition to fall dishes. They have a subtle flavor that works with a wide range of savory and [...]

The lipid, protein and mineral contents of African pear (Dacryodes edulis) seeds and avocado pear seeds were studied. The soaking method was applied to extract the lipid using hexane as solvent, the ashing method for extracting minerals, the kjeldahl method for protein content and the Bray No 1 method for phosphorus content. Results obtained show that for the African pear seed, the contents were: lipid (12.45%), protein (1.24%), sodium (0.87mg/100g), calcium (0.13mg/100g), iron (0.80mg/100g), potassium (1.66mg/100g), zinc (0.31mg/100g), magnesium (0.32mg/100g), phosphorus (10.34mg/100g) and ash (0.20%). For avocado pear seed: lipid (3.15%), protein (2.22%), sodium (1.54mg/100g), calcium (0.02mg/100g), iron (0.48mg/100g), potassium (1.10mg/100g), zinc (0.18mg/100g), magnesium (0.15mg/100g), phosphorus (7.70mg/100g) and ash (0.25%). Comparison shows that except for protein, sodium and ash contents, African pear seed has higher parameters of all studied than avocado pear seed. Keywords: African | avocado | pear | seed | lipid | protein | minerals, Introduction African pear (Dacryodes edulis) is consumed traditionally in Nigeria raw, roasted or boiled in hot water and is eaten alone or used in garnishing fresh maize. It is found [...]

The Folklore: The perfect pear is said to be a work of art, and indeed this luscious sensually shaped fruit has been the subject of much artwork. Greek writings dating [...]

Apples and Asian pears are considered to be healthy and low in calories. Apples are available throughout the year in the US whereas Asian pears are in season from late summer to midfall.