🍐 Wellness Wednesday: Roasted Pear Dessert — A Nourishing Seasonal Treat

This week’s Wellness Wednesday recipe is a simple, comforting favorite that highlights one of nature’s most underrated fruits: pears. This roasted pear dessert is warm, naturally sweet, and perfect for the holidays — offering both flavor and real health benefits when enjoyed mindfully. Pears are in season during the colder months and are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and plant compounds that support digestion, heart health, and metabolic balance. Choosing seasonal fruits like pears allows you to enjoy peak flavor while maximizing nutritional value.

🧂 Ingredients

4 ripe pears, halved and cored

2–3 tablespoons Irish butter

2–3 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar)

Optional toppings:

Vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt

A splash of your favorite holiday cordial or liqueur

Drizzle of honey or maple syrup

👩‍🍳 Method

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Place pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish.

Add small pieces of butter on top of each pear.

Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar.

Roast for about 45 minutes, or until pears are soft and caramelized.

Serve warm with your favorite topping. For a festive touch, add a small splash of cordial if desired.

🌿 Health Benefits of Pears

Pears are more than just naturally sweet — they offer meaningful wellness benefits:

* Rich in fiber
Pears support healthy digestion, regularity, and gut health. Their soluble fiber helps slow digestion, stabilize blood sugar, and promote fullness.

* High in antioxidants & polyphenols
Especially in darker-skinned varieties, pears contain powerful polyphenols that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting heart and cellular health.

* Support metabolic and heart health
Regular intake of fiber-rich fruits like pears has been linked to improved cholesterol levels and better metabolic balance.

* Gentle on digestion
Pears are naturally easy to digest and often well tolerated by those with sensitive stomachs.

* Naturally hydrating
With a high water content, pears help support hydration — an often-overlooked part of overall wellness.

🌟 Integrative Wellness Tip

Pairing fruit with healthy fats or protein (like yogurt or a small amount of butter) helps slow sugar absorption and prevent blood sugar spikes, making desserts more balanced and satisfying. Enjoying seasonal foods mindfully allows you to celebrate without deprivation.

👩‍⚕️ Dr. Mendoza’s Note

Wellness doesn’t mean perfection — it means balance. Using whole, seasonal foods and enjoying them with intention supports both physical health and emotional well-being. Small choices, made consistently, create lasting change.

If you have specific dietary conditions or are managing blood sugar, digestive concerns, or inflammation, always speak with your healthcare provider before making dietary changes.