You’ve heard that “an apple a day” helps protect health, but there could be similar benefits when it comes to eating pears, especially for people with diabetes, preliminary research shows.

Naturally occurring phenolic compounds in fruit are known to provide antioxidant benefits that fight diabetes. The new study found that varied and high concentrations of healthy phenolic content is found in pears, particularly the skin.

The pear varieties studied were Bartlett and Starkrimson.

"Our results from in vitro assays suggest that if we consume Bartlett and Starkrimson pears as a whole fruit (peel and pulp) it may potentially provide better control of early stage diabetes as part of an overall healthier diet," said Kalidas Shetty, professor of plant sciences at North Dakota State University.

Eating pears daily could help control blood glucose levels to the point that pre-diabetics don't need medication, said researchers.

Researchers also looked at whether pears might lower blood pressure. They found only a mild effect.