As the first rounds of holiday cookies start arriving on the scene, you can arm yourself against extra pounds by munching on pears.

Yep, these fresh and juicy in-season treats contain two important types of antioxidants that are associated with less weight gain over time.

Perfectly Paired Antioxidants
In a study, middle-aged women who consumed the highest amounts of three different types of flavonoid antioxidants -- flavones, flavonols, and catechins -- saw the smallest increase in body mass index (BMI) over a period of 14 years. Pears just happen to contain two of these choice phytonutrients, catechins and flavonols. They're also high in filling fiber and low in calories, making them a win-win sweet solution for your waistline and appetite. But be patient with pears. Here's why you should wait until they're nice and ripe.

Figuring Out Flavonoids
Researchers aren't really sure why flavonoids seem to inhibit weight gain. But other studies have revealed that the catechins in green tea may help boost weight loss and diminish body fat. It's possible they also have some kind of beneficial effect on the body's breakdown of fatty acids. Find out why flavonoids are good for your memory, too.

Recipe Corner
Fresh pears are always fabulous, but most people don't realize what a versatile cooking fruit they are. Discover a few delicious new ways to use them with these recipes:

• A fruity, flavorful spread to top your morning toast: Pear Butter.
• A sweet and savory winter soup to warm you up: Roasted Pear-Butternut Soup with Crumbled Stilton.
• A tangy and spicy sauce that perks up basic chops: Pork Chops with Pear and Ginger Sauce.

Higher dietary flavone, flavonol, and catechin intakes are associated with less of an increase in BMI over time in women: a longitudinal analysis from the Netherlands Cohort Study. Hughes, L. A. et al., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2008 Nov;88(5):1341-1352.