Pineapple Health Benefits

 

What Is Pineapple?

Pineapple is a large tropical fruit with a spiky, tough skin and sweet insides. When European explorers came across it in South America in the 17th century, they called it a pineapple because of its pinecone appearance. The scaly bumps on the outside are called "eyes." Slice it open, and you'll find bright yellow flesh that's both sweet and tart.

 

For centuries, pineapples were so rare that only very wealthy people could afford to buy them. Some people even rented the exotic fruit to display at dinner parties. Today, they grow in tropical and subtropical countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and China. Grocers and markets carry them all over the world.

 

You might not notice when you buy one at the store, but there are different types of pineapples. In the U.S., the two most popular are the cylinder-shaped "Smooth Cayenne" with small spiky leaves and the "Extra Sweet" variety, which scientists created in a lab in Hawaii.

 Pineapple was named as the healthiest fruit in the world and for some seriously important reasons. They contain zero fat and cholesterol, and plentiful of vitamins A, B, C, potassium, manganese, cooper and a dozen of other minerals and nutrients our bodies regularly need.

 

Pineapple Nutrition

One cup of fresh pineapple chunks has:

Calories: 82 grams

Protein: 0.89 grams

Fat: 0.20 grams

Carbohydrates: 22 grams

Fiber: 2.3 grams

Pineapple Health Benefits

 

1. Boost your immune system

Pineapples are a powerful source of vitamin C and,  contain half of the daily recommended value for an adult according to Food and Drug Administration. Vitamin C is also a primary water-soluble antioxidant that fights cell damage.

Our bodies need sufficient vitamin C to fight cell damage and prevent joint pains and heart diseases.

 

2. Strengthen your bones

Besides containing loads of vitamin C, pineapples also have plenty of manganese which strengthens bones and connecting tissues. One study also suggests that manganese helps preventing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.

One cup of fresh pineapple juice contains over 70% of the required daily dose of manganese. Children, adults and elderly people should eat some pineapple a day to keep their bodies strong.

 

3. A great remedy for sinuses and allergy swellings

Again, it’s all about vitamin C and bromelain which helps to reduce mucus in the throat and nose.

 

If you are exposed to seasonal allergies incorporate pineapples to your diet, along with some extra bromelain supplements to ease up your condition.

 

4. Reduce blood clot

Bromelain helps reduce excessive coagulation of the blood.

Frequent flyers, flight attendants, movers, and other folks at risk for blood clots, pineapples should be your go-to snack!

 

5. Reduce stress

Pineapples contain a good level of several B vitamins which propel your brain to function better and boost your ability to deal with stress efficiently.

 

6. Keep your eyes healthy

Due to the high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C, pineapple reduces the risk of macular degeneration – an eye disease, causing vision lose. Elder people are particularly exposed to it.

Also, it contains a lot of beta carotene – an essential element needed for healthy vision that should be consumed regularly.

 

7. Treat colds and cough

Pineapple can be a great remedy for treating nasty colds and coughing,because of anti-inflammatory bromelain and vitamin C.

Bromelain is also known to reduce swelling and respiratory problems. Enzymes that pineapples contain reduce inflammation and clean up excessive mucus in the respiratory system.

 

8. Help prevent cancer

Pineapples contain loads of antioxidants that help to capture and fight against free radicals. This slows down the cell damage process, thus preventing some types of cancer.

Research findings are that pineapple enzymes can shrink or kill cancer cells.

 

9. Strengthen your gums

Astringent agents abundant in pineapples help to tighten up gum tissues and even prevent oral cancer.  Pineapples are often prescribed to fix loosening of teeth or the the retraction of the gums.

Keep your teeth healthy and strong by regularly eating  some pineapples.

 

10. Reduce blood pressure

Among other vitamins and minerals, pineapples contain a great deal of potassium. Potassium is a strong natural vasodilator, meaning it eases the tension of the blood vessels and promotes proper blood circulation to various parts of the body.

As your blood vessels relax, your blood pressure reduces and the flow of blood is less restricted. So, pineapples can help prevent such conditions as stroke and atherosclerosis.

 

11. Improve digestion

Digestion problems can be alleviated by adding some pineapple to your regular diet.

Bromelain, dietary fiber, and vitamin C – all present in pineapples – promote better digestion.

 

12. Improve gut health

Pineapples have proved to sooth inflammatory bowel diseases by reducing gut inflammation and preventing diarrhea. Also, it helps digesting protein-rich foods like steak better.

 

13. Relieve nausea

A glass of pineapple juice can help you beat morning nausea for pregnant women.

Also, anyone suffering from motion sickness can drink a few glasses of pineapple juice before heading to the airport or sneak a bottle for a long bus trip.

 

14. A great solution for acne

In this case, pineapples can be used both externally and internally to improve your skin condition, thanks to the great anti-inflammatory qualities of vitamin C, bromelain and special enzymes.

Mix it with some turmeric and you have an amazing natural mask to treat your face.

 

15. Help treating foot cracks

Feet  triggered by the cracks can be treated  with a pineapple scrub to get some soothing relief for inflammation and swelling, and make your feet smooth and radiant.

 

16. Strengthen your nails

If your organism lacks vitamin A and B, your nails are likely to break and crack a lot.

To keep your nails strong and healthy, use pineapple. A source of both, it could be applied topical and munched regularly.

 

17. Cure chapped lips

Mix pineapple with coconut oil to sooth chapped skin and hydrate it properly. It’s healthy and tasty at the same time, so no worries if you lick off some mixture before it soaks.

 

18. Prevent hair loss and make it thicker

Vitamin C antioxidant properties are a powerful mean against free radicals that damage hair growth. Pineapple extracts, when applied to the scalp, are known to provide vital nutrients to the follicles to make your hair grow better, thicker, and shinier.

 

19. Improve fertility

As free radicals can damage the reproductive system, getting a regular intake of antioxidants pineapples is highly recommended for couples trying to conceive.

Vitamin C, beta-carotene, copper and the other vitamins and minerals present can positively affect both male and female fertility.

 

20. Help your body produce more energy

Manganese, which is abundant in pineapples, is a key co-factor boosting the creation of enzymes that a responsible for production of energy within your body. Eat some pineapples in cash of  sluggish feeling.

 

21. Prevent asthma

Beta-carotene  found in pineapples can lower the risk of asthma.

Pineapples also help to detox your organism from harmful substances and reduce inflammation levels caused by stress, pollution and poor nutrition.

 

22. Help with your mental health

Pineapple is full of amino acid tryptophan that your body uses to produce serotonin – the “happy hormone”.

Getting enough amino acid, along with other nutrients like vitamin B is essential to keep your neurological system up and running smoothly – for enough energy and positive mood hormones.

 

Summary

Pineapples are delicious, versatile, and loaded with nutrients and antioxidants.

Their nutrients and compounds have been linked to impressive health benefits, including improved digestion, a lower risk of cancer, and osteoarthritis relief. Nonetheless, more human studies are needed.

You can eat this fruit blended, roasted, sauteed, or fresh — either on its own or in any number of dishes.

 

Thank you for reading our Health tips, remember to eat food as medicine.

Source: www.healthline.com

https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/benefits-pineapple