The Health Benefits of Pineapples

The Pineapple fruit is not only delicious and juicy, but low in calories and is a huge storehouse for nutrients and antioxidants including vitamins A, B, C, and minerals like potassium, copper, calcium, manganese, magnesium, as well as soluble and insoluble fiber, and bromelain, which are all essential for optimal health.

The health benefits of this storehouse are endless. It can help improve digestion, immune system, respiratory health, tissue & cellular health, skin and bone health, reduce inflammation, boost eye health, increase energy and circulation, treat arthritis, and even cure coughs and colds. 

Pineapples can be eaten fresh, juiced (into your piña coladas!), or cooked (with sweet & sour pork!). They are in season usually around March - June. However addictive they can be, remember to consume in moderation !  

Here are more benefits!

• 100 g fruit provides just about 50 calories equivalent to that of apples. Its flesh contains no saturated fats or cholesterol; however, it is rich source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber like pectin.

• Pineapple fruit contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain that digests food by breaking down protein. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that consumption of pineapple regularly helps fight against arthritis, indigestion and worm infestation. Bromelain may also help reduce mucus in the throat and nose, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

• 100g of this fruit contains 47.8 or 80% of Vitamin C which is required for the production of collagen in the body and is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regularly taking foods with vitamin C helps boost our immune system; and clean out harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body. Due to the high content of vitamin C in this fruit, it may also help protect against heart disease. A number of studies from Finland and China show that higher vitamin C intake causes a drop in the risk of coronary heart disease.

• Pineapple also contains a small amount Vitamin A (provides 58 IU per 100 g) and beta-carotene levels. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A is also required maintaining healthy skin and is essential for vision. Studies suggest that consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps the human body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

• This magical fruit is rich in B-complex group of vitamins like folates, thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and minerals like copper, manganese and potassium. Potassium is a crucial part of cell and body fluids that helps to regulate heart rate and blood pressure, whereas Copper is a helpful cofactor for red blood cell synthesis. Manganese is a cofactor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger. Thiamin, a vitamin B that is a cofactor in enzymatic reactions central to energy production.

• Pineapples may also help you strengthen your bone health. The fruit contains roughly 75% of the daily-recommended value of manganese, which is essential in developing strong bones and connective tissue, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. A study in 1994 suggested that manganese, along with other trace minerals, may be helpful in preventing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.