The pineapple is an exotic and refreshingly tangy fruit that tastes wonderful whether fresh or juiced. Happily, pineapples also happen to have some wonderful health benefits. Here are eleven different ways in which incorporating pineapples into your diet can improve and extend your life.
1) They have powerful anti-inflammatory properties:
Pineapples contain bromelain, a particularly powerful enzyme that is very effective at reducing unwanted inflammation in the body. Bromelain is found in its highest concentration inside the inner core of the pineapple, where the flesh is a little tougher (and so people sometimes fail to get the excellent health benefits of bromelain when they choose to discard this part of the fruit). Pineapples are an ideal snack for people suffering from arthritis, indigestion, or inflammation of the digestive tract. This particular benefit of the pineapple can also help you if you are suffering from a bad cold, as bromelain reduces sinus inflammation as well.
2) They promote beautiful skin:
Some of the enzymes in pineapples help to make your skin hydrated and elastic. These enzymes are also great at removing damaged or dead cells from the skin, which produces a clear and attractively dewy complexion.
3) They promote healthy bones:
Pineapples contain large quantities of a trace mineral called manganese, which your body requires in order to build bone. This is particularly important for young people (whose bones are still growing) and older people (whose weak bones need to be strengthened). One cup of pineapple provides over 70% of your recommended daily intake of manganese!
4) They can help you lose weight:
Pineapples make a great snack if you are trying to diet because they contain just 50 calories per 100g. In addition, they have no cholesterol or saturated fat content, and their high fiber content helps you to feel fuller for longer. Finally, the fact that they are so sweet means that they can help you avoid reaching for less healthy sweet foods such as cookies or ice cream.
5) They keep the eyes healthy:
Those who eat fruits that are rich in antioxidant vitamins are as much as 36% less likely to develop macular degeneration (which is the main cause of sight loss in older people).
6) They boost the immune system:
The fact that pineapples contain plenty of vitamin C means that they can help your immune system fight off infections such as the cold and the flu. In addition, should you become sick with such infections, the bromelain in pineapples can help you recover from your cough more quickly (in part by loosening mucus).
7) They protect the body against certain kinds of cancer:
Research shows that eating foods that are rich in flavonoids can help to protect the body from cancers of the lungs and the mouth. It is also thought that bromelain helps to ward off cancer in general, as it boosts the immune system and therefore helps to increase the body’s ability to destroy malignant tumors.
8. They may help with energy levels:
Pineapples contain thiamine, which is a B vitamin that is extremely important for energy production in your body.
9) They may help to maintain healthy blood pressure:
Pineapples contain potassium, and potassium is vital for the control of both heart rate and blood pressure. One cup of pineapple contains just under 200mg of potassium, making it an excellent fruit to eat for those who are concerned about developing hypertension.
10) They help to keep your teeth healthy:
The high quantity of vitamin C that is found in pineapples helps to prevent plaque forming on your teeth, and also reduces your likelihood of developing painful gum diseases.
11) They help keep your bowels working properly:
Pineapples are a fantastic source of fiber, so they help to keep your bowels working and also help you to avoid constipation.
As is obvious from the above health benefits, pineapples are an excellent choice if you want to increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables. When you choose a pineapple, pick one that has no mold, bruises or soft spots (as these are signs that the pineapple is no longer at its best). If the pineapple is ideally ripe, it will have a solid (as opposed to hollow) sound when you tap it with your fingers. Finally, it is important to note that high quantities of pineapple should not be eaten during pregnancy, as ingesting large amounts of the bromelain contained in pineapples can cause serious uterine bleeding.
