Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is among the healthiest and tastiest tropical fruits. It is rich in minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial elements, including enzymes that can fend off sickness and inflammation. Typically, it is consumed freshly chopped, grilled, or baked.
It comes from South America and was given the name “pine cone” by early European settlers because of its similarity.
Pineapple improves digestion, immunity, and postoperative recuperation. These are just a few of the health advantages of pineapple and its constituents.
Here are 8 amazing pineapple health benefits.
Pineapple offers a wealth of nutrients
Pineapple is high in vitamins and minerals and low in calories. A cup of pineapple juice contains:
- vitamin C
You’ll receive around one-third of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C, which promotes the growth and repair of tissues. In addition to strengthening your immune system, vitamin C may also help prevent cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.
- Manganese:
Pineapple contains more than 100% of the daily allowance of this crucial trace metal. Bone development, immunological function, and metabolism are all aided by manganese.
- Fiber.
In one cup of pineapple, you’ll find almost 10% of your daily fiber requirements. Fiber can help you avoid hunger and is essential for a healthy gut.
- B vitamins
A healthy serving of thiamin, niacin, B6, and folate is provided by pineapple. These vitamins and minerals aid your body in converting food into energy. Additionally, they are essential for the production of new red blood cells, which transport oxygen to your organs and tissues.
- Various minerals
Copper, potassium, and magnesium are just a few of the minerals found in pineapple that your body needs to function properly.
Facilitates tissue healing
The only food known to contain bromelain, an enzyme that speeds up the healing process for your skin and tissues, is pineapple. “Bromelain seems to release chemicals that fight swelling and discomfort.” Your skin may heal more quickly after surgery or an injury if you consume bromelain from pineapple.
Contains antioxidants that fight illness
In addition to being nutrient-dense, pineapples are also a trove of antioxidants, which protect your body from oxidative stress.
Free radicals, unstable chemicals that destroy cells and are a major contributor to oxidative stress, are also responsible for chronic inflammation, immune system deterioration, heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer
Flavonoids and phenolic compounds are two types of antioxidants particularly abundant in pineapples. Although there is a lack of human data, two rat studies suggest that pineapple antioxidants may have heart-protective effects
Additionally, a lot of the antioxidants in pineapple are thought to be “bound antioxidants,” which means that they have a longer-lasting impact.
Reduces inflammation
As explained by Zumpano, “inflammation is a natural process that occurs in our bodies to help fight off illness, but too much inflammation, especially over extended periods of time, can lead to disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.” Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties that can help combat inflammation and may even slow the growth of some malignancies.
Naturally, eating pineapple doesn’t make you cancer-free. But consuming a lot of colorful produce, such as pineapple, is a smart method to guard against cancer and other illnesses.
Helps with digestion
Another reason pineapple should be your go-to dessert: The significant amount of fiber in pineapple is linked to improved digestion. Although more research is needed to be certain, bromelain is also believed to aid in digestion.
Reduces pain from arthritis
For those with osteoarthritis, the anti-inflammatory properties of pineapple’s bromelain may offer pain relief. Try including pineapple in your diet if you have osteoarthritis-related sore joints, but don’t stop taking your medications or adjust the dosage without first consulting your doctor, advises Zumpano.
Helps with recovery after exercise
Inflammation is created when your muscles work hard, which results in the inevitable soreness that can keep you from moving for up to three days. However, adding pineapple to your post-workout smoothie can make it possible for you to resume your training program a little bit sooner. Pineapple’s anti-inflammatory capabilities could calm muscles and possibly help them recuperate more quickly.
Tips for enjoying pineapple
Pineapples are delicious, convenient, and simple to include in your diet. Even when it’s not in season, fresh fruit can be found in a variety of grocery stores and markets. All year, you can buy it canned, dehydrated, or frozen.
Pineapple can be eaten on its own, in smoothies, on salads, or on homemade pizzas.
Here are a few tasty pineapple-based recipes:
- Smoothie with pineapple, blueberries, and Greek yogurt for breakfast
- Salad with tropical roast chicken, almonds, blueberries, and pineapple served over lettuce or other greens
- Lunch: Hawaiian burgers made from scratch (beef burgers with a pineapple ring)
- Dinner: pineapple fried rice with seitan
- Dessert: homemade pineapple whip (frozen pineapple chunks blended with a splash of coconut milk and a dash of lemon juice).
Why is pineapple such a healthy fruit?
The excellent nutritional profile of pineapple makes it a nutritious dessert, side dish, or anytime snack. The serving size of one cup (165 grams) has only 75 calories and no fat, cholesterol, or salt.
There is no doubt that pineapple is packed with nutrients that can improve your health, even though some of the health benefits still require more research. Enjoy including this vibrant, tangy fruit in your diet whenever you want to eat it: sliced, chunked, grilled, or blended.
Conclusion
Pineapples are tasty, versatile, and high in nutrients and antioxidants.
Their nutrients and compounds have been linked to numerous health benefits, including better digestion, a lower risk of cancer, and relief from osteoarthritis. Nonetheless, more human research is required.
This fruit can be eaten blended, roasted, sautéed, or fresh — on its own or in a variety of dishes.
