15 Amazing Health Benefits of Pineapple

Apart from the health benefits of Pineapple, this wonderful fruit is used in cuisines all over the world. It is consumed fresh or cooked. It has a sweet and tangy taste. It has also been used in desserts for toppings.

Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C. It is the only plant containing bromelain enzyme. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous properties. It also prevents blood clots. Moreover, pineapples are also rich in antioxidants. Check out other superfoods which will boost your health!

Pineapple helps to maintain blood pressure, make bones strong, treats indigestion keeps the heart healthy and skin younger, and away from infections. 

Nutritional value of Pineapple

Pineapple is a good source of vitamin C and other essential minerals. Also good in providing the body with dietary fibers and do not contain fats.

• Energy                          –    209KJ
• Carbohydrates.           –   13.12g
• Dietary fiber                –    1.4g
• Sugar                            –    9.85g
• Proteins.                      –    0.54g
• Vitamin-B6                  –    0.112mg
• Vitamin-B3                  –    0.5mg
• Vitamin-B1                 –     0.079
• Folate                         –      18mg
• Vitamin-C                   –     47.8mg
• Calcium                      –      13mg
• Iron                             –     0.29mg
• Manganese                –    0.972mg
• Magnesium                –    12mg
• Phosphorus                –     8mg
• Potassium                   –    109mg
• Zinc                              –   0.12mg

Health benefits of pineapple

1. Reduce inflammation 

Pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties. Bromelain, present in pineapple, works by triggering the production of substances in the body that reduce swelling and pain.

2. Maintains heart health

Pineapple is a good source of potassium. Potassium eases the stress of blood vessels and promotes blood circulation. Copper is also found in pineapple which is necessary for the formation of red blood cells. High RBC count increases the oxygen level, thus maintaining the proper functioning of the body. Vitamin C lowers the risk of coronary heart disease.

3. Prevents cataract 

Pineapples are the richest source of vitamin C, antioxidants, manganese, and potassium. These properties fight against cell damage and the risk of macular degeneration (an eye disease that affects older people) is also reduced. Vitamin C prevents cataracts. Pineapple is also a good source of beta-carotene, essential for eye health.

4. Anti-cancer agent

The free radicals present in the body, interfering skin cells, are destroyed by antioxidants. Vitamin C synthesizes collagen, a structural protein, thus maintaining the integrity of skin and blood vessels. Moreover, Bromelain, beta-carotene, vitamin A, manganese also prevents the growth of cancer cells. Manganese is a cofactor of enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a powerful radical scavenger. Pineapple prevents prostate, colon, breast, throat cancer.

5. Reduce infertility

Fertility problems in both men and women can be overcome by consuming pineapples. Pineapple fruit contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, folate; which help boost fertility.

6. Prevents asthma

Beta-carotene is converted into active vitamin A during digestion. Beta-carotene, present in pineapple, may reduce the risk of asthma caused by exercise.

7. Healthy bones

Pineapples have good calcium content, responsible for maintaining bone health. It also contains manganese, which is essential for strengthening bones, growth, and repair.

8. Treats arthritis

Arthritis has become a big problem all over the world, especially in old age people. Bromelain present in pineapple can reduce the inflammation of joints and muscles, mainly those that are associated with arthritis.

9. Proper digestion

The proteolytic enzyme Bromelain, breaks down protein fast, thus speeding up the digestion of food. The fiber content and water, prevent constipation, bowel irritation, and also prevent ulcers.

10. Treats cold and sinuses

Bromelain reduces the mucus that blocks the respiratory tracts. It treats them by loosening these materials and eliminate them from the body. It prevents the build-up of phlegm and mucus.

11. Prevent blood clots

Bromelain contains chemicals that prevent the clotting of blood. Thus, reducing the risk of heart stroke, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease; maintaining heart and brain health.

12. Prevents hair loss

The anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain prevent scalp infections. Vitamin C prevents hair loss, thus promoting thick hair growth.

13. Wards off intestinal worms

Intestinal worm infection is generally a problem with kids. The digestive enzyme bromelain helps to clear the intestinal parasites, keeping stomach healthy. Regular consumption of pineapple fruit helps to fight from worm infestation.

14. Strong teeth

The calcium and magnesium present in pineapple juice are responsible for maintaining healthy teeth. Also, bromelain promotes saliva formation, which keeps teeth away from germs.

15. Young skin

The anti-oxidants present in pineapple fruit destroy the free radicals which damage the skin cells. Regular consumption of pineapple keeps skin hydrated, giving a younger look. It also treats acne, keeps blood purified.

Tips to include pineapple in your diet

Apart from the other health benefits of pineapple, the fruit is highly nutritious because of bromelain, which has several beneficial properties.

Here are some tips to include pineapple in your diet:

1. You can just blend the pineapple and enjoy the fresh juice with no added sugars.

2. Grated pineapple is used in desserts for toppings.

3. You can crush the pineapple in yogurt, sweets, jam, ice-creams, and enjoy the sweet-tangy taste.

4. You can make a fruit salad along with different fruits like strawberries, watermelons, etc.

5. It is also used for dressing along with walnuts and cheese, giving food a classy look, and providing nutrition.

Precautions while eating pineapple

1. If you are suffering from any kind of allergy, then it is better to avoid pineapples. Bromelain present in pineapples may cause health disorders like diarrhea.

2. It should be avoided during pregnancy, it may cause contraction of the uterus.

3. Excess of everything is bad. Overeating of pineapple causes swelling of lips, cheeks and it also affects the tooth enamel and results in cavities.

4. Always take ripe pineapple juice. Avoid raw pineapple, as it is harmful to health.

5. If you are suffering from kidney problems, it is better to avoid pineapple. Potassium present in pineapple is harmful to the kidney.

Enjoy the benefits, but keep in mind the precautions also. Always take advice from doctors before eating anything, especially if you are under medical supervision.

Stay healthy.