Pineapples are a delicious summer favourite, but there’s more to them than their taste.
This delicious, juicy, tropical fruit has been used in folk medicine for centuries, and with good reason. Pineapple is a good source of Vitamin C, fibre, manganese and B vitamins. The most important of these nutrients is Vitamin C because it supports your immune system and has antioxidants. Vitamin C promotes growth and healing, and it helps with everything from tissue repair to iron absorption.
Pineapples are very easy to add to your diet. You can enjoy sliced pineapple in smoothies, salads or meals like pineapple fried rice or pizza. You can buy pineapples canned, dehydrated or frozen, but if you prefer them fresh, try the ones on promotion on the Maxi flyer for $2.99.
So, what are the benefits of consuming pineapple?
Pineapple enhances weight loss and aids digestion.
Although there isn’t much evidence to prove that pineapple in itself can lead to weight loss, there are several ways that it can help you on your weight loss journey:
- It’s a healthy snack option because it (as well as other fruits) is low in calories, high in minerals, essential vitamins, and free of saturated and trans fats. When you eat several cups of fruits and vegetables each day as part of a well-balanced diet, you eat fewer calories overall.
- Pineapple is lower in calories than most sweet foods, so if you enjoy a serving of pineapple and other fruits instead of an ice cream cone or cake for dessert, you may consume lesser calories and, as a result, lose weight.
- Pineapple also contains fibre, which might help you control your blood sugar levels and eat less by making you feel full.
Bromelain, a mixture of enzymes in pineapple, is connected to aiding digestion. According to Healthline, this enzyme breaks down protein molecules into amino acids and tiny peptides that can be easily absorbed across the small intestine.
Pineapples may reduce the risk of cancer
Cancer is a chronic illness marked by uncontrolled cell growth. In addition, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are frequently linked to its progression.
Pineapple and its components, especially bromelain, have been shown in several studies to reduce cancer risk by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Bromelain may also encourage the immune system to create chemicals that make white blood cells more effective at suppressing cancer cell development and eliminating cancer cells.
Pineapple helps with recovery from surgery and strenuous exercise
If you consume pineapple, you may be able to reduce the amount of time it takes you to recover from surgery or exercise.
Bromelain has been shown to reduce inflammation, edema, bruising, and discomfort after surgery, including dental and skin procedures, in various trials. Bromelain has also been related to a reduction in post-dental surgery discomfort, pain, and swelling.
Bromelain may also aid muscle recovery during heavy exercise by lowering inflammation around damaged muscle tissue. However, further research is recommended before it can be suggested as an official remedy for post-exercise recovery.
Pineapple boosts immunity and reduces inflammation
Antioxidants, notably phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C, are abundant in pineapple. These compounds may assist the body fight inflammation and free radicals.
When you’re fighting a cold, you might want to grab a pineapple. Pineapple lowers the incidence of infection or, at the very least, shortens the length of an infection.
In a 9-day study, 98 healthy children were given the option of eating no pineapple, 1 cup, or 2 cups (280 grams) of pineapple daily.
Pineapple eaters had a drastically reduced incidence of viral and bacterial illnesses. Moreover, the kids who consumed the most of this fruit had nearly four times the number of disease-fighting white blood cells compared to the other groups.
Minerals in Pineapple can promote healthy bones
Manganese, like calcium, is necessary for keeping strong bones. Pineapple is one of the biggest sources of manganese, with one cup containing roughly 76% of the daily required manganese intake. Manganese may help in the prevention of osteoporosis as well as the improvement of overall bone and mineral density.
