Health Benefits of Pineapples
Article Sources
- 1. Brien, Sarah, George Lewish, Ann Walker, Stephen M. Hicks and Dick Middleton. 'Bromelain as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: A Review of Clinical Studies.' Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 1, no. 3, 200, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC538506/pdf/neh035.pdf.
- 2. Ali, Maimunah Mohd, Norhashila Hashim, Samsuzana Abd Aziz and Ola Lasekan. 'Pineapple (Ananas comosus): A Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Values, Volatile Compounds, Health Benefits, and Potential Food Products.' Food Research International, vol. 137, November 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33233252/.
- 3. 'Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet.' Mayo Clinic, 6 January 202 - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/art-20043983.
- 4. Pavan, Rajendra, Sapna Jain, Shraddha and Ajay Kumar. 'Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review.' Biotechnology Research International, 201 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529416/pdf/BTRI2012-976203.pdf.
Pineapples are much more than an accompaniment to a tropical cocktail or the subject of pizza-inspired debates. These tasty fruits are versatile, perfect for solo snacks or fresh additions to dishes from dinner to dessert.
The health benefits of pineapples may not be as commonly discussed as, say, the beta carotene benefit of carrots or the vitamin C payoff of oranges. Don’t be fooled though; pineapples can pack a powerful wellness punch. The health benefits of pineapples are many, and pineapples should be included as part of any effort to enhance personal wellness.
1. Vitamin C
Oranges may get a ton of credit for vitamin C delivery, but don’t count out pineapples for this important nutrient as well. Pineapples boast significant amounts of vitamin C, which may boost the immune system and guard against illness. Those who don’t like the taste of oranges can use pineapple as a fruity alternative for this purpose.
Pineapples offer more than what people may need for daily vitamin C amounts. One cup of pineapple chunks not only provides added energy stores, but also helps to guard against colds and other illnesses.
2. Antioxidant Riches
Pineapples are also high in antioxidants, which have a host of health benefits for the body.2Ali, Maimunah Mohd, Norhashila Hashim, Samsuzana Abd Aziz and Ola Lasekan. ‘Pineapple (Ananas comosus): A Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Values, Volatile Compounds, Health Benefits, and Potential Food Products.’ Food Research International, vol. 137, November 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33233252/. They attack the free radicals that can sometimes contribute to cell damage at the DNA level. Therefore, eating a diet rich in antioxidants may help to stave off disease.
Since the antioxidants in pineapples are bound together because of the structure of the fruit, they dwell in the body longer, making them more effective fighters.
3. Digestion Aid
Pineapples also serve as a digestion aid, making it easier for people to digest the food they consume, even outside of this fun fruit. For people with digestive issues, this may ease digestive discomfort.
The reason for the digestive aid component is the presence of bromelain in the fruit. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down proteins in foods, which may make it easier to digest them. Bromelain may also be useful in treating some bone and joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis.1Brien, Sarah, George Lewish, Ann Walker, Stephen M. Hicks and Dick Middleton. ‘Bromelain as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: A Review of Clinical Studies.’ Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 1, no. 3, 200, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC538506/pdf/neh035.pdf.
4. Loads of Fiber
Anyone who has ever eaten a pineapple knows that the fruit is fibrous, as demonstrated by its structure. However, since it’s a fruit, it’s easy to forget that it packs loads of fiber similar to its bran counterparts.
The fiber found in pineapple is significant enough to keep individuals regular and promote a healthy intestinal tract.3‘Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet.’ Mayo Clinic, 6 January 202 - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/art-20043983. This goes hand-in-hand with using pineapple to aid in creating healthier digestive processes.3‘Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet.’ Mayo Clinic, 6 January 202 - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/art-20043983.
5. Manganese for Strength
Pineapples contain plenty of manganese, which is the nutrient that contributes to strong bones and helps to strengthen the tissue that connects them. Just one cup of pineapple chunks each day can do the trick to help maintain bone health.
Manganese in pineapple may address issues with osteoarthritis in postmenopausal women, who may find it challenging to maintain high enough nutrient counts to combat issues during this time in their lives.
6. Weight Loss
While this may not be the goal of eating pineapple for some, it certainly is a healthy option for those who do want to shed a few pounds. Pineapple is an ideal replacement for fattier snacks, and its fibrous structure makes it a filling choice.
Pineapple should be part of a well-rounded healthy diet but can be used as a way to drop a few pounds as a snack replacement.
7. Metabolism Booster
Pineapple also helps to boost metabolism, which makes all of the processes of the body work more efficiently. The result is more energy, which in turn has a beneficial effect for those trying to introduce wellness to their lives.
To get the benefit of consuming pineapple to boost metabolism, people should include it as part of a meal or a snack. It’s not filling enough to be an entire meal replacement.
8. Serotonin Boost
While this depends on existing serotonin levels in the body, for some, pineapple can offer more than just a little health boost. Serotonin levels have been shown to spike in some who have consumed pineapple as part of a balanced diet. Part of the reason could be that pineapple just tastes great.
This is especially pertinent when combined with exercise, to get the body moving and the nutrients necessary to supply the energy to do it.
9. Recovery Assistance
The bromelain in pineapples strikes again. Because of the benefits of this nutrient, those who eat pineapple often may find that they engage in physical recovery from tough workouts or sometimes even surgery much faster than those who don’t consumer it.4Pavan, Rajendra, Sapna Jain, Shraddha and Ajay Kumar. ‘Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review.’ Biotechnology Research International, 201 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529416/pdf/BTRI2012-976203.pdf.
This is ideal for those who engage in strength training or are preparing for a sporting event or marathon and don’t have unlimited recovery time in the training process.
10. Suppresses Inflammation
Thanks again to those handy antioxidants found in pineapples, the body may resolve inflammation quicker after consuming this bright yellow fruit.1Brien, Sarah, George Lewish, Ann Walker, Stephen M. Hicks and Dick Middleton. ‘Bromelain as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: A Review of Clinical Studies.’ Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 1, no. 3, 200, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC538506/pdf/neh035.pdf. This is important to maintaining balance and wellness in the body, as the immune system doesn’t have to work nearly as hard if the body is doing a good job of keeping inflammation at bay.
Moreover, this ensures that those conditions that feed on inflammation don’t have room to grow.
