Pineapple is an incredibly delicious and healthy tropical fruit. This popular fruit is packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds, such as enzymes that can fight inflammation and disease. Pineapple and its compounds have been linked to many health benefits including aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and building strong bones.
Here are 8 impressive health benefits of pineapple.
Reasons to Eat Pineapple
1. Loaded With Nutrients
Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, manganese, copper and folate. The other nutrition stats are impressive too. One cup of pineapple contains:
- 83 calories
- 22 grams of carbohydrates
- 2 grams of fiber
- 16 grams of natural sugar
- 79 mg vitamin C
2. Provides Disease-Fighting Antioxidants
Not only are pineapples rich in nutrients, they are also loaded with healthy antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that help combat oxidative stress, which has been linked to a weakened immune system and many harmful diseases. Pineapples are especially rich in antioxidants known as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Many of these antioxidants are bound, so that they may have longer lasting effects.
3. Promotes Healthy Digestion
Pineapples contain a group of digestive enzymes known as bromelain. They break down protein molecules into their building blocks. Once protein molecules are broken down, they are more easily absorbed across the small intestine.
4. Boosts Immunity
Pineapples are rich in vitamin C which supports the immune system and provides antioxidant benefits. Vitamin C is important because it encourages growth and healing around the entire body and plays a role in everything from wound repair to iron absorption.
5. Builds Strong Bones
Along with calcium, the trace mineral manganese is essential for maintaining strong bones. Pineapple is one of the top food sources of the mineral. A single cup of pineapple contains 76 percent of the recommended daily value of manganese. Manganese helps fight osteoporosis and improves overall bone and mineral density.
6. Fights Inflammation
In scientific studies, bromelain in pineapple has been shown to fight inflammation. Too much inflammation can lead to many diseases including coronary artery disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
7. Lowers Cancer Risk
Scientific studies have shown that bromelain in pineapples have a direct effect on cancer cells and their environment. Bromelain exhibits ant-cancer effects on colon cancer cells, and foods containing bromelain are considered good candidates for reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.
8. Promotes Healthy Skin
Pineapples are rich in manganese and vitamin C. Both are required for building collagen – a structural component of skin that prevents sagging and wrinkles. Manganese also functions as an antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage against UV light.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Pineapple
- Smoothies: Add sliced pineapple to your morning smoothie.
- Salads: Add pineapple chunks to your evening salad.
- Pizza: Add pineapple chunks to your homemade pizza.
- Coleslaw: Add pineapple chunks to shredded cabbage to make a healthy coleslaw.
- Yogurt: Add fresh pineapple chunks as a natural sweetener to plain yogurt for a healthy snack or dessert.
- Cereals: Thaw frozen pineapple chunks in your hot cereal or add fresh chunks to your cold cereal for a healthy breakfast.
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