Ah pineapples: The tropical, sweet fruit that tastes like summertime. Originating South America, the pineapple was used for medicinal purposes to treat digestive ailments and swelling. Since then, the prickly superfood has become popular all over the world, eaten fresh, cooked, juiced, or preserved and found in a wide array of cuisines.
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Here are 10 healthy reasons to enjoy pineapple that may surprise you.
1. One Serving Is All The Vitamin C You Need
Pineapple is a power-packed tropical fruit that boosts your energy levels via Vitamin C. Just one cup of fresh pineapple contains all the Vitamin C you need for the entire day. Instead of taking a Vitamin C supplement, just eat a daily serving of pineapple.
2. Full Of Essential Nutrients
Aside from vitamin C, pineapple packs a serious nutrient punch, containing:
- thiamin
- riboflavin
- vitamin B-6
- folate
- pantothenic acid
- magnesium
- manganese
- potassium
- antioxidants
- polyphenols (like beta-carotene)
Skip the supplements and eat more pineapple, fresh fruits and vegetables for a natural source of essential nutrients.
3. The Only Known Source Of Bromelain
Fresh pineapple remains the only known source of bromelain enzyme, which is known to break down proteins; thus pineapples have been used in Central and South America to treat indigestion and reduce inflammation in the body for centuries.
4. Reduces Inflammation
Before they became piña coladas, pineapples were commonly used in medicine long ago. After bromelain was discovered by German scientists in the late 1800s, it was approved to treat swelling after surgery (sinus surgery in particular). It’s also great for common injuries like strained muscles or sprains. If you suffer from tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, eating pineapples can help reduce the symptoms of swelling and inflammation.
5. Great For Your Digestive System
If you often experience indigestion, try eating more pineapple; one medium-sized pineapple has 13 grams of fibre, and can help move things along and keep you regular. Indeed, pineapple has been used as a remedy for digestive aliments for centuries, as the bromelain enzyme in pineapples also helps break down proteins left in the digestive tract.
6. Reduces Risk Of Age-Related Health Issues
Do you want to maintain a youthful vitality long into old age? Then eat more pineapples! Eating three servings of fruits (including pineapples) reduces the risk of developing age-related health issues such as macular degeneration. Not to mention, the dose of antioxidants also helps to remove the wrinkle and cancer causing free-radicals from the body.
7. May Help Relieve Asthma Symptoms
Did you know that certain nutrients lower your risk of developing asthma symptoms? Beta carotene (found in pineapples) just happens to be one of these asthma reducing nutrients. Others include broccoli, papaya, mangoes, pumpkin, carrots, cantaloupe, and apricots. Eat more pineapples, fruits and veggies high in beta-carotene to alleviate asthma symptoms.
8. May Improve Fertility In Both Men And Women
Eat more pineapples if you are planning to conceive. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body, and pineapples are a rich source of these. The Vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, copper, and folate, all contain properties that benefit male and female fertility naturally through fruits — no supplements needed!
9. May Help Lower Blood Pressure
Do you have high blood pressure? Instead of taking aspirin daily, try thinning your blood by eating more pineapples. That magical enzyme bromelain is a natural blood thinner. In addition, studies have shown that a diet with potassium high fruits and vegetables lowers blood pressure. That means, eating more pineapples will aid you in your efforts to lower blood pressure.
10. Makes Your Skin Radiant
The antioxidant and Vitamin C content in pineapples provides some amazing benefits for your skin. These essential nutrients reduce skin damage caused by exposure to pollution and sunlight, fighting cancer-starting free radicals. Not to mention, Vitamin C is necessary to build healthy skin through the formation of collagen, which supports the elasticity and fullness of the skin.
There are plenty of ways to eat more fresh pineapple with meals and snacks. Slice them into a salad, enjoy them in an Asian-inspired stir fry, or blend them into a post-workout smoothie to reap all the benefits.
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