Know your Fruits Series: 8 – Pineapple
Nutritional Benefits of Pineapple
Pineapple is a tropical fruit that has an exceptional juicy taste and dessert flavor consisting of coalesced berries and also bromelain enzymes that can break down protein.
It contains antioxidant elements, enzymes and important vitamins with fewer calories.
Its health benefits are really awesome and are recommended by medical experts to be taken in moderation in order to get all the vital nutrients in the right proportion.
The 15 Awesome health benefits of pineapples include the following;
1. Build Muscular Bones
The manganese content and the trace of minerals contained in pineapple help in developing muscular bones and connective tissues thereby strengthening the bones.
It has been proven that the content of this mineral when consumed adequately can help to prevent bone-related conditions such as osteoporosis, especially in the aged and post-menopausal women.
2. Improve Eye Health
Consumption of pineapple helps to reduce muscular degeneration and eye problems mainly in aged people due to the high content of vitamin C and antioxidants found on it.
These help to prevent fat accumulation under the retina as it helps in building the connectives tissues in the body such as that of the eye.
3. Improves the Immune System
Pineapple contains a rich amount of vitamin C which provides the body with the help and support it needs to improve the immune systems.
The vitamin which acts as antioxidants also helps in preventing elements that can cause cell damages in the body thereby preventing inflammation of the colon or intestine, pains in the joins and heart-related conditions.
4. Prevents Cancer
Pineapples help to reduce severe inflammation due to a complex mixture of substances that can be gotten from the core of the pineapple called bromelain. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in the healing of wounds and other skin problems.
And dues to the anti-inflammatory properties it can help in preventing inflammation which is one of the main causes of cancer growth in the body.
A recent research conducted shows that bromelain helps in suppressing the effects of cancer growth in many areas of the body and as well, improve the functions of the dead cells in the body.
5. Proper Digestion
Pineapple contains dietary fiber which helps to keep the intestine healthy. It contains a high amount of bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down protein in the body, thus making digestion very easy.
Generally, pineapple is quite necessary to be incorporated into diets because it aids in digestion and reduces constipation.
6. Exfoliates the Skin
Alpha hydroxy acids are also present in pineapple and it helps to exfoliate dead skin cells. Both pineapple root and the fruit contain the enzyme bromelain, which can break down the connecting layers between skin cells to effectively exfoliate skin and keep it smooth and healthy.
7. Reduces Nausea
The intake of pineapple juice can help to reduce nausea that is caused by conditions such as menstrual cramp or morning sickness.
In as much as it helps relieve this symptom, it can also trigger it, as well as vomiting if not taken in moderation.
8. Improves Blood Circulation
The presence of potassium in pineapple together with copper will create a certain enzyme that contributes to the circulation of red blood cells which ensures optimal oxygenation in various parts of the body.
This improves the circulation of blood in the system and prevents any related health conditions which might be caused by such.
9. Reduces Blood Clotting
Eating of pineapple fruit will also help in blood clot reduction due to the amount of bromelain enzyme presence in it that removes plaques found in the arteries.
Therefore, it is advised to add pineapple in your daily diet as the enzymes present will help to remove any form of blood clots by breaking them up and as well makes sure that no new clot is formed.
10. Contains Antioxidants
Pineapple is rich in antioxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, one of the roles of these antioxidants is to prevent the oxidation processes which releases free radicals (chemicals) which takes place in the body from damaging the vital cells and organs.
Thereby reducing the risk of stomach ulcers and other health conditions which leads to sore and inflammation of the body organs.
11. Relieves Arthritis Symptoms
The content of bromelain in pineapple plays an important role in the body, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is believed to also help in relieving pains which are associated with rheumatoid arthritis which inflames the joints.
Though many people have been relieved of their pain by consuming bromelain rich fruits or supplements it still hasn’t been proven if the effect of the enzymes on the health condition is long-lasting.
Additionally, some people who suffer from osteoarthritis has also confessed to having been relieved of their pain when they take bromelain supplements.
Therefore, it has been believed that the enzymes help in reducing the pain associated with arthritis though there is no adequate medical proof to back it up.
12. Relieves Cold Symptoms
The vitamins in the pineapple such as vitamin C works hand in hand with the enzyme bromelain as it helps alleviate symptoms of cold and flu such as catarrh, and cough.
These nutrients help in building up the sinus cavities and also prevent the accumulation of mucus such as phlegm from the body.
It also helps to increase the immune levels in the body which helps in fighting against bacteria and virus infections like flu.
13. Improves Fertility
Pineapple is good for men, women and children alike. Its contents of antioxidant properties have been proven to contribute to increasing fertility in both men and women.
Some of the minerals and vitamins it containss such as zinc, copper, vitamin C, folate, beta-carotene, helps infertility as it increases the chances of conceiving in women and as well improves men’s sexual health.
In as much as pineapple is good for improving fertility, it is not encouraged to be taken in excess during pregnancy as it can lead to miscarriage due to its known effect on improving/stimulating the menstrual flow.
14. Good for Weight Loss
Pineapple, just like most other fruits helps in weight management, bromelain which is one of the most important nutrients in pineapple, as well as other vitamins and minerals all, contribute to losing weight.
These nutrients help in preventing inflammation, digest food easily and also the calories in the body is used more than the ones in the fruit when digesting it which leads to lesser calories in the body after each consumption.
This helps flatten the stomach, burn and digest fat thereby leading to weight loss which will only be significant though if you eat healthily.
15. Cures Chapped Lips
Pineapple contains natural enzymes that help in moisturizing the lips thereby preventing/reducing the symptoms of chapped lips.
Just like coconut oil helps in keeping the skin, lips, etc., hydrated, pineapple also does the same function when we consumed it.
Nutritional Values of Pineapple per 100g serving
| Nutrients | Values |
| Water | 86 g |
| Energy | 50 Kcal |
| Protein | 0.54 g |
| Carbohydrate | 13.12g |
| Dietary Fibre | 1.4g |
| Sugars | 9.85g |
| Total lipids | 0.12g |
| Calcium | 13 mg |
| Iron | 0.29 mg |
| Phosphorus | 8 mg |
| Magnesium | 12 mg |
| Sodium 1 mg | |
| Potassium | 109 mg |
| Zinc 0.12 mg | |
| Vitamin C | 47.8 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.08 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.03 mg |
| Niacin | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.11 mg |
| Folate | 18 µg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0 µg |
| Vitamin A | 3 µg |
| Vitamin E | 0.02 mg |
| Vitamin K | 0.7 µg |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.01 g |
| Total monounsaturated | 0.01 g |
| Total polyunsaturated | 0.04 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Caffeine | 0 mg |
Some of the nutritional benefits of this fruit are potassium, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sugar, protein, vitamin C, sodium, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium and iron which can be gotten completely by eating fresh natural pineapple.
What is Pineapple?
Pineapple is more than just a juicy fruit which is grown mainly in tropical areas; it is bombarded with lots of nutrients which is vital to the body.
They are perennial crops that are characterized by its thick segmented skin, waxy leaves and edible yellow flesh.
Culinary Uses of Pineapple
Pineapple is used globally in various cuisines, and also as roadside snacks. It can be used as a fruits salad in for dessert, in cooking and baking of many savoury dishes and toppings.
It is commonly used in the making of fruit juice or drinks and serves as one of the main fruits in most beverage drinks. It is most times used in ice cream, jam and more which serves lots of purposes.
Medicinal Uses of Pineapple
Pineapple also is used for various medical purposes due to its rich content of the popular enzyme, called Bromelain.
It is locally used in medicine to reduce inflammation or swelling on the body due to injury, surgery or of the sinus.
What time is best to eat Pineapple?
Pineapples, just like other fruits are recommended to be eaten in the morning often, as it helps in detoxifying the system and also get easily digested than when taken after meals.
What are the side effects of eating pineapple?
Consuming too much of pineapple can cause sores, irritations and inflammations in the mouth including the lips, tongue and cheeks. If you experience rashes or breathing difficulties after eating pineapple, you should seek a medical attention immediately. It likely you might have an allergy to pineapple.
Due to the high amount of vitamin C content of pineapple, eating much of pineapple is likely to cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, abdominal pain or heartburn. Also, the intake of unripe pineapple can also cause the reaction due to some toxic elements present.
Adding to that, the content of bromelain enzyme in the fruit can also react with other medications such as antibiotics, thereby the intake of pineapple when on medication is advised to be reduced or even paused.
Also, people who experience gastroesophageal reflux shouldn’t take pineapple much as it can trigger heartburn as a result of too much acid in the stomach.
Conclusion
Generally, pineapple is quite necessary to be incorporated into diets because it aids in digestion and reduces constipation.
Fresh Pineapple fruit is the only edible fruit of its kind with the positive health contributions listed above, it contains lots of vitamins which are good for the skin and the overall wellbeing and is well enjoyed when ripe than when consumed unripe.
