Health Benefits of Pineapple
Pineapples are a very popular fruit that most people enjoy very much. They have a strong, unique flavor that makes them excellent for eating fresh, cooking with, and of course, using the juice for making mixed drinks. This fruit is linked to a wide range of health benefits. Many people don’t realize this, but a pineapple is not a single fruit. Instead, it is a large number of small ‘fruitlets’ that are fused together within each of the larger items that we recognize as pineapples. Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits of pineapple and see how they can improve your overall health.
Pineapples can Boost Your Immune System
When looking for a natural way to boost your immune system, most people think of oranges because of their high vitamin C content. While they can be very effective, pineapple is also an excellent option. One serving of pineapple contains about 130% of your recommended daily amount of vitamin-C. This can help your body
stimulate white blood cells, which are essential for fighting virtually every illness. This vitamin is also a great option for neutralizing free radicals, which can cause a lot of health problems.
Improve Tissue Health
Pineapples can also help improve the tissues found throughout your body. This is because the high vitamin-C content helps to create
collagen, an essential component of body tissue. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve the health of your skin, organs, blood vessels, and even bones, a serving of pineapple added to your diet is an excellent option.
Beneficial to Digestion
Fruits are great for improving digestion because of their high fiber content. What makes pineapple stand out, is that they contain healthy amounts of both soluble and insoluble fiber. If you struggle with digestive issues such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, atherosclerosis, or others, pineapple may be able to help.
Improve Oral Health
Pineapples contain an astringent property that helps to
strengthen your gums so that your teeth are held in securely. Tightening up the gums can also help to keep germs from getting up above the gum line, which can cause a variety of oral health issues. In some parts of the world, doctors prescribe pineapples to help address loosening of teeth in adults or to fight the retraction of gums.
Improved Eye Health
Macular degeneration and cataracts are among the leading causes of vision loss in humans. Pineapples can help combat both of these issues thanks to the high levels of beta-carotene, which most people associate with carrots. Whether you like carrots or not, pineapple is an excellent source of this essential nutrient.
Keep a Healthy Blood Pressure
When looking to help regulate blood pressure naturally, getting enough
potassium is essential. Pineapple is loaded with natural potassium and has been shown to help reduce tension on the blood vessels and even improve blood circulation. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure will help prevent a broad range of heart-related issues as well, including strokes and heart attacks.
Fighting Cancer
The antioxidants found in pineapple have been
shown to help battle several kinds of cancer, especially that of the breasts, throat and mouth. The combination of several different antioxidants including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, beta-carotene and several flavonoid compounds all work together to reduce the risk of cancer, and possibly even help inhibit its growth for those who already have it.
Easing Coughs
If you’ve got a bad cough, it is likely caused or made worse by the buildup of phlegm and mucus within the respiratory tracts. This can cause irritation, discomfort, and even make breathing more difficult than normal. The
bromelain in pineapples has been linked to breaking up phlegm and mucus, which can help reduce the severity of coughs. Of course, the boost to the immune system as mentioned above also contributes to reducing the length and gravity of a cough, making it an excellent option for anyone who isn’t feeling well.
Careful – Don’t Eat Too Much
As the saying goes, too much of a good thing can cause trouble. While pineapples are clearly an extremely healthy food, they should be consumed in moderation. Pineapples have an enzyme called bromelain, which is what helps aid in digestion and provides some other benefits. When you consume too much of it at a time, it can lead to issues such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea and even vomiting. This is because the bromelain is a meat-tenderizing enzyme, which can cause damage to the body when there is too much of it. As long as you keep the total consumption to a reasonable amount, you will enjoy all the different health benefits of pineapple without any trouble. So, whether you’re eating it raw, juicing, or cooking it into a pineapple upside down cake, you can now enjoy your pineapple with the knowledge of just how good it is for you.
