While I’ve always been a little mad about pineapples, it was only after visiting so many tropical places where I came to not only crave them but have learned about the many wonderful benefits of this super fruit. Aside from its exceptional sweet taste, countries like Thailand, Philippines, India, Indonesia, China and much more including South America and Hawaii have known pineapples to have superior medicinal properties.
That’s the beauty of nature’s food. It’s in perfect harmony with what our bodies require. Maybe not all the time, but when we need it, it is there and can truly restore balance, or act as a cure. Pineapples are no exception as they are brimming with essential nutrients.
We’re not going to give you a history lesson about this extraordinary fruit, but we are going to discuss its many nutritional compounds known as Bromelain, manganese and the high levels of vitamin C. According to the Food and Drug Administration, two slices of raw pineapple contains 50% vitamin C, are fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in sodium.
Bromelain is a protein-digestive enzyme mostly concentrated in the stem. The “tenderizing” properties assist in gut health and weight loss with its capability of breaking down meat proteins. While there is a truly wonderful process of how a pineapple forms, this unique compound acts as an anti-inflammatory, reduces the risk of cancer, facilitates wound healing and much more as we’ll list below.
Manganese is a mineral that naturally occurs in the body, however in small amounts. Consuming it from pineapples could aid in the normal functioning of the brain and proper movement of the nervous system.
Incredible Benefits of Pineapple
1. Cancer prevention
So much evidence and research have come up linking diet and cancer. Cancer Research UK indicates that unhealthy diets that contribute to cancer-producing cells have conversely suggested that nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables point towards the prevention of it. While there are many factors that are instrumental in the creation of cancer, vitamin C and manganese in pineapples are dense in antioxidants and are huge components in cancer prevention.
Studies have shown that diets rich in deep yellow fruits and vegetables could significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer.
2. Digestion
Anyone with digestive issues could benefit from pineapples and their rich source of soluble and insoluble fibers helping anyone looking to alleviate IBS, diarrhea, reduce bloating and constipation. The fibers found in pineapples stimulate and break down foods allowing it to pass through your digestive tract in order to maintain a healthy balance.
3. Eye Health
Vitamin C, manganese and potassium found in pineapples assists in reducing macular degeneration, a condition that affects people as they get older. The prevention of cell damage is a result of the beta-carotene presence essential for eye health. Eating pineapples on a regular basis could delay vision problems such as cataracts as one gets older.
4. Anti-Inflammatory
The health-promoting super enzyme Bromelain is a complex substance that can reduce swelling, bruising, joint tenderness and pain associated with injuries. Where inflammation due to sprains, strains and minor muscle trauma, bromelain acts as a pain reliever, effectively cutting your healing time in half.
5. Heart Health
Studies show that 1 cup of pineapple contains about 180mg per serving and eaten daily could potentially lessen the risks of stroke. The amounts of vitamin C and fibers additionally attributes to lowering the potential for heart disease.
6. Common Cold and Sinus
The combination of vitamin C and bromelain is a powerful combination when it comes to the common cold or sinus problems. This decreases and loosens up the mucus and phlegm that gets trapped in the respiratory tracts and sinus cavities.
7. Arthritis
Manganese is a major contributor in effectively building bone health and strengthening connective tissues for growth and repair. This trace mineral is important for preventing osteoporosis. A study from the Biotechnology Research International suggests that bromelain plays an important role in the prevention of arthritis.
8. Oral Health
The antioxidants and bromelain is an actor in preventing gum disease and tooth decay. With its astringent properties, your teeth become stronger as they hold your teeth in place and keeps your oral health exactly how they should be.
9. Blood Pressure
While potassium helps ease the tension and stress of blood vessels it also promotes blood circulation within the body. High blood pressure can be a disease hard to detect and left untreated could lead to a variety of life-threatening conditions such as heart failure, strokes, heart disease, vascular disease and others. The beautiful benefits of the bromelain in pineapples are that it prevents excessive coagulation and clots from forming and plaque from accumulating in the arteries and vessels.
10. Tissue Health
Vitamin C has always been the key star for the promotion of skin wellness and supports healthy collagen production. The high amounts of vitamin C aids in the swift healing of wounds, injuries, and illnesses. Make sure to eat raw pineapples to help fight off skin damage caused by environmental elements like the sun or pollution, reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.
11. Weight Loss
Even with the presence of sugar, pineapples control hunger, aid in the digestive process, boost metabolism and will help to burn calories. If it’s not the first thing you eat in the morning, then it should be the last thing you eat after a big meal. Pineapples are the perfect sweet food that will boost your weight loss goals by making you feel satiated for longer, promoting energy and flattening your stomach.
Now you know the wonderful benefits pineapples serve, you’re probably wondering how you can incorporate them into your diet other than just eating it raw. Check this smart pressed cleanse you can get creative with.
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