Is Pineapple Good for you?
Pineapples are good for you, they contain essential vitamins and nutrients that keep your body healthy. Pineapples, like most fruit, provides your body with the vitamins and minerals it requires to stay healthy. We know that consuming fresh fruits and vegetables reduce health-related conditions caused by lifestyle choices. Increased consumption of plant foods, such as pineapple, decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, macular degeneration, stroke, and heart disease to name a few.
Here are some of the core nutritional benefits of pineapples:
Boost Immune System
A serving of pineapple or pineapple juice satisfies the daily vitamin-C requirement, it’s one of the richest sources of ascorbic acid. Vitamin C boosts the immune system by stimulating white blood cell activity. Regular consumption of pineapple or pineapple juice can help fight colds and the flu. [1], [2], [3]
Natural Cough Remedy
Pineapple juice soothes a sore throat and helps the body expel mucus. Thick and stubborn mucus in the lungs or sinuses can cause infections [4], coughing, and sneezing spasms. The bromelain in pineapples helps reduce phlegm and mucus build up in the respiratory tract and ease the symptoms of sinusitis [5]. The combination of vitamin C and bromelain in pineapples prevent illnesses that cause phlegm and mucus build-up in the body and eradicates them. [6]
Promotes Wound Healing
Vitamin C is crucial in collagen production [7] and is regarded as a healing vitamin. The high vitamin C content in pineapples helps build and repair bodily tissue and promotes wound healing. [8]
Reduces Inflammation
The bromelain in pineapples, can reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and manage pain. Bromelain is used to treat and reduce inflammation caused by tendinitis, sprains, strains, minor muscle injuries, and swelling. Bromelain inhibits tumor growth and shortens recovery time after surgery. [9]
Relieves Arthritis Pain
The bromelain in pineapple relieves arthritis symptoms such as joint and muscle inflammation, tenderness, and pain. [10], [11], [12], [13]
Fights Cancer
Pineapples contain other antioxidants, such as vitamins A, beta-carotene, bromelain, a variety of flavonoid compounds, and manganese. The antioxidants in pineapples fight the damaging effects of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are byproducts of cellular metabolism that cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous ones. The antioxidants in pineapples help fight the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. [14], [15], [16]
Promotes Digestive Health
Pineapples are a rich source of fiber, they contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. The high fiber and water content in pineapples, help prevent constipation, promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract. Pineapple fiber bulks up the stool and stimulates the release of gastric and digestive juices to help food dissolve. Pineapple fiber bulks loose stool to prevent diarrhea. The bromelain in pineapples breaks protein down faster, speeds up digestion, reduces bloating and constipation. Frequent consumption of pineapples can protect you from gut-related health conditions. [17], [18], [19]
Promotes Bone Health
Pineapples contain manganese, a trace mineral necessary for the growth, repair, and strengthening of bones. [20]
Supports Oral Health
Pineapple is prescribed as a remedy to correct loose teeth or retracting gums. Pineapples have astringent properties that fight the bacteria and toxins that influence gum disease. It reduces gingivitis, periodontal disease, and strengthens gums. Eating a few pineapple chunks every other day helps reduce plaque buildup on teeth. [21]
Improves Eye Health
The beta-carotene and vitamin A in pineapples boost eye health and decrease the risk and progression of age-related macular degeneration and cataract. [22], [23]
Lowers Blood Pressure
Pineapples are loaded with potassium. Potassium is a vasodilator, it reduces blood pressure and promotes good blood circulation throughout the body. Potassium helps prevent clots, reduces the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, and prevents conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. [24]
Improves Blood Circulation
Pineapples contain copper, an essential mineral that promotes the growth and development of healthy red blood cells. A high red blood cell count increases oxygenation to organs so they function at optimal levels. Potassium increases cognitive abilities and maintains neural pathways to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. [25]
Promotes Heart Health
The fiber, potassium, vitamin C content, and bromelain in pineapple support heart health [26]. Bromelain works as a blood thinner, allowing blood to flow freely through the circulatory system. Thinner blood lowers the chances of stroke, heart attack, and other heart and circulatory issues. [27]
Treats Nausea and Morning Sickness
Pineapple juice is used by women to cure nausea, vomiting caused by morning sickness and also used as a remedy to treat heartburn and an upset stomach. [28]
Kills Intestinal Parasites
Tapeworms and other intestinal parasites secrete substances that protect them from the body’s digestive juices. The Bromelain in pineapple breaks these substances down to eliminates parasites from the body. [29]
Eating pineapple or drinking pineapple juice is good for your body inside and out. Consuming a few slices of fresh pineapple a day can protect your body from diseases, improve digestion, boost metabolism, nourish your body, and keep you healthy. Remember to consume pineapple in moderation, buy it fresh, and buy organic, whenever possible. Good health to you.
Sources:
www.naturalnews.com
www.medicalnewstoday.com
www.hindawi.com
www.globalhealingcenter.com
https://www.organicfacts.net
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