The Health Benefits of Pineapple
Pineapple is known as a symbol of hospitality because of its spiny skin, but it has plenty to offer in the way of nutrients. One cup delivers 88% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C, plus antioxidants and digestive-friendly dietary fiber.
Bromelain — a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down protein — is also in pineapple. It helps the body absorb iron and reduces inflammation, including swelling from sports injuries.
Antioxidants
Pineapple is a rich source of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These are nutrients that can help combat free radicals, which can cause a host of health issues from heart disease to cancer and eye problems.
It also contains the digestive enzyme bromelain, which breaks down proteins and helps with digestion. This enzyme is so effective that it’s used in commercial meat tenderizers. One test-tube study found that bromelain may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, though more research is needed on humans.
Pineapple is a good source of fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote regularity. It’s also a good source of B vitamins, including thiamin, niacin and vitamin B6. These nutrients help your body process energy from the foods you eat and form new red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your system.
Antimicrobial
Pineapple has long been a symbol of hospitality, and it’s also a good source of antimicrobial nutrients. One cup of pineapple provides a large dose of the body’s daily requirement of vitamin C, which helps the immune system fight off infection and may help protect against eye disease as you age. It’s also a great source of fiber, which can prevent constipation by bulking up the stool and helping it pass more quickly through the digestive tract, and of manganese, a mineral that helps the body metabolize protein, keep bones strong, and regulate blood sugar.
Test-tube studies suggest that the bromelain in pineapple may help inhibit cancer cell growth, although more research is needed. The phenolic compounds and flavonoids in pineapples can also reduce inflammation, which can contribute to heart disease and arthritis.
Anti-inflammatory
Pineapple has lots of vitamin C, which encourages growth and healing in the body. It is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which can cause cellular damage and lead to health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
The bromelain in pineapple helps reduce excess coagulation of the blood, making it a good snack for frequent fliers who are at risk for blood clots. The enzyme is also effective at reducing mucus in the throat and nose, so some people eat pineapple to cut down on coughing from colds or allergies.
If you have a sensitive stomach, eating pineapple may make your mouth tingle or burn. This is caused by the proteolytic enzyme bromelain, which breaks down protein in the digestive tract. This can ease digestion and lessen bloating, indigestion and joint pain from osteoarthritis.
Anti-cancer
Pineapples contain nutrients and compounds, such as bromelain, that may improve immunity and reduce inflammation. However, much more human research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Research suggests that people who regularly consume pineapple enjoy better gastrointestinal health, thanks to the enzyme bromelain. This is a protein-digesting enzyme that breaks down proteins in the acid environment of the stomach and the alkaline environment of the small intestine.
This is a beneficial feature for anyone struggling with chronic gastrointestinal problems, such as inflammatory bowel syndrome. It also helps those with pancreatic insufficiency, a condition that prevents the body from producing enough digestive enzymes.
Weight loss
Pineapple has a rich nutrient profile that can complement a well-balanced diet. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. It contains trace amounts of dietary fiber and potassium. A cup of pineapple provides about 10% of the daily recommended value of vitamin A and vitamin K.
It also contains antioxidants that can prevent the oxidation of healthy cells. This can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Pineapple is an excellent source of the enzyme bromelain, which can help to break down and digest protein. This can ease digestion and prevent constipation. It can also improve gastrointestinal health and decrease inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that people who eat more pineapple experience less gastrointestinal inflammation and fewer bowel issues than those who do not.
