Health Benefits of Pineapple

Pineapple is a refreshing tropical fruit that’s perfect for desserts, fruit salads and savory dishes. It is also packed with vitamin C, antioxidants and other nutrients that promote health and wellness.

Pineapple’s bromelain can cause oral irritation in some people. It can also interfere with medications such as blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs.

Antioxidants

Pineapple is rich in antioxidants, which neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals that can cause damage to cells and may contribute to chronic disease. It also contains the enzyme bromelain, which reduces inflammation and improves digestion and immunity.

This tropical fruit contains high amounts of vitamin C, which is important for tissue growth and repair. It also provides the body with a significant amount of manganese, a trace mineral important for nervous and immune system function.

Pineapple is also a good source of folate and potassium, which help reduce blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, pineapple contains soluble fiber, which can lower LDL cholesterol levels by binding them in the digestive tract. This is a helpful natural remedy for heart disease, according to the National Lipid Association.

Vitamins

Pineapple has been used in folk medicine for centuries and its vitamin and mineral content contributes to its immune-boosting properties. A study published in 2014 found that people who eat pineapple have lower risk of viral and bacterial infections and shorter recovery times after surgery.

Its high level of bromelain, an enzyme that digests protein, also aids digestion and reduces inflammation. This is why pineapple is a popular ingredient in meat tenderizer, and it’s also used to make skin creams that treat acne and stretch marks.

One cup of raw pineapple provides 88% of the daily value of vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant that fights cell damage and strengthens the immune system. It’s also a good source of manganese, copper, vitamin B6, potassium and thiamin.

Minerals

Pineapple contains manganese, a trace mineral important for bone health. One cup of pineapple provides about 76 percent of the daily value of this mineral.

Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, helps improve protein absorption and digestion. It can also help reduce swelling, bruising and inflammation after exercise or surgery.

Pineapple is also a good source of magnesium, which aids muscle growth and prevents cramping. It is a natural source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and supports immune function. This makes pineapples a great addition to any healthy diet. It’s also easy to find all year round and is affordable. Dietitian Phoebe Thong from Outram Community Hospital, part of SingHealth, shares her top reasons to eat pineapples regularly.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Pineapple contains a digestive enzyme called bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with a number of health conditions. The enzyme improves protein absorption in the small intestine, as well as aiding digestion and reducing inflammation in the body. It is also thought to relieve pain in the joints and can ease symptoms of arthritis.

A regular intake of pineapple can also help prevent vision problems. This is because it contains vitamin C and beta-carotene, which helps reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a common condition that leads to vision loss.

Pineapple is rich in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels. It can do this by binding with LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in the gut and removing it from the body via stool.

Weight loss

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown to boost metabolism. This helps the body break down proteins and burn fat. It also aids digestion and promotes regularity, reducing constipation and bloating. Pineapple is a good source of fibre, which can help with weight loss when eaten in moderation.

Antioxidants found in pineapples help combat oxidative stress, which contributes to chronic disease and accelerated ageing. This is because they neutralize free radicals, says dietitian Maddie Pasquariello.

Eating more pineapples may also help protect against macular degeneration, a condition that affects the eyes as we age, as it contains high levels of vitamin C and many antioxidants.