(Photo By Flickr User Denish C)
According to tophealthnews.net, the golden pineapple is a goldmine of health benefits! This tropical beauty is packed with Vitamins A and C, fiber, calcium, manganese, and potassium. A daily dose of fruit or juice can promote your health in myriad ways. Following are 10 health perks provided by pineapple.
Build a Healthy Body in 10 Ways:
1) Aids Digestion
Pineapple facilitates protein digestion. It also alleviates stomachache and heartburn. Credit goes to the enzyme bromelain. The fruit’s fiber pushes food through the digestive tract, maintaining regularity. It also lowers cholesterol. A 1-cup serving of pineapple cubes provides roughly 2.2 grams of fiber.
2) Builds Bones
Pineapple is rich in manganese, a mineral that strengthens bones and connective tissue. One cup of juice yields 73% of the recommended daily intake (RDI). Manganese also enhances metabolism, calcium absorption, and nerve function.
3) Douses Inflammation
Consuming pineapple between meals quenches inflammation. Studies show it is effective in resolving swelling, bruising, and pain. This makes it a viable treatment for muscle strains and sprains. Bromelain douses the fire of inflammation in gout, bursitis, tendinitis, and arthritis.
4) Quashes Cancer
Pineapple prevents cancer through its antioxidant action, protecting against cellular damage. Bromelain has tumor-fighting qualities. Studies cite its ability to shrink and kill cancer cells. In animal tests, bromelain is superior to the chemo-agent 5-FU in suppressing breast and pancreatic cancer. Research conducted in Australia is bringing bromelain to the front lines of the war against cancer. A 2014 laboratory study revealed the enzyme’s ability to enhance chemo treatment for mesothelioma. This is an aggressive cancer of the lungs and abdomen, caused by asbestos exposure. The next exciting step in studying bromelain’s anti-cancer effect will be to perform clinical trials.
5) Soothes Stress
Several nutrients in pineapple relieve stress. Among them are B vitamins. The fruit is a rich source of Vitamins B1 and B6, providing over 10% of the RDI per cup. Folate and pantothenic acid clock in at 7% RDI per cup. Niacin, biotin, and choline are present in smaller amounts. Pineapple juice contains serotonin, a stress-relieving hormone. Vitamin C protects the brain and nervous system from the effects of stress. Pineapple juice contains almost 50% of the RDI of Vitamin C.
6) Combats Colds
The potent duo of Vitamin C and bromelain packs a one-two punch against colds. Vitamin C reduces the severity and duration of colds. It also boosts immunity. Bromelain resolves bronchial inflammation. It thins mucus in the throat and nose. Pineapple juice is five times more effective at suppressing coughs than cough syrup. It kills bacteria and infections and soothes a sore throat.
7) Protects Vision
Beta-carotene in pineapple protects eyesight. A study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology indicates that three pineapple servings a day reduce the likelihood of developing age-related macular degeneration. This is an eye disease that destroys central vision.
8) Lowers Blood Pressure
Potassium in pineapple juice reduces blood pressure. It decreases the force of blood against arterial walls. One cup of pineapple has 195 mg of potassium.
9) Gets Skin Glowing
Pineapple improves skin elasticity and hydration. It spurs the formation of collagen. This is a natural protein in skin that serves as a scaffold for cells and tissue. Both bromelain and Vitamin C reduce fine lines and wrinkles. They also prevent acne, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. When skin is injured, pineapple reduces swelling and inflammation. It speeds wound healing.
10) Safeguards Your Smile
Vitamin C in pineapple protects against oral cancer. The astringent property of pineapple strengthens gums and anchors teeth. Pineapple promotes pearly whites. Research shows that bromelain acts as a natural stain remover. It also blasts plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that adheres to teeth. Keeping bacteria at bay protects tooth enamel and prevents cavities.
Selecting Pineapple
Pineapple can be eaten fresh, canned, or frozen. Fresh pineapple has the highest concentration of bromelain. Pineapple season spans March through June. When shopping for fresh pineapple, look for fruit that’s free of soft spots, bruises, mold, and dark eyes. Choose fruit with a golden color. Ripeness can be determined by flicking your finger against the side. Ripe fruit has a solid, dull sound. Immature fruit yields a hollow thud. A sweet fragrance at the stem also signals freshness. Pass on pineapple that smells sour or musty. Pineapple stops ripening once picked. Therefore, continued storage won’t improve quality.
Buy pineapple in cans and cups that’s free of added sugar.
Preparing Pineapple-
Use a sharp knife to remove the leafy crown.
Cut a thin slice from the base.
Slice the peel downward, using a sawing motion, working your way around the fruit.
Remove eyes using V-shaped cuts.
Cut the fruit lengthwise and into thick wedges.
Remove the woody core.
Slice fruit into thin rounds or cut lengthwise into quarters.
Chop into bite-sized chunks.
Cut pineapple can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
Go for the gold! Eat pineapple today!
