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Pineapple is a popular fruit that can be enjoyed on its own or as an addition to fruit salads, desserts, or smoothies. Since ancient times, this tropical fruit has been used in several cultures for medicinal purposes, especially as an extract applied to wounds to reduce inflammation. |
Pineapple is also known to contain bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that has great potential to fight cancer.
Not only that, pineapple is able to provide a number of benefits for our health, as reported by the following Insider page.
Pineapple Benefits
1. Has a lot of nutritional content
Dietitian Colleen Christensen says that pineapple contains vitamin C which plays an important role in wound healing, producing protein, and absorbing iron.
In addition, pineapple also contains manganese which is an important mineral for brain and nerve function, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation.
It should be noted that one bowl of pineapple contains 8.3 milligrams of the amino acid tryptophan.
According to Christensen, this particular amino acid is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can improve mood and create feelings of pleasure.
2. Smooth digestion
The bromelain in pineapple can aid digestion because enzymes break down protein. It also reduces inflammation in the digestive tract for those suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.
Plus, one serving of pineapple offers 2.3 grams of dietary fiber which can help empty your intestines and pineapple ensures you can have regular bowel movements.
"When we combine fiber and bromelain, they both work to promote optimal digestion," explains Deborah Malkoff-Cohen, certified nutritionist at NYC Eat Well.
3. Can help lose weight
Christensen reveals that thanks to its fiber content, pineapple keeps us full longer, which can help with weight loss efforts.
While research on pineapples and weight loss in humans is limited, a 2018 study on mice found pineapple juice decreased fat formation while pineapple increased fat breakdown.
4. Contains high antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that protect our cells from free radicals and chemical compounds that play a role in the formation of cancer, and heart disease.
We can find various antioxidants in pineapples such as vitamin C, manganese, bromelain, phenolic acids, and flavonoids.
Several studies have shown that phenolic acids offer antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Meanwhile, flavonoids have the same effect, but also offer protection from cardiovascular disease.
5. Can increase the body's immune
The content of vitamin C in pineapple can help boost our immune system.
"Vitamin C can not only prevent certain infections but can also help treat some diseases such as respiratory infections and certain systemic disorders," explains Christensen.
A 2014 study found elementary school-aged children who ate canned pineapple experienced fewer viral and bacterial infections than those who did not eat pineapple.
The children who ate the most pineapples had four times more disease-fighting white blood cells than the others.
The researchers concluded that eating 140 to 280 grams of pineapple daily can reduce infections, or at the very least, help us fight them faster.
6. Relieves cough
The bromelain in pineapple can help reduce coughing. According to Christensen, pineapple can also help with some inflammation.
In addition, the hydration that pineapple provides may make a sore throat better.
A 2010 review examined natural treatments for tuberculosis and said that pineapple juice is especially helpful in dissolving lung mucus when mixed with a little pepper, honey and salt. This may be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of pineapple bromelain.
7. Strengthens bones
Pineapple's high vitamin C content is also important for bone health.
In fact, a 2020 study found individuals who ate a diet high in vitamin C had a lower risk of osteoporosis and a 34 percent lower incidence of hip fracture.
Manganese may also reduce the risk of bone loss in women when taken with calcium, zinc, boron, vitamin D, and copper.
One 2004 study found that postmenopausal women who took supplements with this combination experienced a positive effect on bone density.