Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit well known for its spherical, juicy, and sweet meat that is encased in a tough, segmented skin and topped with a tuft of sharp, green leaves. The fruit takes about three years to mature and it has been proven to be a healthy and nutritious complement to a varied and well-balanced diet. What are the health benefits of eating pineapple fruits?
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10 + health benefits of eating pineapple fruit
1. Rich in nutrients
Pineapples are very nutritious and have few calories (kcal). Pineapple pieces offer nutrients like magnesium, fiber, vitamins, potassium, and folate in just one cup (165 grams). Vitamins A and K, zinc, calcium, and minute levels of phosphorus are also present in pineapples.
This fruit is also very high in manganese and vitamin C. Growth and development, iron absorption, and immunological function all depend on vitamin C.
2. Contains antioxidants
Pineapples are a good source of antioxidants, which are plant chemicals that provide protection, particularly flavonoids. Regular consumption of them may lower your chance of contracting diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, among other chronic illnesses.
3. May reduce arthritis symptoms
According to a number of studies, pineapples contain bromelain which help in reducing the inflammatory pain that comes with arthritis. It seems to exert its analgesic effects by directly affecting the chemical mediators involved in our experience of pain.
4. Plays a role in weight loss
When trying to lose weight, majority of weight reduction professionals advise eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables. However, pineapple’s enzymes may help with fat burning, making it your diet’s best fruit companion.
5. Boosts immunity
Boosting one’s body immunity is among the many health benefits eating of pineapple fruit. Pineapples have a variety of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, including bromelain, which may work together to boost immunity and lower inflammation. In a 2014 9-day study (Trusted Source), 98 children in good health were given a daily allowance of either 1 cup (140 g) or 2 cups (280 g) of pineapple, or no pineapple at all. Pineapple eaters were much less likely to get bacterial and viral infections. Additionally, compared to the other groups, the kids who consumed the most of this fruit had nearly four times as many disease-fighting white blood cells.
6. It helps in digestion
Pineapple has a high fiber content, which is linked to improved digestion. Although there is insufficient data to make a firm scientific conclusion, bromelain, a chemical present in pineapples is also believed to help with digestion.
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7. Improves iron absorption
Like most fruits, pineapples are also rich in Vitamin C. An intriguing study found that giving canned pineapple to people who were underweight or of normal weight for nine weeks seemed to raise their hemoglobin levels. Two thirds of the iron in the body is present in the protein hemoglobin, which contains iron. It is a crucial part of red blood cells and is involved in the movement of oxygen throughout the body.
8. Reduces inflammatory bowel conditions
While there is evidence that bromelain has an anti-inflammatory effect in reducing the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disorders (such ulcerative colitis), further research is required to confirm this benefit in humans.
9. Lowers the risk of cancer
According to several research, pineapple and its constituents, such as bromelain, may lower the risk of cancer by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress. Trusted sources suggest that bromelain, a component in the pineapples may be useful in the treatment of cancer.
10. Improve healing process
Bromelain may help lessen bruising, edema, and inflammation following surgery or injury, according to a number of studies. It may also be helpful if taken before dental surgery, as it seems to help alleviate pain and offer comparable relief to anti-inflammatory drugs.
Bromelain’s usefulness in wound healing has also been shown by in vitro (test tube) study.
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11. Keeps the heart healthy
According to a certain study, bromelain helps the heart and circulatory system by reducing the risk of angina attacks and transient ischemic episodes (TIAs) and/or preventing their severity. Bromelain is also suspected to be able to break down cholesterol plaques, which are known to stiffen arteries and perhaps cause atherosclerosis.
The above are the major health benefits of eating pineapple fruit. Include it in your diet and enjoy its benefits all the time.
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