Pineapple Health Benefits

Undoubtedly one of the most favored of all tropical fruits, pineapples are juicy and delicious. I have yet to meet a single person whose mouth doesn’t water when he or she get a glimpse of this fruit. In this post, though, I don’t want to talk about the taste. I want to talk about the health benefits of pineapples and see what this fruit has to offer beside taste.

By the way, during my research I discovered that this is not a single fruit. Instead, the fruit is actually made of a number of flowers and the fruits of each of these flowers are joined together at the central ridge.

From the taste of it, you would think that this is a fruit that anyone who wishes to lose weight should steer clear from. Continue reading to see if this is indeed the case.

Health benefits Of Pineapples

Pineapples contain large amounts of manganese. These fruits are also a rich source of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6 and copper. That the fruit has high amounts of dietary fiber need not be mentioned.

The trace mineral manganese is important for the body to build bones and connective tissues. It is said that pineapples are so rich in manganese that a single cup contains almost 70% of the body’s daily requirement. Thus, taking in significant amounts of pineapple help in the growth, maintenance and strengthening of bones.

Pineapples are rich in Vitamin C, the body’s most important water-soluble antioxidants. Vitamin C boosts immunity and keeps the body safe from diseases like colds, infections and flu. These powerful antioxidants also fight free radicals preventing a number of conditions like arteriosclerosis. Vitamin C also acts as an effective guard against inflammation related diseases like arthritis and osteoarthritis.

The core of the fruit contains a complex mixture called Bromelain. Bromelain is beneficial to health in various ways. It aids digestion and speeds up the coagulation of blood. It protects the body from inflammation and certain types of tumors.

Eating sufficient quantities of pineapple may stop macular-degeneration which is responsible for loss of vision in aging people. Pineapple is one of the most delightful foods for dieters. They are delicious enough to satisfy the craving for sweet foods. At the same time, they are rich in enzymes that aid digestion. They also have high fiber content and aid digestion. To top it all, they are not calorie rich. Therefore, people who are trying to lose weight can use this fruit as a healthy snack. The problem is that, in some places, this can be an expensive fruit to buy.

Fresh pineapple juice has much of the goodness of pineapple. It is useful in defending the body from a number of infections like ear and throat infections and diphtheria. Pineapple may also be effective in preventing nausea induced by motion sickness or morning sickness. However, you need to make sure that you’re getting real juice and not something that just “tastes” like pineapple but contains very little of the actual fruit.

How to eat pineapples

pineapple salsa

Pineapples are a wonderful treat through the hot summer months. Just dice them, add other fruits and a dollop of low fat cream to enjoy a delightful fruit salad.

It is easy to make salsa with pineapples. You can see some pineapple salsa in the picture to the right.

Other options include:

• pineapples with rice (though some recipes involve frying).
• Placing the fruit in fresh yoghurt.
• Mixing chopped pineapple, grated fennel and cashew nuts.
• Placing it on a pizza.

In conclusion

Juicy and sweet, pineapples are a treat for the summers. This fruit can be a wonderful snack. It is also very refreshing. So, whether it is summer or winter, you have every reason to bring home a pineapple.

Image credit:jeffreyw