Pineapples are perhaps one of the most consumed tropical fruit in the world. It tastes amazing and can be eaten as well as processed into juice.
Pineapple and its compounds have been linked to many health benefits including aiding digestion, boosting immunity and speeding up recovery from surgery, among others.
Why is Pineapple so Healing?
The secret to the healing power of pineapple comes from a protein, enzyme called bromelain. Pineapple happens to be one of the richest sources of bromelain in the world.
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple fruit and in the pineapple stem. The bromelain you want comes from the inedible core and stem of the plant. According to a comparative study of extraction, the pineapple stem bromelain had exhibited better proteolytic activity than the pineapple fruit.
With that in mind eating a lot of pineapples will not have the same effect as taking a bromelain supplement. Bromelain supplements are typically made using the extract taken from pineapples core.
Bromelain is a natural extract that has been found to speed healing and acts as an anti-inflammatory medication similar to ibuprofen. Additionally when applied topically, it helps in healing cuts, burns, insect bites and to help dissipate bruising and other skin problems.
Additionally, recent studies have suggested that bromelain acts systemically, affecting bromelain acts systemically. It is now possible to suggest that the anti-cancer activity of bromelain consists in the direct impact on cancer cells and their micro-environment. Medicinal qualities of bromelain include anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, fibrinolytic and anti-cancer functions.
Again keep in mind that eating lots of fresh, pineapples will not effectively provide a sufficient dose of bromelain, bromelian is found in the core and stem of the pineapple.
Here are other benefits from eat pineapples.
Loaded with vitamin C
One cup of pineapple provides more than 100% of your recommended daily amount of vitamin C. Im sure you’re well aware that vitamin C helps support immunity, but it does much more. Vitamin C is involved in growth and tissue repair, protects cells against premature aging and illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
Supports Healthy Skin
Pineapple is rich in manganese, one cup contains more than 75% of the amount recommended for one day. This mineral, along with vitamin C, is required for building collagen a structural component of skin that prevents sagging and wrinkles.
Manganese also functions as an antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage against UV light, making pineapple especially crucial in the summertime.
Manganese is essential to produce healthy bones, as well as being a co-factor for an enzyme called “prolidase”, which is necessary for collagen production – a significant structural component of the skin that is most commonly associated with a youthful appearance and improved skin elasticity.
Liver Protection
Research from Benin in Africa discovered that the fruit was helpful in correcting liver damage in laboratory rats.
Promotes healthy digestion
For digestion, eating pineapple serves as a powerful aid in breaking down proteins into peptides and amino acids. It can ease the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, acid reflux, and it helps the general digestive processes.
It’s also useful in helping to prevent autoimmune responses due to common food allergies. Studies showed Proteolytic enzymes found in pineapple helped those who had celiac disease, an allergy to the protein gluten.
Fights Candida Albicans
Pineapple can aid in stopping the yeast cells from rapidly multiplying. So if you are looking for ways to reduce your chances of a returning yeast infection, then Pineapple is a wonderful food to begin using every day.
An experiment done in Germany, found that bromelain demonstrated an ability to support the immune system and kill candida.
Nutrition Benefits of Pineapple
One cup (5.8 ounces or 165 grams) of pineapple chunks contains the following:
- Calories: 82.5
- Fat: 1.7 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbs: 21.6 grams
- Fiber: 2.3 grams
- Vitamin C: 131% of the RDI
- Manganese: 76% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 9% of the RDI
- Copper: 9% of the RDI
- Thiamin: 9% of the RDI
- Folate: 7% of the RDI
- Potassium: 5% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 5% of the RDI
- Niacin: 4% of the RDI
- Pantothenic acid: 4% of the RDI
- Riboflavin: 3% of the RDI
- Iron: 3% of the RDI
Pineapples also contain trace amounts of vitamins A and K, phosphorus, zinc and calcium.
The Bottom Line
Pineapples are delicious, low in calories and are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants.
Their nutrients and compounds have been linked to many health benefits and they can be consumed in a variety of ways.
Pineapple is not a common food allergy to have, but keep in mind that bromelain supplements may interact with some medications like blood thinners, insomnia medications or antidepressants. So its always a good idea to talk to your health care provider before you start taking any supplements.
So go ahead, eat more pineapples!l
I wanna know whats your favorite way you enjoy pineapple? Let me know in the comments.
Source:
Therapeutic uses of pineapple-extracted bromelain in surgical care – A review
The role of manganese superoxide dismutase in skin aging.
Celiac Sufferers Find Relief with Active Proteolytic Enzymes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25003688
Can Pineapple Help Against Yeast Infection?
I found your blog during this corona virus out break. I had a lot of time to play on the internet. Im glad I found your blog, I enjoy how detail and how you actually source what you say. Thats important, especially during this pandemic, I find a lot of people say things with and no science backing.
nice article!
I learned a lot and learned that pineapple has many benefits for the human body.
did you know that pineapple skin waste for wound treatment? check this out: http://news.unair.ac.id/en/2019/06/25/unair-students-use-pineapple-skin-waste-for-wound-treatment/
thanks for sharing!