What Does Pineapple Do For Your Body and Why We Should Eat More Pineapple –
When was the last time you cut into a fresh & juicy pineapple?
Pineapple is one of the most consumed tropical fruits across the globe. It’s naturally sweet yet sour flavor makes it a favorite with both children and adults alike. However, it is not all about its flavor. Its health benefits such as high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants and nutritional content makes it as beneficial for your health as it is delicious.
Pineapple Has Tons of Vitamin C!
One cup of pineapple chucks has whopping 78 mg of vitamin C. Your body loves vitamin C so grab a fresh pineapple today!
Pineapple Facts
While the price tag for pineapple can at times seem expensive when compared to local seasonal fruits, it takes almost 3 years for a pineapple to reach maturity. It is for this very reason as to why the price is above average as care, fertilization and nurturing is needed for many years to help them ripen.
While calling the pineapple a fruit is technically ok, it is actually the result of many berries created by the pineapples flower fusing together to create what we see as one, whole and solid fruit. This is why pineapple features the diamond shaped across its skin. The name pineapple stems from the fact that it actually resembles a pine cone when young!
The most beneficial part of the pineapple is its core which contains ridiculously high levels of bromelain which is a proteolytic enzym. This acts as an anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxant and interrupts the development of cancerous cells. In the past, it was believed that eating pineapple could lead to miscarriage but a woman would need to consume at least 10 whole pineapples at once for this to even begin to become a concern.
Pineapples contain high amounts of vitamin C and manganese which are important for the immune system and healthy skin cell renewal. Pineapples also have large quantities of thiamin, a B vitamin that is involved in energy production and the correct energy consumption within the body.
When it comes to eye health, forget the old adage that carrots are best. Pineapple can help prevent and reverse macular degeneration and improve the clarity of vision. The high levels of ascorbic acid and vitamin C help naturally whiten the teeth and lift stains off of the surfaces of them, and the juice itself can be used in hair to naturally lighten it in the sun.
The bromelain levels in pineapple help prevent coagulation of the blood and thus reduce the risk of suffering a blood clot. The chemical is used in its synthetic form in many blood thinning medications and can also help reduce the incidence of migraines and headaches. Not only does it help with the aforementioned ailments, it can also help reduce mucus in the nasal passages and throat when suffering from a common cold or the flu helping alleviate coughing and excessive mucus production.
Of course, pineapple like everything else should be eaten in moderation. It is famous for being an amazing meat tenderizer and for this reason it can deteriorate the lining of the mouth and corner of the lips. Many people have experienced sensitivity after eating too much pineapple so aim for no more than 250 grammes of fresh pineapple a day.
Being a fruit that contains high levels of vitamin C makes it both excellent for general immune health but risky for those who suffer stomach conditions such as ulcers. Pineapple can be incorporated into baking, smoothies, relishes and meals and helps boost the body’s requirements for many of its vitamins and minerals. It is a delicious way to help reach your 5 a day quota of fresh fruit and vegetables and its all round health benefits make it the perfect way to keep children healthy.
So Here are the Top 5 Benefits to Eating More Pineapple
Pineapples make a healthy snack and can be added to salads and stir fries. However you like to eat yours, whether you choose frozen, canned, or fresh, know that you won’t be sorry. Here are five benefits to eating pineapple.
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Pineapple is packed with vitamin C
Vitamin C benefits your health in many ways. It’s a vitamin that heals. It is responsible for creating collagen, which is an essential protein in skin, organs, and bones. Vitamin C also helps to boost your immune system, reducing how often you get illness. It is also an antioxidant, which may help to prevent cancer. One serving of pinapple is 1/2 cup and contains approximately 130% of your daily vitamin C requirement.
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Pineapple is good for eye health
Pineapples contain manganese and potassium, which are minerals that help to protect your eyes from cellular damage, along with vitamin C, and also reduces the risk of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is typically an age-related problem with the retina, whichcan result in blurred vision or no central vision. Pineapples are also a good source of beta carotene, which is essential to eye health.
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Pineapple is anti-inflammatory
Bromelain is a powerful anti-inflammatory, which is found in pineapple. Bromelain reduces swelling in the body that can cause pain, arthritis, and harm your gut, which can lead to cramps and ulcers. Inflammation is also linked to heart disease and a higher risk of cancer. By adding pineapple to your diet, you can help your body fight inflammation.
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Pineapple is packed with nutrients
In addition to vitamin C, pineapple contains thiamin and B6. Thiamin is part of the B vitamins (B1) and plays a role in maintaining a healthy nervous system. It also helps to breakdown fats and proteins. B6 is a vitamin that supports brain function and improves mood. It can also help to treat high blood pressure and anemia. Pineapples also contain magnesium, iron, and copper. Copper is a trace mineral that is essential for the brain, liver, and kidneys. Magnesium is important for energy production, calming nerves, and preventing migraines.
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Pineapple is good for your digestion
Pineapple contains both soluable and insoluable fiber making is a great addition to your diet. If you want to protect yourself from digestive issues such as diahrrea and irritable bowel syndrome, add more pineapple to your diet. The enzyme bromalein is also helpful in digesting protein.
How to Eat More Pineapple
- The next time you grill that juicy BBQ Chicken, toss some fresh pineapple on the grill. Brush on some melted butter and soy sauce. You can also brush on a thin layer of BBQ Sauce.
- Pineapple and cottage cheese.
- Toss fresh pineapple in your smoothies.
- Add fresh pineapple to your salads.
- Add pineapple to your cake batter and muffins.
How to Cut A Fresh Pineapple
1080p (2) from DinnerPlanner on Vimeo.
If you’re looking to add another fruit to your diet, you can’t go wrong with delicious and healthy pineapple. You can also add more pineapple to your diet by cooking dinner with it! See below for some of our favorite recipes with pineapple!
So next time you are at the supermarket, why not pick up a fresh pineapple and savor its tangy yet sweet flesh.
Yummy Recipes with Pineapple!
Pineapple BBQ Chicken
Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken Thighs
Pineapple and Cucumber Salsa
Pineapple Hawaiian Meatball with Pineapple