Pineapples are scientifically known as Ananas comosus, is a tropical fruit that is both extremely tasty and beneficial to one’s health. It is chock full of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and other beneficial elements, such as enzymes, which can safeguard against irritation and illness. It is most frequently consumed after being baked, or chopped into fresh pieces. Because early European invaders thought it looked like a pine cone, they gave it that name even though it originated in South America. Pineapple and the substances found in it have been linked to several medical advantages, including accelerated digestion, increased immunity, and speedier healing from surgical procedures. Pineapple is tasty enough to compete with most candies, yet it has significantly more health advantages than other candies. Because of its outstanding nutritional profile, pineapple is an excellent choice for a nutritious dessert, or anytime snack.
Just 75 calories are contained within a serving size of one cup (165 grams), and there is no cholesterol, salt, or fat present. There is no doubt that pineapple is full of nutrients that can increase your well-being; nevertheless, some of the pineapple’s purported health benefits require further research. No matter how you decide to consume it — sliced, chunked, grilled, or blended — you are sure to appreciate the addition of this vibrant and sour fruit to your diet. The outside is tough and spiky, but the interior is fragrant, sweet, and exceptionally good for you. The pineapple was deemed to be the finest fruit on the planet, and the grounds behind this claim are of the utmost significance. They are an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C, and a dozen other minerals and nutrients that our bodies require consistently. They also do not contain any fat or cholesterol.
What are the incredible health advantages of pineapples?
Pineapples also have several positive effects on health. It’s been utilized as a treatment method since antiquity. It originates in the Americas but is now cultivated all over the world in tropical regions. Pineapple is loaded with healthy nutrients like vitamins C, and B, fiber, and manganese. For Americans, pineapple is available year-round thanks to its availability in fresh, frozen, and tinned forms. Pineapple in a can is a time-saver, but it’s important to choose one that has been canned in its natural juices rather than syrup. A previous study followed 98 healthy youngsters for 9 days, with half of the kids eating no pineapple, one eating about 1 cup (140 grams), and the other half eating around 2 cups (280 grams) When compared to those who did not eat pineapple, those who did had a far lower risk of contracting either a viral or bacterial infection.
The fructose in fruit is converted into sugar when it is digested, so the sugar content of anything canned with fruit, even if it is in its original juice, must be declared. But, the liquid counts as “added sugar,” so it will raise the daily total for both total sugar and refined sugar. This luscious yellow fruit can be enjoyed in a wide variety of ways. One can add frozen bits into a smoothie, or grill pieces and consume them with steak or a nice side. Bite-sized portions are also acceptable as a snack. One should add pineapple to their healthy diet if they haven’t already, and there are many ways to enjoy it.
Following are the health advantage of pineapples
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Pineapples have a relatively modest calorie count but an impressively diverse range of nutrients. In addition, pineapples have low concentrations of the minerals phosphorus, vitamins A and K. As can be seen, this fruit contains a very high concentration of both vitamin C and manganese. Vitamin C is necessary for the maintenance of a healthy immune system, the absorption of iron, as well as for progress and expansion. Manganese, on the other hand, possesses antioxidant characteristics and assists with both metabolic processes and growth. Antioxidants stop the oxidation process in the body, which reduces pain. Inflammation is a contributing factor in the development of many degenerative illnesses, including malignancy. Pineapples also include a variety of other micronutrients, including copper, and vitamin B6, all of which are necessary for a properly functioning metabolism.
Antioxidants that prevent disease
You can protect your body from oxidative stress with the support of the antioxidant compounds that are abundant in this fruit. Free radicals are the unstable chemicals at the root of oxidative stress, and they are directly connected to the cell damage that underlies many serious illnesses, including swelling, lowered immunity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some malignancies. Pineapples are a good source of antioxidants known as flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Although human evidence is scarce, two rodent studies suggest that the antioxidants in this fruit may have heart-protective effects.
Possible digestive assistance
In nations like Brazil, pineapple is a common addition to meat and poultry dishes. Interestingly, bromelain, a class of digestive enzymes found in this fruit, may help with the digestion of meat. Bromelain is a protease, an enzyme that degrades proteins into their constituent parts. These parts include amino acids and short peptides. The absorption of protein is improved by digestion because the small intestine can take in smaller pieces of the molecule. Individuals with pancreatic insufficiency, in which the pancreas does not produce sufficient digestive enzymes, will benefit tremendously from this. Bromelain’s capability to break down hard meat proteins has also led to its widespread use as a commercial broiler. Although more studies are needed, one in vitro study showed that bromelain decreased inflammatory markers in digestive tissue. In addition, the fiber in pineapples helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
Possibly lowers cancer risk
Malignant tumors form when cells divide and multiply without control, making cancer a progressive and fatal disease. Its development is often associated with oxidative damage and persistent inflammation. Bromelain, one of the substances found in pineapple, has been shown in multiple studies to lower oxidative stress and irritation, which in turn reduces the risk of cancer. Bromelain has been shown to effectively cure preexisting cancer in several tests. Researchers observed that in vitro, bromelain inhibited the spread and promoted the killing of breast cancer cells, and in vivo, in mice, bromelain improved the efficacy of anticancer treatment. Similar findings have been seen in other in vitro investigations including malignancies of the skin, colon, and bile ducts. Nonetheless, the bromelain content of pineapple is significantly lower than that of bromelain pills. One meta-analysis concluded that taking oral enzymes like bromelain in conjunction with cancer treatment did not improve outcomes for patients.
Potential to strengthen resistance to disease and reduce inflammation
A variety of pineapple extracts have been utilized for millennia in alternative medicine. They are packed with nutrients like bromelain, all of which may work together to boost the immune system and decrease inflammation. As a bonus, the youngsters who consumed the most of this fruit had nearly four times as many white blood cells, which help the body fight off infections, as the other groups. In addition, bromelain has been found to improve immunological health by lowering inflammatory indicators. Some preliminary test-tube research suggests that taking bromelain capsules, either alone or in conjunction with other chemicals, may help alleviate COVID-19 signs and delay the advancement of the disease. Nonetheless, more studies with actual people are required. Do not forget that neither pineapples nor any of the components found in pineapples can treat or reduce COVID-19.
Potentially reduces arthritic pain
More than 54 million persons in the United States have some form of arthritis. Swelling of the joints is a common symptom of the many forms of arthritis. People with inflammatory arthritis may get comfort from its anti-inflammatory effects on bromelain. Supplemental bromelain was shown to be equally beneficial as standard pain medication in reducing symptoms of low back osteoarthritis, according to research. Bromelain, an enzyme booster, was shown to be equally beneficial as conventional arthritis medications in reducing pain in a separate study of persons with osteoarthritis. Additionally, this chemical protected against the pain and cartilage degeneration seen in osteoarthritis in a laboratory setting. Even so, more studies involving humans are required, ideally with pineapples in general and not only bromelain.
May help people recover faster from surgery or a hard workout
Pineapple consumption has been linked to faster post-operative and post-exercise recuperation. The anti-inflammatory qualities of bromelain contribute to a number of this fruit’s advantages, along with its ability to restore glycogen storage after the workout. Bromelain has been demonstrated in many trials to lessen the pain, edema, and bruising that might follow any kind of surgery. Inflammation markers might also be lowered. After a dental procedure, bromelain may help with discomfort, stiffness, and irritation, according to two reviews. In addition, one meta-analysis indicated that recovery time from surgical skin operations was reduced by bromelain in Five of Seven randomized controlled trials. Its use is still debated, though. And because they help decrease inflammation, proteases like bromelain can hasten muscle recovery after intense exercise. However, additional study is required before recommending this chemical for post-workout recuperation.
The Bottom Line
Pineapples are scrumptious, can be used in a variety of different ways, and are packed with minerals and antioxidants. Better digestion, a reduced chance of getting cancer, and relief from osteoarthritis are just some of the astounding health advantages that have been connected to the minerals and chemicals found in these plants. This fruit can be consumed raw, blended, or sauteed and can stand on its own or be included in a wide variety of other meals. If you are allergic to pineapples, In that situation, you need to stay away from pineapple and any extracts made from it. Diabetics need to pay attention to portion sizes to maintain a steady level of blood sugar in their bodies. But, consuming an excessive amount of pineapple — more than a few servings daily — might have unforeseen consequences, even in persons who do not have an allergy to the fruit or diabetes.
Despite this, there is a need for additional research on humans. For example, bromelain may affect the way blood clots. In light of this, individuals who take medications that thin the blood should consume pineapple, but only in moderation. Those who are allergic to bromelain may also feel blistering or irritation in the tongue, as well as nausea or diarrhea. However, these negative effects have only been reported anecdotally; scientific research has not been conducted on them. Several individuals believe that consuming a large quantity of unripe pineapple can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea. Again, there hasn’t been any research done on this, but it’s preferable to choose pineapple that’s already been harvested and ripened. The color of the meat should range from pale to medium golden.
Sirisha B