Pineapple is known widely as a large, sweet and juicy trophic fruit with a tough, spiky skin. Beside its delicious taste; the fruit is packed with a bunch of less-known health benefits. Scroll through and get amazed!
Background
In the 17th century, European explorers found a spiky fruit in South America and named it ‘Pineapple’ due to its pinecone appearance. For over centuries, only wealthy people could enjoy pineapple because it was rare to find and expensive to buy for a majority. In fact, some people used to rent it as an ‘exotic fruit display’ for dinners and parties.
Pineapples are still not inexpensive or easily accessible. They are grown in the tropical and subtropical countries, including Indonesia, China, Philippines and India. However, they are exported throughout the world. In South and Central America, this fruit is not just valued for its delicious taste, but also for the treatment of several digestion issues and inflammation.
Types of Pineapples
This must be something new for you!
Pineapples are available in different types, and you might be unaware of them. In the United States of America, two common ones are:
- Smooth Cayenne – cylinder in shape and leaves are small but spiky.
- Extra Sweet – the name says it all! They are created scientifically in the labs of Hawaii.
Nutritional Value
Below is the approximate measurement for one cup of fresh pineapple chunks:
| Calories: 82
Fat: 0.2 grams (g) Cholesterol: 0 g Sodium: 2 milligrams (mg) Carbohydrates: 21.65 g (including 2.3 g of fiber and 16 g of sugar) Protein: 0.89 g Vitamin C: 131 percent Vitamin A: 2 percent Calcium: 2 percent Iron: 3 percent |
Pineapple contains several minerals and vitamins that have significant health benefits, like:
- Riboflavin
- Thiamin
- Folate
- Vitamin B-6
- Pantothenic acid
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Beta-carotene
- Potassium and
- Antioxidants
What Miracles Can Pineapple Do to A Human Body?
Fruits and vegetables consumption have been associated with several lifestyle-related benefits since forever. According to the studies, eating plant food, including pineapples can decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity and more. The spiky fruit is also helpful in promoting healthy hair, improved skin color, increased energy and reduced body fat.
In this post, we will explore everything you need to know about Pineapples and some unique ways to include this fruit in your diet.
1. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
For those who are unaware of AMD; Age-related Macular Degeneration is basically an eye disease, which is responsible for blurring out the central vision. It happens when macula is damaged as you age. However, the good news is that; you can save yourself from this miserable condition by consuming pineapples! Ever thought there can actually be such a delicious treatment for a medical condition?
A study revealed that eating 3 or more servings of pineapples throughout the day can reduce the risk and progression of AMD.
2. Asthma prevention
Do you know if you consume certain nutrients in high amount, then it is possible to prevent asthma? That’s right. Beta-carotene is one of those essentials, and it is usually present in yellow, dark green or orange plant foods. Luckily, pineapple belongs to the same category and is packed with enough beta-carotene to offer you. Besides, the list includes papaya, mangoes, broccoli, apricots, pumpkin, cantaloupe and carrots. Bromelain is also said to help in reducing symptoms of asthma.
3. Blood pressure
High blood pressure can cause several health issues and lead to death as well. However, fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium can help you keep the blood pressure within a normal range. Furthermore, an increased potassium intake also decreases the risk of death from many medical causes.
4. Cancer
We all know that the formation of free radicals plays a vital role in the development of cancer. To combat the cancerous cells, a strong antioxidant that is enriched with the vitamin C can be a savior. Hence, eat pineapples and get benefited.
Apart from this, beta-carotene is shown to have an inverse reaction with colon cancer development in Japanese population. Also check out at what age is your immune system strongest?
5. Diabetes
High fiber diet is suggested for those individuals who are suffering from type 1 diabetes as it lowers blood sugar levels. Moreover, type 2 diabetic patients can also improve glucose, insulin and lipids levels in their bodies through an increased fiber intake. Good news is that; a medium size pineapple has 13g of fiber, which means you can enjoy this sweet fruit and balance your sugar levels at the same time. In short, the Health benefits of fiber intake are undeniable!
According to The Dietary Guidelines for Americans; a woman body requires 21 to 25 g of fiber per day, and the range for men lies between 30 and 38 grams.
6. Improve Your Digestion
Besides diabetes, fiber is also significant for digestive system (you don’t have to be diabetic to get benefited from pineapples).
Pineapple is enriched with an enzyme named bromelain which aids the body in protein digestion. The enzyme is also useful in reducing inflammatory immune cells known as cytokines that are responsible for damaging lining of the digestive tract. Moreover, the fruit works great for those who suffer from constipation or digestion issues.
7. Fertility
Pineapples can help you make babies! They are rich in antioxidants, which are known to improve fertility. For those who are trying to conceive should definitely give this safest remedy a try. Besides antioxidants, pineapples contains beta-carotene and vitamin C, folate, zinc and other essential minerals that can do wonders for female and male fertility.
8. Healing and Inflammation
Bromelain, an important nutrient of the said fruit works great in reducing brushing, swelling, surgical intervention, healing time and pain after an injury.
9. Heart Health
All is good when the heart is good, and potassium, vitamin C and fiber content present in pineapple aim to promote a healthy heart.
Studies also showed that high intake of potassium significantly decreases stroke risk, prevents kidney stone formation, protects muscle mass and preserves bone mineral density.
10. Skin
Pineapples not only fix internal health issues, but they can also improve the quality of your skin. When the vitamin C is consumed or applied in the natural form; it fights against the skin problems caused by air pollution or sun rays, reduces fine lines or wrinkles and enhances the skin texture.
Vitamin C, present in pineapple, play an important role in the production of collagen that is the skin support system.
Important Tips to Consider While Buying Pineapples
- Choose a pineapple that has a plump, firm body without soft spots or bruising.
- The crown leaves should be green and fresh.
- Most of you may consider a pineapple unripe due to its green outer shell. However, that’s not true always.
- If you want to pick pineapples yourself, then ensure it is fully ready because they don’t ripe further once picked, like other fruits.
- Whole pineapple will do fine in the room temperature, while sliced chunks need to go in the refrigerator for preservation.
- To get the most out of this sweet fruit, make sure you are getting it in the fresh form. If you choose canned or packaged one, it is suggested to pick the one that is soaked in pineapple juice rather heavy sugary syrups.
How to Consume
There is no right or wrong way of eating pineapples, and there are several ways to enjoy it.
- You can grill the slices and serve them with chicken and meat.
- Make smoothie out of frozen chunks.
- Add pineapple in sandwiches, like Mexican sandwiches.
- Prepare a fruit salad bowl with pineapple, apples, grapes, strawberries and cherries.
- Make fresh juice or shake at home.
- Use slices in desserts and cakes.
In short, the important thing is to introduce pineapples in your routine diet, and you can be as creative as you want with the recipes.
FAQs
What’s an ideal quantity of pineapples to be consumed in a day?
To enjoy nutritional benefits, one serving or one cup of pineapple chunks throughout the day is considered enough.
What are the possible health risks of eating pineapple?
Excess of anything is made, and same rule applies for eating pineapples. It can cause mouth tenderness because of its meat tenderizing property. Other symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Skin rashes
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding
The said fruit can also react with certain medications, like anticoagulants, antibiotics, antidepressants, etc.
Moreover, it is suggested to avoid consuming unripe pineapple in any form, either solid or juice, as it can cause toxicity in a human body and ultimately result in death.
Can pineapple cause labor pain?
This one is the most asked question. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is not suggested during pregnancy as it can cause an abnormal bleeding. However, the amount of bromelain present in the flesh of pineapple is quite low, and a moderate consumption shouldn’t harm the fetus.
Remember, moderation is the key!
Bottom Line
Fresh and fully ripped pineapples can do a lot of good to a human body. The fruit is low in calories, but its nutritional value is high, which mean you can enjoy it without feeling guilty about putting on extra weight. In addition to this, pineapples improve digestive system, fertility, immunity, skin texture, and the list goes on.
There are a variety of ways of incorporating pineapples in your diet, but don’t overdo. Consume in moderation and enjoy its benefits.