Pineapple is a delicious tropical fruit that has a unique taste and many health benefits. Eating a cup of pineapple pieces daily reaps many of its amazing benefits, such as boosting immunity , improving bone and eye health , aiding digestion , and even speeding up weight loss . It is also anti-inflammatory in nature and helps treat coughs and colds and accelerate weight loss.
According to a study published by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), pineapple is the most important tropical fruit after bananas and oranges.
In this report, we learn about the benefits of pineapple and the scientifically proven benefits of pineapple juice .
Pineapple and nutrients
Pineapples are low in calories though they are loaded with nutrients. One cup of pineapple slices (about 165 grams) contains only about 80 calories, 1.7 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein , 21.6 grams of carbohydrates , and 2.3 grams of fiber .
It also contains high levels of vitamin C , B vitamins, manganese, copper, thiamin, folate, potassium , and magnesium.
Pineapple also contains small amounts of vitamins A and K, phosphorus, zinc, and calcium .
Pineapple facilitates digestion
One of its most important benefits is that it contains a group of digestive enzymes known as bromelain, which works to break down proteins into their basic building blocks.
Once the protein molecules are broken down, they are more easily absorbed in the small intestine. This can be particularly beneficial for people with pancreatic insufficiency, a condition in which the pancreas cannot produce enough digestive enzymes.
One study showed that participants with pancreatic insufficiency had improved digestive function after taking a digestive enzyme supplement containing bromelain, compared to those who took the same digestive enzyme without bromelain.
Loaded with antioxidants
Not only are they rich in nutrients, pineapples are also loaded with healthy antioxidants , which are molecules that help your body fight oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a condition in which there are too many free radicals in the body. These free radicals interact with the cells of the body and cause damage associated with chronic inflammation, a weakened immune system , and many harmful diseases .
Pineapple fruits are particularly rich in antioxidants known as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Also, many of the antioxidants in pineapple are bound to other compounds, which allows them to survive in more extreme conditions and produce long-term effects, which enhances the benefits of pineapple.
Reduces the risk of cancer
Several studies have shown that pineapple and its compounds may reduce the risk of cancer . This is because it may reduce oxidative stress and reduce inflammation .
One of these compounds is a group of digestive enzymes called bromelain, and test-tube studies have shown that bromelain may help fight breast cancer .
Other test tube studies indicate that bromelain suppresses cancer in the skin , bile duct, stomach, and IBS .
Test-tube and animal studies have found that bromelain may stimulate the immune system to produce molecules that make white blood cells more effective at suppressing cancer cell growth and eliminating cancer cells .
Relieving sinusitis
Bromelain may be useful as a supportive treatment to reduce symptoms of sinusitis and related conditions affecting breathing and nasal passages.
A 2016 scientific review reports that bromelain may reduce the duration of sinusitis symptoms in children, improve breathing , and reduce rhinitis.
A 2006 systematic review suggests that bromelain, when a person uses it alongside standard medications, can help relieve inflammation in the sinuses. This study provides high-quality evidence, as it looked at 10 randomized trials.
It boosts immunity and reduces inflammation
As mentioned, pineapples contain a wide variety of vitamins , minerals , and enzymes such as bromelain that may boost immunity and suppress inflammation.
A nine-week study fed 98 healthy children either no pineapple, pineapple (140g) or lots of pineapple (280g) daily to see if it boosted their immunity.
The study showed the benefits of pineapple for immunity, as children who ate pineapple were less likely to develop viral and bacterial infections. Also, the kids who ate more pineapple had nearly four times more disease-fighting white blood cells than the other two groups.
Effective treatment for cough and respiratory diseases
One of the most important benefits of pineapple juice is that it helps reduce mucus in the throat and nose. Pineapple fruits help prevent and treat respiratory diseases and reduce phlegm and mucus accumulated in the respiratory tract and sinus cavities, according to scientific research .
One 2010 study found that pineapple juice was part of an effective treatment for tuberculosis, thanks to its ability to soothe the throat and loosen mucus. According to this study, a mixture of pineapple juice, honey , salt and pepper reduced cough symptoms by up to five times that of a cough syrup .
It is believed that bromelain can help with respiratory problems associated with allergies and asthma . It is also believed to have properties that help break up and expel mucus.
May speed recovery after surgery or strenuous exercise
Eating pineapple may reduce the time it takes to recover from surgery or strenuous exercise, largely due to the anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain.
Several studies have shown that bromelain may reduce the inflammation, swelling, bruising, and pain that often occur after surgery, and it also appears to reduce markers of inflammation. One study showed that those who took bromelain before dental surgery significantly reduced pain.
Strenuous exercise can damage muscle tissue and cause surrounding inflammation. Bromelain is believed to speed up the repair of damage caused by strenuous exercise by reducing inflammation around damaged muscle tissue.
One study tested this theory by providing participants with a digestive enzyme supplement containing bromelain after 45 minutes of strenuous exercise. Those who took the supplement had less inflammation and maintained more strength afterwards.
May relieve symptoms of arthritis
Since pineapples contain bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties, it is believed that they may provide pain relief for those suffering from arthritis.
Research suggests that bromelain may be beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis, a type of arthritis that involves inflammation of the joints.
Several recent studies have looked at the effectiveness of bromelain in treating arthritis. One study in patients with osteoarthritis found that taking a digestive enzyme supplement containing bromelain effectively reduced pain.
A research review also analyzed bromelain's ability to treat arthritis, concluding that bromelain has the potential to relieve arthritis symptoms, especially in the short term.
However, it is not clear if bromelain could be a long-term treatment for osteoarthritis symptoms.
Helps lose weight
Some supplement manufacturers market bromelain as a weight loss aid . They state that the enzymes in bromelain can increase how quickly the body digests fat. However, there is little research to suggest that bromelain can help a person lose weight.
How can you add pineapple to the diet?
You can enjoy the benefits of pineapple by eating it fresh on its own. You can also make pineapple juice to enjoy its many benefits. Pineapple can be added to the salad , you can also put slices of pineapple with meat and fish while cooking, and of course pineapple slices are placed to decorate dessert molds and cakes.
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