Probably most of the time we consume pineapple it is in juice or ice cream, and sometimes we forget that this fruit is wonderful raw or in other preparations and that, in addition, it has many beneficial properties for health.
Pineapple and its compounds have been linked to many health benefits, including aiding digestion, boosting immunity, and speeding recovery from surgery, among others.
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What is pineapple?
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a large tropical fruit with a hard, pointed skin and a sweet interior. The scaly bumps on the outside are called «eyes.» If you slice them open you will find a bright yellow flesh that is both sweet and tart.
During centuries, pineapples were so rare that only very wealthy people could afford them. Some people even rented some of these exotic fruits to display at dinner parties. Today, they grow in tropical and subtropical countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and China. Grocery stores and markets carry them all over the world.
Nutritional benefits and properties of PINEAPPLE
Nutrition
A cup of fresh pineapple chunks has:
- Calories: 82 grams
- Protein: 0.89 grams
- Fat: 0.20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Fiber: 2.3 grams
Pineapple health benefits
The vitamins and minerals in pineapple could help shorten viral and bacterial infections and strengthen bones. There is also little evidence that pineapple may help prevent cancer and even aid fertility by improving sperm quality.
Studies of bromelain supplements, not actual pineapple, show that it may help with:
- Chest pain
- Bronchitis
- sinus infections
- Arthritis
- Blood clots
- Diarrhea
- Muscle pain
- eye floaters
- Drop
- Reduce the risk of cancer
- Speed recovery time after surgery or intense exercise
Vitamins and minerals
Pineapple is high in vitamin C, which helps your immune system, the body’s defense against germs, stay healthy. Also has:
- Vitamins A, B6, E and K
- Calcium
- Folate
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Match
- Potassium
- Zinc
Rich in Antioxidants
In some cultures, pineapple is a medicinal plant. That’s because it has a substance called bromelain that can reduce inflammation. You can buy bromelain supplements without a prescription, along with skin creams that contain bromelain. But it’s better to get your nutrients from food rather than pills and creams.
Pineapples are not only nutrient-dense, they are also loaded with healthy antioxidants.
Antioxidants are molecules that help your body fight oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is a state in which there are too many free radicals in the body. These free radicals interact with cells in the body and cause damage related to chronic inflammation, a weakened immune system, and many harmful diseases.
Pineapples are especially rich in antioxidants known as flavonoids and phenolic acids.
Also, many of the antioxidants in pineapple are bound. This allows the antioxidants to survive harsher conditions in the body and produce longer lasting effects.