The benefits of pineapple they are plentiful. This is a tropical fruit rich in enzymes and important nutrients. It has been linked to several benefits, including possible weight loss, better digestion, and treating inflammation. Pineapples were also found to improve the nutritional status of children. They have a powerful nutritional profile and are especially rich in vitamins C and A.
What is the nutritional profile of pineapple?
One cup (165 grams) of fresh pineapple chunks contains 82 calories. It has 22 grams of carbohydrates and 2.3 grams of fiber. The following are the other nutrients present: 79 mg of vitamin C, 95 IU of vitamin A, 21 mg of calcium, 19 mg of magnesium, 12 mg of phosphorus, 180 mg of potassium and 29 mcg of folate
Over the years, science has done a lot of research on pineapples and the health benefits they offer. The next section talks about them in detail.
What are the health benefits of pineapples?
Pineapple contains bromelain, a digestive enzyme that offers most of its benefits. Bromelain has been found to fight cancer and fight inflammation and associated ailments. The fruit also boosts your immunity and strengthens your bones.
can help lose weight
Studies show the possible anti-obesity effects of pineapple. Rats fed a high-fat diet showed a reduction in body weight, body mass index, body fat accumulation, and liver fat accumulation after pineapple juice ingestion.
Pineapple juice was found to decrease lipogenesis (fat formation) and increase lipolysis (the breakdown of fats to release fatty acids).
Pineapple may seem like the ideal food to burn abdominal fat, although we need more research on this.
May aid digestion
The most important component of pineapple is bromelain, a powerful digestive enzyme. Studies show that bromelain (digestive enzyme) supplementation can help break down protein.
It can help treat pancreatic insufficiency, a digestive disorder in which the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes that the body uses to digest food in the small intestine.
A formula with bromelain as one of the main ingredients could relieve excess flatulence and diarrhea.
May help fight inflammation
In animal studies, bromelain has been reported to have therapeutic effects on various inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel syndrome. Exposure to bromelain may remove a number of cell surface molecules that contribute to inflammation.
The bromelain in pineapples also accomplishes this by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. These are compounds in the human system that promote inflammation, even more so in the case of inflammatory bowel disease.
Pineapple extract has also been found to treat other problems related to inflammation, including allergic airway disease. The fruit enzyme could alter the activation and expansion of specific cells of the immune system. The study was performed in mouse cells.
May help treat arthritis and promote bone health
Bromelain can also help in the treatment of osteoarthritis. The enzyme exhibits analgesic properties, especially in inflammatory pain in humans. It does this by directly influencing bradykinin, a pain mediator that causes smooth muscle contraction and dilation of blood vessels.
Pineapples also contain manganese, a mineral important in bone formation. They also contain vitamin C that favors the formation of collagen in the bones. Pineapples can promote bone growth in the young and strengthen bones in the elderly.
The anti-inflammatory properties of pineapple bromelain may also help treat rheumatoid arthritis pain.
May improve heart health
The bromelain in pineapples was found to reduce blood platelet aggregation. This can help treat acute thrombophlebitis (a condition characterized by blood clots). However, more studies in human populations are needed to conclude the beneficial effects of bromelain in cardiovascular diseases.
Bromelain can also break down cholesterol plaques, further promoting heart health. Its efficacy in treating other heart diseases, including coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, and heart attack, has yet to be proven.
can promote immunity
The bromelain in pineapples can modulate the immune system and potentially speed wound healing.
Children who consumed pineapple juice also had a lower risk of microbial infections. The fruit was found to increase disease-fighting white blood cell concentrations fourfold.
In another study, children with sinusitis showed faster recovery with a bromelain supplement.
Another study sheds light on the potential of bromelain to treat asthma symptoms. It can exert a therapeutic effect on various allergic diseases of the respiratory tract, including asthma.
can improve recovery
The anti-inflammatory properties of pineapple bromelain can aid recovery. This is especially true in the case of a much-needed recovery after surgery. More studies are needed to establish the effectiveness of bromelain in postoperative recovery.
In one study, taking bromelain by mouth significantly reduced pain in patients undergoing dental surgery. The enzyme offered relief similar to that of other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Bromelain was also found to reduce feelings of fatigue. It reduced muscle damage and improved recovery on consecutive days of cycling.
Can improve skin health
There is limited research in this regard. The vitamin C in pineapples can benefit the skin. The vitamin promotes collagen production and can protect the skin from damage.
What are the side effects of pineapples?
can cause allergies
In some cases, pineapples can cause allergic reactions and diarrhea. Allergies include intense itching, rashes, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
May aggravate asthma symptoms
Although some research shows that pineapple can treat asthma symptoms, in certain people, the fruit may have the opposite effect.
May increase the risk of bleeding
Bromelain can inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent the formation of blood clots. This can increase the risk of bleeding in certain people. It can also increase menstrual bleeding. Avoid pineapples immediately after surgery. (Pineapple may improve recovery after surgery, but its consumption should be supervised by your doctor.) Also, avoid using bromelain along with prescription blood thinners.
Could cause miscarriage during pregnancy
Anecdotal evidence suggests that pineapples can cause miscarriage. Therefore, stay on the safe side and avoid eating pineapples during pregnancy and lactation. Consult your doctor.