The pineapple (Ananas comosus ) is a tropical plant with an edible multiple fruit consisting of coalesced berries , also called pineapples, and the most economically significant plant in the Bromeliaceae family.
Historically, Hawaii had the largest production of pineapples, but they are now cultivated in large quantities in Brazil, the Philippines, and Costa Rica. That being said, the fruit is native to Paraguay and Brazil, and possibly parts of the Caribbean. The exact evolution of pineapple as a popular global fruit is still unknown; however, it is believed that pineapple was first brought to Europe following Christopher Columbus ’s return in 1493.
Nutritional Value Of Pineapple
Pineapples are a storehouse of several health benefits due to its wealth of nutrients, vitamins , and minerals,
including potassium , copper ,
manganese , calcium , magnesium ,
vitamin C, beta-carotene, thiamin,
vitamin B6 , and folate, and bromelain, as well as soluble and insoluble fiber .
HEALTH BENEFITS OF PINEAPPLE
(1)It Keeps Your Bones Strong
One cup of pineapple contains 76% of the recommended daily intake of manganese. The regular consumption of pineapple can prevent bone loss caused by osteoporosis.
(2)Treats Arthritis
One of the most celebrated uses of pineapple in terms of health is its ability to reduce the inflammation of joints and muscles, particularly those associated with arthritis, a debilitating disease that affects millions of people around the world. Pineapple contains a relatively rare proteolytic enzyme
called bromelain, which is primarily associated with breaking down complex proteins and has serious anti-inflammatory effects. Bromelain is also positively correlated with reducing the signs and symptoms of arthritis in many.
(3)It Improves Your Smile
The deficiency of vitamin C can lead to gum inflammation, bleeding gums, capillary fragility, and tooth loss. Due to their rich content of vitamin C, pineapples can effectively prevent these problems and improve your smile.
(4)Boosts Immunity
A single serving of pineapple has more than 130% of the daily requirement of vitamin C for human beings, making it one of the richest and most delicious sources of ascorbic acid. Vitamin C helps in reducing illnesses and boosting the immune system by stimulating the activity of white blood cells and acting as an antioxidant to defend against the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals are dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism that can damage various organ systems and disrupt function, as well as cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous ones. The vitamin C content of pineapple defends against this.
(5)Speeds-up Wound Healing
One of the commonly overlooked benefits of vitamin C is its essential role in creating collagen. This is partly the reason why it is seen as a
healing vitamin because collagen is the essential protein base of blood vessel walls, skin , organs, and bones. High vitamin C content in pineapple helps you heal wounds and injuries quickly, and also defends your body against infections and illnesses.
(6)It Cures A Stubborn Cough
Pineapple boosts the immune response and soothes the inflammation and pain in the throat due to its rich content of vitamin C. Drink pineapple juice to soothe inflammation, suppress cough and loosen up phlegm.
(7)Prevents Cancer
Pineapple has been directly related to
preventing cancers of the mouth, throat, and breast, as it is rich in various antioxidants, including
vitamin A, beta carotene, bromelain, various flavonoid compounds, and high levels of manganese. Manganese is an important cofactor of superoxide dismutase, an extremely potent free radical scavenger that has been associated with a number of different cancers.
(8)It Prevent Blood Clots
Pineapple offers anti-coagulant properties and is very beneficial for people whose body is no able to dissolve the odd clot that forms in their veins.
(9)Aids in Digestion
Eating pineapples regularly can protect you from a vast amount of health conditions, including
constipation , diarrhea , irritable bowel syndrome, atherosclerosis , and blood clotting, as well as high blood pressure. Pineapple, being rich in fiber, promotes the passage of food through the digestive tract at a normal rate and stimulates the release of gastric and digestive juices to help food dissolve. It also bulks up the loose stool, which helps in treating diarrhea and IBS. Furthermore, the bromelain in pineapple stimulates protein digestion, reduces gut inflammation, and therefore, treats digestive diseases.
(10)Treats Cough and Cold
Pineapple is rich in both bromelain and vitamin C, therefore eating pineapple helps in preventing and treating respiratory illnesses, while eliminating phlegm and mucus from your body if you’ve already contracted an illness or infection. The immune system boosting property of vitamin C is well known, but the special enzyme, bromelain, is also connected with the reduction of phlegm and mucus build up in the respiratory tracts and sinus cavities.
(11)Improves Oral Health
Along with the antioxidant compounds that protect against oral cancer, pineapple also has astringent properties, which strengthen gums and teeth. Astringent agents help tighten up tissues and tone the body so that tooth loss, hair loss, muscle weakness and skin loosening do not occur. Pineapple is a very powerful astringent and is often prescribed as a natural remedy to fix the loosening of teeth or for the retraction of gums.