Particularly rich in vitamin C
Spiny on the outside, sweet on the inside, pineapple is an incredibly delicious, healthy tropical fruit. Pineapples are members of the bromeliad family and the only bromeliad that produces edible fruit. It’s packed with nutrients, antioxidants and other helpful compounds, such as enzymes that can help boost the immune system, build strong bones, aid in digestion, protect against inflammation and disease. It’s commonly eaten freshly cut, baked or as juice.
Pineapples are low in calories but boast an impressive nutrient profile. The fruit is particularly rich in vitamin C and manganese, which plays a vital role in the way the body metabolizes food, clots blood and maintains healthy bones.
Pineapples contain other micronutrients, such as copper, thiamine and vitamin B6, which are essential for healthy metabolism. It also contains trace amounts of phosphorus, zinc, calcium and vitamins A and K. In addition, pineapples are rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, two antioxidants that
protect body cells from oxidative stress.
Pineapples are the only known food source of bromelain, a combination of enzymes that digest protein. In the body, bromelain makes it easier for one to digest food and absorb it. This is especially helpful for people with pancreatic insufficiency, a condition where the pancreas cannot secrete adequate digestive enzymes. In fact, many people use pineapple to tenderize their meats prior to cooking. Likewise, in some parts of the world, pineapple is served alongside meats and poultry.
Bromelain, the digestive enzyme in pineapple, also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. This helps when you have an infection, like sinusitis, or an injury, like a sprain or burn. It also offsets the joint pains of osteoarthritis (a common joint condition where cartilage breaks down, causing the bones within the joint to rub together resulting in severe pain and stiffness). The vitamin C in pineapple also keeps inflammation levels low.
Eating pineapple may reduce the time it takes to recover from surgery or exercise.
Several studies have shown that bromelain may reduce the inflammation, swelling, bruising and pain that often occur after surgery, including dental and skin procedures. It may likewise reduce markers of inflammation.
Pineapple is widely considered safe, though a small percentage of people may have an allergy to it. People who have diabetes or take blood thinners should be mindful of the portion sizes when eating pineapple.
Fresh pineapple can sometimes make your mouth tingle or burn. This is a normal temporary reaction which does not mean that one is allergic to pineapple. It may help to eat a dairy food like yoghurt along with the fruit.
PINEAPPLE-GINGER CLEANSING JUICE
Ingredients
1 Large Pineapple
1 tbspoon fresh crushed ginger
1 tbspoon fresh crushed turmeric
Juice from 3 limes
Instructions
Always choose fresh ripe pineapples.
Remove the skin slightly deep inside and chop them onto the size that fits your blender
Add to the blender along with fresh ginger and turmeric
Pour boiled water or coconut water for easy blending, taking care not to add too much
Blend until smooth and frothy Sieve the blended pineapple juice and serve chilled.
By Crystal Kiseka
