The delicious taste of pineapples makes them popular all around the world, but apparently, there are many reasons more we should indulge in the juicy fruits.
Pineapples are incredibly healthy and offer a myriad of health benefits. They belong to the bromeliad family but are the only members that produce edible fruit, according to the Purdue University Center for New Crops and Plant Products.
The fruit is made of multiple individual berries that grow together around a central core. Each pineapple scale is an individual flower or berry.
Despite their unique anatomy, pineapples offer powerful nutritional benefits. They are a rich source of vitamin C, manganese, dietary fiber, and bromelain.
Moreover, these delicious fruits also contain other important minerals and vitamins, such as folate, thiamin, riboflavin, potassium, beta-carotene, magnesium, vitamin B-6, and pantothenic acid.
Due to the high antioxidant content, pineapples are believed to protect against cancer and other illnesses. They also prevent premature aging of the skin and reduce the signs of aging.
Here are 8 more reasons why you should consume pineapples often:
- Anti-inflammatory
Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, that can be extracted from the stem and core of a pineapple. According to studies, it effectively reduces inflammation. - Reduce Arthritis Pain
Due to bromelain in their content, pineapples are known to alleviate muscle and joint inflammation, including inflammation due to arthritis. - Improved digestion
The high fiber content of pineapples, both soluble and insoluble, eases digestion and treats digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and constipation. - Regulate blood pressure
These fruits are abundant in potassium, which acts as a vasodilator and reduces stress and tension in the blood vessels, prevents clotting, and stimulates blood circulation. - Boost Immune System
A single serving of pineapple provides around 130% of the recommended daily dose of Vitamin C, which stimulates the activity of white blood cells to boost the immune system and protect against illness or disease. - Fight colds and coughs
Vitamin C fights common colds and coughs, while bromelain reduces mucus in the respiratory tract and sinus cavities to clear up congestion and fight the cold. - Bone health
Pineapples are high in magnesium, a mineral that is vital for the health, growth, and repair of bones. A single serving of pineapple provides about 70% of the recommended daily intake of this mineral. - Better oral health
Pineapples have potent astringent properties that protect the teeth, prevent tooth loss, and strengthen the gums.
Check out the following avocado pineapple smoothie recipe, as it is a mouth-watering way to incorporate pineapples into your diet: