6 Key Benefits of Pineapple! : Natural Antioxidant Storage
Benefits of Pineapple
After bananas and citrus fruits, pineapple is the world’s third most valuable tropical fruit in terms of production-consumption chains. It was first found in South America, and its similarity to a pine cone drew interest. Pineapple has many health benefits in addition to being delicious. Let’s take a look at this delectable fruit together :
# 1 Has Rich Nutrient Content
First of the benefits of pineapple is it has rich nutrient content. Pineapple is low in calories in addition to being high in nutrients. The following is the nutritional value of 100 grams of pineapple (roughly 1 medium slice):
Energy: 52 kcal
Carbohydrate: 13.6 g
Protein: 0.4 g
Fat: 0,2 g
Water: 85.2 g
Pulp: 0.4 g
Vitamin C: 17 mg
One Vitamin / Carotene: 71 IU
Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 0.09 mg
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.03 mg
Niacin (Vitamin B3): 0.2 mg
Iron: 0.5 mg
Potassium: 146 mg
Calcium: 17 mg
Phosphorus: 8 mg
# 2 Rich in Antioxidants
Second benefits of pineapple is it is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that help our bodies fight oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the condition that occurs when too many free radicals are present in the body. Free radicals interact with cells. As a result; It causes chronic inflammation, weakening of the immune system and damage associated with many diseases.
Pineapples are particularly rich in antioxidants known as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Also, most of the antioxidants in pineapple are bound. This contributes to the survival of the antioxidants in harsher conditions in the body and to the longer-lasting effects.
# 3 Enzymes Facilitate Digestion
Bromelain is a group of digestive enzymes found in pineapples. They function as proteases, breaking down protein molecules into their constituent parts. They aid in the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. Bromelain’s ability to break down tough meat proteins makes it a popular commercial meat tenderizer.
# 4 May Help Reduce Cancer Risk
Cancer is a long-term illness marked by uncontrolled cell development. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are related to its progression.
Pineapple and its compounds have been shown in many studies to minimize the risk of cancer. This is because they can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
The bromelain enzyme has also been shown to aid in the battle against cancer in studies. The bromelain enzyme, for example, has been shown in two studies to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.
Bromelain enzyme has been shown in other tests and animal studies to slow the development of cancer in the skin, bile duct, stomach tract, and colon. Pineapple, on the other hand, contains much less bromelain than supplements. As a result, more human-centered research is needed.
# 5 Strengthens The Immune System
In one nine-week study, 98 healthy children were studied to observe the effects on immunity. No pineapple was given to the first group of children divided into 3 groups. 140 g of pineapple was added to the second group and 280 g of pineapple to the third group. As a result; Children who added pineapple to their diet had a significantly lower risk of both viral and bacterial infections. In addition, children in the third group had a higher number of disease-fighting white blood cells than the other two groups.
Another study found that children with sinus infections had their treatment accelerated when they took bromelain supplements compared to a standard treatment or other combinations. These anti-inflammatory properties help strengthen the immune system.
# 6 Can Contribute to Post-Exercise and Post-Operative Recovery Time
- It’s because pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Bromelain has been shown in many studies to minimize inflammation, swelling, bruising, and pain that often occur after surgery. It’s also been shown to help with inflammatory symptoms.
- Exercise that is too strenuous can damage muscle tissue and cause inflammation. Pain can be felt in the muscles that are affected. Proteases like bromelain have been shown in studies to speed up the healing of damage caused by strenuous exercise by reducing inflammation around damaged muscle tissue.
- One study provided participants with a digestive enzyme supplement containing bromelain after 45 minutes of strenuous exercise on the treadmill. Faster recovery and endurance was observed in the reinforced areas.
Include pineapple in your diet plans to reap the benefits of pineapple’s wellness. You can consume it as fruit in snacks, add it to your oat bowl, include it in your salad for main meals, flavor your meat dishes, add it to your after-workout drink. Maintain a safe lifestyle.
