Let’s ignore products such as pineapple extract pills and supplements that promise quick and effortless weight loss for a while. Those claims may well be exaggerated or even bogus, but they do not detract from the fact that pineapple is an amazing fruit that is known to have some remarkable health giving properties.
To be sure the pineapple is a unique and wondrous fruit – it is exotic looking, with its prickly outside and fibrous, juicy inside. It is a snack, a garnish, an ingredient in main courses, desserts, salads, cocktails and even as a tenderizer. We look at the many reasons to include pineapples in our diets:
Bromelain
Pineapple extract or bromelain supplements are frequently advertised as weight reduction products. It is also a healing agent used by practitioners of alternative medicines. While those claims may or may not be proven, there is evidence to show that bromelain is very useful indeed. It is known to have anti inflammatory effects, and in lab settings it has displayed cancer fighting properties.
There is some evidence to suggest that bromelain may be helpful for countering problems such as blood clots, worm infestation, arthritis and indigestion. Bromelain helps break down proteins and hence aids in digestion. However it is important to know that it is the stem of the pineapple plant and not the fuit that is the richest source of bromelain.
Vitamins and minerals
This low fat, low cholesterol fruit is an excellent source of manganese, an important nutrient for maintaining bone health and healthy connective tissue. The vitamin C content of pineapples helps shore up immunity and is also thought to help overcome coughs and colds by loosening up phlegm and mucus. There is some evidence to show that pineapple consumption may aid the functioning of medications.
Pineapple also contains some amount of vitamin A and beta carotene, which are known to have certain antioxidant properties. In addition, pineapple is a good source of folic acids which are important for regularizing blood pressure, controlling heart rate and maintaining proper balance of body fluids.
There is also reason to believe that the nutrients contained in pineapples may help in keeping gums and teeth healthy. It is also thought that pineapple consumption could prevent or slow down macular degeneration. Pineapple being a good source of fiber also helps in keeping the body regulation and keeping constipation at bay.
An antidote to morning sickness
Surprisingly, pineapples are sometimes recommended as a way to counter nausea or morning sickness.
