Despite its rough exterior, the pineapple is a symbol of welcome and hospitality. Pineapple is one of the healthiest fruit in the world and for some seriously important reasons. Do you know what pineapple does to your body?
They contain zero fat and cholesterol, and plentiful of vitamins A, B, C, potassium, manganese, cooper and a dozen of other minerals and nutrients our bodies regularly need.
Pineapple is good for your overall health, but what makes this fruit healthy is what we will come to in this article.
However, here are some interesting facts that you need to know about this healthy fruit:
- If you ever wondered why your mouth may burn when you eat pineapple — it’s not because of the acidity. Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain. It’s what makes your mouth tingle, burn and maybe even bleed. This is because bromelain is trying to break down the proteins in your mouth, so when you eat pineapple, it’s pretty much eating you back.
- The bromelain in pineapple helps the body when it is recovering from surgical intervention. In fact, bromelain is as potent as any other anti-inflammatory drug without the propensity for side effects. Moreover, bromelain has already been approved in some European countries for both internal and topical use on surgical wounds to facilitate faster healing.
- It is derived from the Spanish word pina meaning pine cone that was used in 1398. 300 years later it was called pineapple in order to identify the fruit individually.
- The Mayas and Aztecs of Mexico were believed to be the first civilization to cultivate pineapple around 750 BC. However the plant originated in southern Brazil and Paraguay and became a valuable commodity to the Guarani Indians of South America who called it “nana” meaning “excellent fruit”. They carried it with them as they traded across Central America and the Caribbean.
- Europeans discovered it on the island of Guadalupe in 1493.
- With the skin of pineapple you can make alcohol, animal food and vinegar.
Here are 5 reasons why you need to add pineapple to your diet:
1. Boost your immune system
Pineapples are a powerful source of vitamin C and, in fact, contain half of the daily recommended value for an adult according to Food and Drug Administration.
Vitamin C is also a primary water-soluble antioxidant that fights cell damage.
Our bodies need sufficient vitamin C to fight cell damage and prevent joint pains and heart diseases.
Due to the high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C, pineapple reduces the risk of macular degeneration – an eye disease, causing vision lose.
Also, it contains a lot of beta carotene – an essential element that we need for healthy vision.
2. Contains Disease-Fighting Antioxidants
Pineapples are rich in nutrients and they are also full of healthy antioxidants.
What’s more, many of the antioxidants in pineapple are bound. This allows the antioxidants to survive harsher conditions in the body and produce longer lasting effects.
3. Good For Teeth
Eating pineapple strengthens your gums and keep your health strong. Your teeth and bones are made up of calcium and pineapple do have good content.
It also does have manganese that also helps in strengthening bones and teeth.
Just drink pineapple juice every day and stay healthy.
4. Eases digestion
The bromelain in pineapple may help digestion because the enzyme breaks down proteins. It also reduces inflammation in the GI tract for those with inflammatory bowel disease.
Plus, a serving of pineapple offers 2.3 grams of dietary fibre, which can help bulk up stool and ensures regular bowel movements.
5. Natural Energiser & Stress Buster
Pineapple contains valine and leucine which are two substances that are very important for the growth and repair of muscle tissue.
Drinking one glass of pineapple juice can help you overcome fatigue and boosts your stamina to keep you running the whole day.
Also, pineapple has serotonin which is a natural stress buster that keeps your hormones and nerves relaxed.
When you are having stressful days, you can end up inviting a lot of health problems.
Thus, you can beat that stress by drinking just one glass of pineapple juice.
