Enjoy it on its own, make a pie or pudding with it or eat it with a salad; pineapple is a versatile tropical fruit that really packs a punch, when it comes to health benefits. The fruit is an excellent source of vitamin A, rich in vitamins B1 and B6 and it tastes great eaten or drunk as a juice or added in a healthy smoothie. However you like your pineapple, here are just 11 of the health benefits of pineapple that you get along with that great tropical taste:
1. Pineapples are brimming full of vitamins and minerals
Pineapples are a great tasting, low fat way to get many of the nutrients that your body needs to keep you healthy. Vitamins A, C, B1 and B6, along with phosphorus and potassium and plenty of fiber to keep your digestive system in order, pineapple is nature’s own multivitamin package.
2. Helps to prevent blood clots
Health benefits of pineapple include prevention of blood clots. Pineapples contain a natural anticoagulant, which can help stop the formation of blood clots in your body. Just one glass of pineapple juice a day can help to protect you from this potentially life threatening condition.
3. Prevents and treats colds
The high vitamin C content of pineapples helps you fight off coughs and colds, and the fruit can help you prevent colds too. Pineapples contain bromelain, which is a substance that can help loosen mucus in your throat and in your chest, so it will help to clear up chesty coughs as well.
4. Pineapples can help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness
If you are pregnant and you are suffering from morning sickness, then try a bowl of pineapple for breakfast to calm down your stomach. In clinical trails, pregnant women who ate pineapple reported a huge reduction in the symptoms of morning sickness.
5. Strengthens your bones
Health benefits of pineapple also include bone strengthening. This is due to their high manganese content, which is an essential ingredient that your body needs to build healthy bones. Just one serving of pineapple will provide you with over 60% of your recommended daily intake of manganese.
6. Alleviates the symptoms of arthritis
As well as its bone building properties, the fruit also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be an effective way to the ease the pain of arthritis and similar conditions.
7. Pineapples are good for oral hygiene
As well as all the vitamins and minerals, the acidic nature of pineapples is also good for your teeth. Bacteria hate acid and all the acid that is found in pineapples will help keep your breath fresh and and your teeth plaque free.
8. They are a good source of fiber
Health benefits of pineapple include metabolism boosting. You need plenty of fiber to keep your digestive system in good order and pineapples are a great source of this fiber. It keeps you regular and prevents constipation and it is a good way to boost your metabolism each day too.
9. Pineapples reduce the risk of macular degeneration
The fruit contains beta carotene and vitamin A, both which help to protect your eyes from macular degeneration. The beta carotene also helps your eyes adjust to changes in light quicker.
10. You don’t have to worry about pesticides when you eat pineapple
Unlike other fruits like apples and grapes, when you eat pineapple, you don’t eat any of the thick skin, so you can munch away with confidence that you are not ingesting any of the potentially harmful pesticides and herbicides that you might find with other fruits.
11. Pineapple can help you maintain your healthy weight
Pineapple is a great alternative to high-fat and high-sugar snacks and foods, such as candy and chips. Keep pineapple chunks in your fridge and enjoy this healthy snack between your meals or supplement your meals with this wonderful fruit. High water content in pineapple will help make you feel full without accumulating pounds, as pineapples are low in calories.
The health benefits of pineapple are almost countless.
Do you like eating pineapple? What other health benefits of pineapple do you know? Please share your thoughts and healthy eating tips in the comment section below.
Stay happy and healthy!
