This article is reviewed by an expert
Pineapple is a delicious tropical fruit that has been enjoyed for centuries. It has been relished for its unique aroma and sweet taste. Pineapples are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that offer a number of health benefits. [1]
In this blog, we will discuss the top 12 health benefits of pineapple.
Nutritional Value of Pineapples
Pineapple is a nutrient-dense fruit. Here is the value of different nutrients in 100 grams of pineapple. [2]
| Calcium | 16 mg |
|---|---|
| Energy | 52 Cal |
| Carbohydrates | 13.7 g |
| Dietary Fibre | 1.4 g |
| Iron | 0.28 g |
| Magnesium | 12 mg |
| Protein | 0.54 g |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg |
| Potassium | 150 mg |
| Vitamin A | 130 I.U |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.079 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.031 mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 0.489 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.110 mg |
| Vitamin C | 24 mg |
| Zinc | 0.10 mg |
Health Benefits of Pineapple
Bromelain is found to be the most bioactive compound in pineapples. It is demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestion-enhancing and cardioprotective effects. [3]
Bromelain has also plays a crucial role as an anticancer, antibiotic, anticoagulant, and antithrombotic agent. In addition, it may have beneficial analgesic-type properties that can help heal and minimize post-surgical pain and swelling. [4]
Therefore, the majority benefits of eating pineapple mentioned below are due to the properties of bromelain.
1. Reduces Inflammation
Patients with inflammation due to arthritis showed immense improvement in the condition due to bromelain. Clinical studies have found that the use of bromelain results in a substantial or total decrease in swelling of the soft tissue. [4]
2. Promotes Digestion
Bromelain aids in the breakdown of proteins and helps in the digestion of food. [2] Pineapple is also rich in fibre, which makes bowel movements regular and easy. Therefore, it is known to be very effective in curing constipation and irregular bowel movement. [2]
3. Boosts Immunity
Benefits of eating pineapple include boosting immunity. Bromelain stimulates inflammatory mediators in human peripheral blood cells. It increases T cell-dependent immunity. This in conjunction with the quick reaction to cellular stress, effectively stimulates a stronger immune system. [4]
4. Enhances Heart Health
Heart disease is the number one cause of deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Bromelain helps inhibit attacks of angina, resulting in the symptomatic relief in hypertension. According to several studies, bromelain increases the efficiency of the heart, improves arterial flow, decreases arterial dissections, and increases angiogenesis. [4]
5. Supports Weight Loss
Pineapples are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an ideal food for weight loss. The fiber in pineapples helps keep you full for longer, reducing your appetite and preventing overeating. [5]
6. Anti-cancer properties
Bromelain has frequently been shown to have anticancer effects. Bromelain has been shown to contribute to cell death in human epidermoid cancer cells. [4]
7. Inhibits blood platelet aggregation
Bromelain’s anticancer property is also mainly attributed to its capability to inhibit blood platelet aggregation. Bromelain presents fibrinolytic activity as well as the potential to inhibit thrombus formation and reduce platelet aggregation. [4]
8. Antimicrobial benefits
Bromelain prevents the development of intestinal bacteria, such as E. coli and Vibrio cholera. It can also defend against diarrhea from E. coli and, therefore, bromelain shows significant use against ETEC infection. [4]
9. Supports Skin Health
Bromelain is highly absorbable by the stomach when administered orally without losing its biologically active compounds. This makes pineapples being utilized as a primary therapeutic treatment for skin ailments, such as burns, infections, and skin debridement. [4]
10. Helps with respiratory issues
Pineapple juice benefits are many. Juice from fresh pineapple can be used to relieve bronchitis, diphtheria and chest congestion. Studies have shown that bromelain is known to dissolve and loosen up mucus, ensuring better respiratory health. [2]
11. Healthy bones and tissues
Pineapples are very rich in manganese and even a single cup of pineapple contains a good amount of it. This mineral helps in the growth of healthy bones and tissues. [2]
12. Motion sickness
Pineapple juice benefits also include effectively getting rid of nausea and vomiting sensation. For any kind of morning sickness, motion sickness or nausea, drinking pineapple juice is advised. [2]
FAQ’s on Pineapple
1. What are the pineapple health benefits for the heart?
Bromelain helps inhibit attacks of angina, resulting in symptomatic relief of hypertension. According to several studies, bromelain increases the efficiency of the heart, improves arterial flow, decreases arterial dissections, and increases angiogenesis.
2. What are the benefits of eating pineapple?
The benefits of eating pineapple include boosting immunity. Bromelain stimulates inflammatory mediators in human peripheral blood cells. It increases T cell-dependent immunity. This in conjunction with the quick reaction to cellular stress, effectively stimulates a stronger immune system.
3. What are the pineapple benefits for the skin?
Pineapples are utilized as a primary therapeutic treatment for skin ailments, such as burns, infections, and skin debridement.
4. What are the pineapple juice benefits?
Pineapple juice benefits are many. It helps alleviate respiratory problems. Further, pineapple juice benefits also include effectively getting rid of nausea and vomiting sensations. For any kind of morning sickness, motion sickness, or nausea, drinking pineapple juice is advised.
5. Does pineapple have antimicorbial activity?
Bromelain prevents the development of intestinal bacteria, such as E. coli and Vibrio cholera. It can also defend against diarrhea from E. coli and, therefore, bromelain shows significant use against ETEC infection. [
Conclusion
In conclusion, pineapple is a delicious and nutritious fruit that offers numerous health benefits due to the presence of the bioactive compound, bromelain. These benefits include reducing inflammation, promoting digestion, boosting immunity, and enhancing heart health. Pineapples also support weight loss, exhibit anti-cancer & antimicrobial properties, support skin health, help with respiratory issues, and promote healthy bones and tissues.
Adding pineapple to one’s diet is a simple and tasty way to enhance one’s health and well-being.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is only for informational purposes, please consult a trained professional every time before initiating any dietary modification.
References
- Pineapple (Ananas comosus): A comprehensive review of nutritional values, volatile compounds, health benefits, and potential food products
- Benefits and uses of pineapple
- Health-promoting properties of pineapple
- Bromelain, a Group of Pineapple Proteolytic Complex Enzymes (Ananas comosus) and Their Possible Therapeutic and Clinical Effects. A Summary
- Pineapple
