Don’t let that spiny skin intimidate you; this candy is sweet enough to compete with the most flavoured candy and still gives you way more health benefits than any sweets you’ve ever come across. I believe you are guessing what I am probably talking about, right? It’s Pineapples!!. Yes, you heard that? I am referring to PINEAPPLES!
But first, let’s discuss some facts about this tropical fruit:
FACTS ABOUT PINEAPPLE
- The fruit was first named “pina” because it looks like a large pine cone.
- They are usually red, purple or lavender.
- They are rich in vitamin B, Vitamin manganese and fibers.
- They can live and produce fruits for up to 50 years in the wild.
- They contain 86% water and can help with dehydration.
- It used to symbolize wealth in 18th-century Europe.
- They can serve as a source of raw materials for the fabric industry!.
- A pineapple plant only produces one pineapple every two years!.
- Pineapples contain the bromelain enzyme, which can break down proteins, so you can use them to tenderize meat!.
- Pineapples take about 18-20 months to become ready to harvest.
NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF PINEAPPLE
Pineapple provides plenty of nutrients. Raw pineapple pulp contains 86% water, 13% carbohydrates, and 0.5% protein. Raw pineapple supplies the body with calories for energy and is a rich source of manganese and vitamins. A cup of pineapple chunks will deliver:
Vitamin C
Pineapples provide about one-third of your recommended daily amount of vitamin C, which aids in tissue growth and repair. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and may also help fight cancer, heart disease and arthritis.
Manganese
Pineapple has over 100% of the recommended daily amount of this essential trace element. Manganese helps with bone formation, immune response and metabolism.
Fiber
Nearly 10% of the daily fibers needed by the body are in one cup of pineapple. Fibers are essential for a healthy gut and for constipation as well.
B vitamins
Pineapple gives you a healthy dose of several B vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, B6 and folate. These nutrients help your body process energy from the food you eat. They’re also critical to forming new red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your organs and tissues.
Minerals
Pineapple contains several minerals the body needs for proper function, including copper, potassium and magnesium.
Promotes tissue healing
Pineapple is the only food that contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps the skin and tissues heal. Bromelain can produce substances that combat pain and swelling. Bromelain from pineapple might also help the skin and tissues heal after surgery or injury.
Fights inflammation
Inflammation is a natural process that occurs in the body, which helps to fight off illness. Although beneficial, too much inflammation, especially over long periods, can lead to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. The anti-inflammatory power of bromelain can help fight inflammation and may suppress the growth of certain tumours.
Although eating pineapple isn’t a cancer-free guarantee, it is advised that eating lots of colourful fruits and vegetables, including pineapple, is a good way to help prevent cancer and other health conditions.
Aids digestion
Pineapple contains a significant amount of fiber, which is associated with better digestion. This is why it is important to make pineapple a regular dessert. Bromelain is also thought to aid digestion, though there are not enough facts to support this claim.
Relieves arthritis pain
Pineapple bromelain’s anti-inflammatory power may relieve pain for people with osteoarthritis.
It may help with weight loss.
Many weight loss experts recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables if you’re trying to shed some weight, but pineapple could be your best bet because its enzymes might help burn fat.
Helps with post-workout recovery
When your muscles work hard, they produce inflammation, leading to that inevitable soreness that can sideline you for days. Adding pineapple to your post-workout smoothie might help you get back to your training regimen sooner. The anti-inflammatory power of pineapple could soothe muscles and help you recover more quickly.
HOW TO ENJOY PINEAPPLE
- Pineapple can be taken as a standalone snack once cut into ring-shaped slices or chunks. It can be blended smoothly into fruit juice, then frozen and canned as smoothies, an excellent option 100% Fruits recommended.
- Pineapple doesn’t have to be taken alone. This fruit also fits well into a variety of sweet and savoury meals. These recipes provide some ideas:
- Pineapples can be grilled with lime and mint. Grilling helps to bring out pineapple’s sweetness, so try this delicious grilled pineapple recipe.
- Caramelized pineapple with raspberries: This quick pineapple dessert has a gourmet feel.
- Pineapple-smoothie: we can make Pineapples into fruit juice as smoothies alongside other fruits like oranges and mangoes. Check different flavours here and serve when cold as a late-night snack or during the hot seasons. Get your chilled smoothie here.
- We can add pineapple to yoghurt or fruit salad.
WHAT MAKES PINEAPPLE SO HEALTHY?
Pineapple’s impressive nutrition profile makes it a healthy dessert, a side dish or a late-night snack. A one-cup of pineapple juice offers about 75 calories with no cholesterol, sodium or fat.
It is important to emphasise that this fruit contains nutrients that can boost your general well-being. Whether you decide to Slice it, take it as a chunk, grilled or blend it into smoothies. However, you choose to eat it, enjoy adding this bright, tangy fruit to your diet, walk into a smoothie outlet closest to you and get a smoothie here, or order a cold, fun-filled and healthy ” pina colada.”
Content Writer
Ahmed Abubakar
