Pineapple is a delicious and juicy tropical fruit that we all enjoy eating throughout the whole year. But, pineapple has so much more to offer besides an amazing taste- it is a powerful natural remedy for a long list of health problems and we should start consuming it more frequently.
If you still have doubts why this fruit deserves to be in the top 5 fruits in your diet, continue reading the article. We will present a list with the 8 best benefits it has to offer.
The Best 6 Health Benefits of Pineapple
- Abundant in vitamin C
Did you know that one cup of pineapple has more than the minimum daily requirement for vitamin C? This vitamin is pivotal for helping the body fight off viral infections and inflammations easier. So, pineapple is an excellent fruit to begin your day with in a healthy way.
2. Betters the digestion and lowers inflammation
Bromelain, an enzyme present in pineapple, was found to have the capacity to lower inflammation and swelling common for sore throat, arthritis, and sinusitis. And, it is also good for people suffering from indigestion- it can alleviate inflammation linked to ulcerative colitis. Pineapple is also beneficial in treating infections and injuries- it may help lower swelling and bruising and speed up the healing process.
3. Protects the bones
Manganese is a trace mineral which, along with calcium, is necessary for keeping the bones and connective tissues safe and sound. Believe it or not, one cup of pineapple has around 76 percent of the manganese RDA. Magnesium also postpones osteoporosis and reduces bone disease symptoms and boosts the mineral and bone density.
4. Good for the eyes
Even though carrots are considered to be the top food when it comes to protecting the eyesight, pineapple is also vital for good eye health. Namely, three or more pineapple servings per day can decrease the chance for age-related macular degeneration by 36 percent. This disease is a major cause for loss of vision in elderly and more than 1.8 million Americans over 40 suffer from it. Pineapples are rich in antioxidants that will protect from damage.
5. Encourages weight loss
If weight loss is on your mind, pineapple is an excellent low calorie food for you. Instead of snacking on high-calorie sweets and chips, enjoy a cup of pineapple. It will prolong your satiety because it is abundant in fiber and not elevate your daily calorie consumption. To “spice” things up, feel free to mix it with some walnuts, rice, or low-fat whipped cream. As it is 94 percent carbs, be careful if you are following a low-carb diet.
6. Affordable and convenient
Unlike other season fruits, fresh, frozen or canned pineapples are available throughout the whole year. Canned pineapple is convenient for snacking as it is already cut into chunks. Whether you add it to your fruit salad or combine it with slices of low-fat cottage cheese, pineapple will always offer optimal enjoyment for the taste buds. Be careful when choosing canned pineapple- choose the one with lighter syrup or packed in its own syrup because they are a healthier variant.
Sources:
