28 Amazing Benefits of Pineapple
Pineapple ( Ananas Cosmosus) is a sweet, delicious, and juicy fruit that grows on the tropical plant of the same name and has a unique shape that resembles a crown with pines on it. This delicious fruit provides numerous health and beauty benefits as it contains several essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc.
Cultivation of Pineapple
Pineapple is believed to be first cultivated in some parts of India, and from there it spread to South and Central America, then to West Indies, then to Spain, and finally the rest of the world.
A 100 gram serving of pineapple gives 50 calories of energy. Along with this, it also provides essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, potassium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc, etc. These nutrients provide several benefits such as weight loss, stronger immunity, stronger cardiovascular system, improved nerve functions, detoxification, and protection from cancer, etc.
Health Benefits of Pineapple
Some major health benefits of pineapple are as follows.
(1) Protection From Various Cancer(s)
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and Vitamin E, and other relevant antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in pineapple protect our cells from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
Bromelain, a group of digestive enzymes in pineapple increases the anticarcinogenic properties of pineapples.
(2) Strengthens Immunity
Pineapple contains antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids that protect our immune cells or the white blood cells from free radical damage and thus strengthens our immune system.
Our immune system is the defense mechanism of our body that aids in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections, diseases, and as well as injuries, and wounds.
Vitamin C enhances the production of white blood cells, and further strengthens our immunity.
With stronger immunity, our risk of getting a cough, cold, fever, and flu diminishes significantly.
The antimicrobial properties of pineapple minimize the risk of various bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Bromelain in pineapple reduces the building up of phlegm and mucus in our respiratory tracts and sinus cavities. It loosens those materials and helps us to get rid of them efficiently.
Other nutrients like zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, and folate, etc in pineapple also contribute to better immune health.
(3) Make Our Bones Stronger
Pineapple strengthens our bones and teeth due to bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, etc.
Calcium is needed for the growth and development of the bones, and deficiency of this mineral may increase the risk of bone disorders like osteoporosis. Although pineapple contains a small amount of calcium, “Every little bit helps”.
Potassium neutralizes acid load, reduces loss of calcium from the bones, and thus improves bone density.
Magnesium also improves bone density and thus contributes to better bone health.
Pineapple contains manganese that increases calcium absorption and improves the bone mineral density of the spinal column.
Other nutrients like zinc, phosphorus, and folate, etc also aid in making our bones healthier.
(4) Maintains Oral Health
The antioxidantal and astringent properties of pineapple strengthen our gums and teeth and help in maintaining our oral health.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in pineapple protect our teeth and gums from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of oral cancer.
The astringent properties of pineapple tighten our skin and minimize the risk of tooth loss.
The antimicrobial properties of pineapples protect our gums and teeth from various bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
(5) Promotes Eye Health
Because of its rich nutritious profile, pineapple helps in taking good care of our eyes.
It contains antioxidants like Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids that protect our eyes from free radical damage and reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for the eyes as it improves vision, prevents eye dryness, and minimizes the risk of night-blindness.
(6) Provides Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound in the pineapple provides relief from pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory diseases like arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, gouts, asthma and bronchial asthma, etc.
Bromelain, a group of digestive enzymes in pineapple reduces swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain associated with injuries and surgical intervention. It also reduces swelling associated with ear, nose, and throat surgeries.
(7) Manages Cholesterol Level
Dietary fibers in pineapple reduce LDL cholesterol in the body and minimize the risk of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.
(8) Improves Cardiovascular Health
Pineapple is good for our heart health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc it protects our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
Dietary fibers in pineapple reduce LDL cholesterol and thus minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.
It also contains potassium that relaxes our blood vessels and controls hypertension or high blood pressure which is a major cause of several cardiovascular and other health problems.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper, etc in pineapple also contribute to our cardiovascular health.
(9) Promotes Digestive Health
Pineapple is good for the stomach and improves our digestive health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in pineapple protect our digestive system from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, intestinal cancer, and stomach cancer, etc.
Because of its laxative properties, dietary fibers in pineapple improve bowel movement, aids in stool elimination, and thus provide relief from constipation and other gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating and flatulence, etc.
Bromelain, a group of digestive enzymes in pineapple helps with protein digestion, minimizes inflammation, and helps in treating inflammatory bowel disorders.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, and potassium, etc also improve our digestive health.
(10) Provides Relief In Bronchitis
Pineapple is good for the lungs and improves our respiratory health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in pineapple protect our respiratory system from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of lung cancer.
Pineapple contains anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamin C and bromelain that protect our respiratory system from pain and inflammation and minimizes the risk of asthma, bronchial asthma, and lung inflammation.
It minimizes inflammation of bronchial tubes and aid in treating bronchitis.
(11) Prevents Catarrh
Bromelain, an anti-inflammatory compound in pineapple prevents the buildup of phlegm and mucus in our respiratory tracts and helps in treating catarrh, inflammation of mucous membrane in one of the airways or cavities of the body.
(12) Regulates High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
The vasodilating properties of potassium in pineapple relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from hypertension.
Hypertension is a silent killer that affects millions of people around the world and gives rise to various health problems like severe headaches, nose bleed, chest pain, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, vision problems, and blood in urine, etc.
If you are already on blood pressure medication, then consume pineapple after having a word with your doctor to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.
Eat pineapples moderately as high potassium level may lower the blood pressure to an abnormally low level giving rise to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, dehydration, lack of concentration, blurred vision, and pale skin, etc.
Low sodium in pineapple also contributes to blood pressure regulation.
Zinc and magnesium in pineapple also aid in regulating high blood pressure.
(13) Treats Intestinal Worms
Bromelain is anti-parasitic and is beneficial in getting rid of certain intestinal parasites like tapeworms.
It breaks down protein foods, which makes it effective for fighting intestinal parasites as it can kill worms.
(14) Relieves Nausea
Bromelain and B vitamins in pineapple juice minimize the effect of nausea, motion sickness, and morning sickness.
(15) Manages Blood Sugar
Although pineapple has a medium glycemic index of 66 consuming it moderately can still help with blood sugar regulation.
In comparison to high GI fruits like watermelon, dates, raisins, and cranberries, pineapple slowly releases sugar into the bloodstream, prevents a spike in blood sugar level, and thus helps in managing diabetes.
The dietary fibers in the pineapple slow down the rate at which sugar gets absorbed by the bloodstream and helps in controlling blood sugar levels.
Consume pineapple moderately and in a small serving, as overeating may drop the blood sugar to an abnormally low level giving rise to hypoglycemia with symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, excessive sweating, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, confusion, and irritability or moodiness.
With pineapple, it’s easier to go overboard because of its juicy taste. However, it should be avoided.
If you are on diabetic medication, consult your doctor before adding pineapple to your diet to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.
(16) Promotes Sexual Health
Pineapple improves fertility in both men and women.
Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect the sperm cells in men, and ovaries in women from free radical damage.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, copper, and B vitamins in pineapple also aid in maintaining sexual health.
(17) Helps With Weight Management
Eating 100 grams of pineapple provides 50 calories of energy which mean as long as one consumes it in moderation, there is no need to worry about weight gain. In fact, in moderation, it can help with weight loss.
Dietary fibers in pineapple provide stomach satiety, controls our urge to eat again and again, and thus controls overeating which is a prime cause of obesity.
The abundance of water (about 87 percent) in pineapple also contributes to weight management as it reduces calorie overload, controls overeating, improves digestion, and increases absorption of nutrients.
Beauty Benefits of Pineapple For Skin
Following are the major beauty benefits of pineapple for the skin.
(1) Aids In Treating Acne And Pimples
Pineapple prevents and treats various skin problems like acne and pimples.
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substance within the skin pores.
Detoxifying properties of antioxidants and dietary fibers in pineapple eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system. When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in skin pores, and thus minimizes the risk of acne and pimples.
Dietary fibers also control the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent acne from worsening.
Pineapple also contains bromelain enhances the performance of vitamin C and helps in treating inflammatory skin conditions.
(2) Provides Anti-aging Benefits
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in pineapple protects our skin cells from the free radical damage, and keep various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc at bay.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and in doing so they cause oxidative damage to them.
Vitamin C enhances the production of collagen, an amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and saggy skin.
To make your skin soft and radiant gently apply fresh pineapple juice on your face ( avoid eye region), and let it dry. After 10 minutes, wash off with water.
(3) Wonderful Skin Exfoliator
Pineapple is a wonderful skin exfoliator that removes dead skin cells and brings out the natural glow of the skin.
Antioxidants and relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect the skin from free radical damage.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, B vitamins, and magnesium in pineapple, etc nourish skin and improves skin radiance.
(4) Provide Relief From Cracked Heels
The exfoliating properties of pineapple help in treating cracked heels. It can be used as a natural scrub to shed off dry and flaky skin of the feet and to make them soft, smooth, and radiant again.
Anti-inflammatory compounds like bromelain and vitamin C reduces burning sensation and swelling caused by cracked heels.
(5) Strengthen And Soften Nails
B vitamins and vitamin A present in pineapple strengthen and soften our nails.
Lack of these nutrients can make our nails dry and brittle, and increases the risk of cracked nails and split nails.
(6) Keep Skin Hydrated
The abundance of water (around 87 percent) in pineapple keeps our skin well hydrated.
To improve skin radiance and keep it hydrated, thoroughly mix three tablespoons of freshly crushed pineapple slices with egg yolk, and some milk. Apply it on the dry skin and wash off with water after 10-15 minutes.
(7) Cures Chapped Lips
Applying a mixture of coconut oil and pineapple juice on the lips softens them and helps in dealing with chapped lips.
Both coconut oil and pineapple juice contain many essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, etc that nourish our lips and keep them healthy.
Beauty Benefits Of Pineapple For Hair
Some major beauty benefits of pineapple for hair are as follows.
(1) Prevents Premature Greying Of Hair
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in the pumpkin protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of premature greying of hair, split ends, hair fall, and dry hair, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and in doing so they cause oxidative damage to them.
(2) Prevents Hair Loss
Pineapple contains several essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, etc that nourish and strengthens our hair follicles.
With stronger hair follicles, the risk of hair loss diminishes automatically.
It also contains several antioxidants and antioxidantal compounds that protect our hair follicles from free radical damage.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, B vitamins, and folate, etc also contribute to scalp health and minimizes the risk of hair fall.
(3) Treats Scalp Inflammation & Scalp Infection
Bromelain, an anti-inflammatory compound in pineapple aids in treating scalp inflammation and provides relief from various scalp infections.
Pineapple is antimicrobial and protects the scalp from various bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
(4) Increases Hair Thickness
Because of its rich nutritious profile, pineapple nourishes our hair follicles and scalp and keeps them healthy.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds in it minimizes premature greying of hair and hair loss etc.
Nutrients in pineapple encourage the growth of new hair follicles and add thickness to our hair.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about the topic and is not be taken as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice, treatment, and/or diagnosis. Always consult with your doctor before trying out any of the remedies/recipes suggested in the blog post.
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