In ancient times, various cultures used pineapple (pineapple) for medicinal purposes, mainly as an anti-inflammatory ointment for wounds. Today we know that pineapple contains bromelain – an anti-inflammatory enzyme that has the ability to fight cancer.
Here are some scientifically proven health benefits of pineapple:
1. Pineapple has many nutrients
One cup of pineapple contains:
Amount of Nutrients Daily Value (DV)
Calories 82.5
Fat 0.2 g
Vitamin C 78.9 mg 87.7%
Manganese 1.5 mg 65.2%
American nutritionist Colleen Christensen says vitamin C plays an important role in wound healing, protein production, and iron absorption. Manganese is an essential mineral for maintaining brain and nerve function, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation. Plus, a cup of pineapple contains 8.3 milligrams of the amino acid tryptophan. According to Christensen, this particular amino acid is a precursor to serotonin, a mood-enhancing neurotransmitter.
2. Easy digestion
Pineapple bromelain is good for digestion because this enzyme breaks down proteins. It also has the ability to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract for people with inflammatory bowel disease. Plus, one serving of pineapple provides 2.3 grams of fiber, which can help build stool mass and ensure effective bowel movements.
Dietitian Deborah Malkoff Cohen says, “Fiber and bromelain work together as an optimal digestive stimulant.
3. Helps to lose weight
Christensen says the fiber in pineapple keeps you fuller for longer, which helps you lose weight. A 2018 study on rats found that pineapple juice was able to reduce fat formation and increase fat breakdown. However, this was only a very limited study on the link between pineapple and weight loss in humans.
4. Pineapple contains many antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that protect your cells from free radicals – chemicals that have been linked to cancer and heart disease. Pineapple is rich in antioxidants such as: Vitamin C, manganese, bromelain, phenolic acids, flavonoids.
Several studies indicate that phenolic acids have antibacterial, anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Meanwhile, flavonoids not only have the same effect, but also have the ability to protect and treat cardiovascular disease.
5. Improve immunity
The vitamin C content in pineapple will help boost your immunity. “Vitamin C not only has the potential to prevent certain infections, but it can also help treat a number of conditions, such as respiratory and systemic infections,” says Christensen.
A 2014 study found that school-aged children who ate canned pineapple were less susceptible to viral and bacterial infections than those who didn’t. Children who ate the most pineapple had nearly four times as many disease-fighting white blood cells as other children. Researchers concluded that eating 140 to 280 grams of pineapple per day can reduce infections, or at least make you more resistant to disease.
6. Soothes coughs
Pineapple is not an instant cough remedy, but it can hydrate, cool, and soothe a sore throat. The bromelain in pineapple can relieve coughs.
A 2010 review examining natural treatments for tuberculosis gave pineapple juice a very high rating. Pineapple juice mixed with a little pepper, honey and salt will dissolve the mucus in the lungs. This may be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain.
7. Promotes healthy bones
The high vitamin C content in pineapple is also important for bone health. A 2020 study found that people who ate foods rich in vitamin C had a significantly lower risk of osteoporosis and a 34% lower hip fracture rate.
Manganese may also reduce the risk of osteoporosis in older women when combined with calcium, zinc, magnesium, boron, vitamin D, and copper. A 2004 study found that postmenopausal women taking supplements of the same mixture had a positive effect on bone density.
