10 Reasons Pineapples Are Amazing
1. Every Serving Contains 10 Essential Nutrients
That’s right, in and around all that yellowy goodness is a ton of different nutrients, including:
- Thiamine
- Riboflavin
- Vitamin B-6
- Folate
- Pantothenic acid
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Antioxidants
- Polyphenols (like beta-carotene)
As you get older, people often develop B-vitamin and magnesium deficiencies. Eating pineapple is a great way to combat that trend, while all the antioxidants are great for the health of your heart, cells, and brain.
2. Your Entire Dose of Vitamin C in One Cup
While people typically think of oranges as the best way to get their vitamin C, just one cup of pineapple also gets the job done, giving your immune system a nice boost.
3. The Only Source of Bromelain
The bromelain enzyme breaks down protein and helps to reduce inflammation. Since pineapple is the only known source, it has been eaten for centuries to treat indigestion and inflammation.
4. Reduces Your Risk of Age-Related Illness
Eating more pineapple, and fruit in general, can help with all sorts of age related health problems from macular degeneration to wrinkles. The antioxidants help to fight cancer-causing free radicals, while the nutrients help to prevent harmful deficiencies often caused by old age.
5. Relieves Asthma Symptoms
Beta-carotene is a nutrient found in pineapples that can actually help lower your risk of developing asthma, and can help relieve asthma symptoms. Broccoli, mangoes, pumpkin, carrots, and cantaloupe are also good for the same reason.
6, Improves Fertility
If you are planning to have a baby any time soon, pineapples are a must have. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, copper, and folate are all known to help naturally boost male and female fertility and pineapples are full of them.
7. Naturally Lowers Blood Pressure
Bromelain is actually a blood thinner, and so can help you naturally lower your blood pressure. It can even act as a replacement for aspirin, provided you check with your doctor.
8. Gives Your Skin a Healthy Glow
Pineapples are good for you, inside and out. The same things that help your blood pressure, digestion, and immune system, also help your skin. Antioxidants and vitamin C both prevent free radicals from causing skin damage. Plus, vitamin C plays a vital role in forming collagen, which keeps your skin full and elastic.
9. Reduces Inflammation
Since the late 1800s pineapple has been used to treat swelling after surgery, but it can also be used for injuries like sprains and strains, or conditions like tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
10. Improves Digestion
Pineapples can help with indigestion because of the bromelain they contain and because they are full of dietary fiber. The bromelain helps break down leftover proteins while the fiber can relieve constipation and cleanse the colon.
There are plenty of good reasons to eat more pineapple, so try it in a smoothie, like this delicious tropical one, or a fruit salad. For breakfast or dessert. One cup a day really can do wonders for your health.