As one of the America’s favorite tropical fruits, pineapples have no trouble ending up in many people’s fruit bowls, dining tables and smoothies. They are easy to find in most grocery stores year-round and can be utilized in a wide variety of recipes. Sweet, juicy and delicious, pineapples taste wonderful in fruit salads, salsas, side dishes, smoothies and of course, by themselves. There aren’t many excuses needed to adopt pineapples to your diet, but we’re going to give some of them to you anyways. Besides their delicious nature, pineapples are also a storehouse of many amazing benefits that are optimum for great health. For seven of the most extraordinary health benefits of pineapples, keep on reading!
Antioxidants Loaded with tons of vitamins and minerals, pineapples are some of the most antioxidant rich foods in the world. As you may know, antioxidants are essential for promoting good health. Pineapples are a wonderful source of vitamin C and 100 grams provide 80 percent. Vitamin C is a major player in the body’s natural healing process and protects the body from free radical damage. Metabolizing fats and cholesterol and absorbing iron are just a couple of vitamin C’s main functions. Pineapples also contain plenty of vitamin A, calcium, fiber and potassium, all of which serve to keep the body healthy.
Improves Digestion For those who have trouble digesting food, pineapples are a natural way to save the day. Foods that are rich in fiber help improve digestion and pineapples contain no shortage. Pineapples contain mostly soluble fiber and a small amount of insoluble fiber. The soluble fiber brings water to the gut, allowing the digestive tract to take in all the minerals and vitamins from any food consumed. The insoluble fiber helps push out waste smoothly.
Fights off coughs and colds Most people eat oranges or drink orange juice when they have a cold, but pineapples actually contain the exact same health benefits with one additional one, Bromelain. Bromelain helps with suppressing coughs, loosening mucus build-up and reducing nasal inflammation. Eating pineapples with correctly prescribed medication will put you on the road to recovery faster.
Prevents gum disease Your smile is considered your most powerful gesture, so you will want to keep it looking bright and beautiful. Because pineapples contain powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and bacteria, they are able to help prevent gum disease. Pineapples help reduce the risk of periodontitis and gingivitis, two diseases that severely affect the gums.
Keeps bones strong Rich in magnesium and trace minerals, pineapples are one of the fruits that aid in building healthy bones and connective tissue. The beautiful thing about pineapples is how beneficial they are in supporting bones at different ages. The young can benefit from eating pineapples through the growth of strong bones and the old can benefit through the strengthening of bones. Did you know that just one glass of pineapple juice already provides 73 percent of the recommended daily dose of magnesium?
Boosts immune system Pineapples are packed with Vitamin C, which help boost the immune system by preventing infections and fighting against free radicals that damage cells. If you’re prone to common colds, coughs and flus, consuming plenty of pineapples will lessen the likelihood of catching them in the future.
Prevents and relieves nausea Not the most popular method but still equally effective, drinking pineapple juice is great for preventing or relieving nausea. People who suffer from motion sickness during travel or pregnancy will truly benefit from this.
What are some other health benefits of pineapples you know about?