Fun fact: The top of a pineapple, after cleaning and drying, can be planted in soil and a new plant will grow
Introduction
Pineapple, scientifically known as Ananas comosus, is a perennial and tropical fruit cultivated widely around the globe. This fruit comes with an interesting history on how it was discovered and eventually spread across the map. Sailors in the olden times have carried pineapple throughout their expeditions to help prevent scurvy, which is a disease attributed to vitamin C deficiency.
Pineapple is low in calories. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, every 100 grams of pineapple contains only 50 calories with zero cholesterol and almost no fat. This fruit primarily derives its energy from the 13.52 grams of carbohydrates and 0.54g of protein, which the body converts into glucose.
The juiciness of pineapples proves that it is rich in vitamin C. It contains 80% of the daily-recommended intake. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin also known as ascorbic acid. It finds importance in the manufacture of collagen, which is used by the body to make blood vessels and skin. Vitamin C also improves body resistance against infectious diseases.
Aside from vitamin C, pineapple is also loaded with a minimal amount of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which function as antioxidants. These vitamins along with vitamin C protect the body from harmful free radicals that destroy the DNA. Vitamin A and beta-carotene also help improve the vision and maintain skin and mucous membrane.
Moreover, the B-vitamins found in pineapples promote proper functioning of the body. Vitamins Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2) and Niacin (B3) helps in the production energy, while the pyridoxine (6) is needed for the metabolism of amino acids. Lastly, the folates are essential in cell division.
In addition, this tropical fruit is a powerhouse of minerals including potassium (2.5% DRA), manganese (40% DRA), iron (3.5% DRA), and magnesium (3% DRA). The amount of potassium we get from food is important to offset the sodium we also get from the food. It likewise controls the body’s heart rate and blood pressure.
Manganese has the highest composition in pineapples among the several minerals loaded in it. It serves an important element in metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates and cholesterol. Manganese in our body interacts with other minerals like iron and magnesium for maximum health.
Speaking of iron, this mineral is commonly found in our cells. It assists in the production of red blood cells as well as in the transportation of oxygen from the lungs to the different parts of the body. Iron is very important in building strong immune system especially during childhood and in the pregnancy stage of a woman.
Magnesium is also a very essential mineral. It interacts with minerals like calcium and potassium, because magnesium carries the two minerals across the cell membranes. As a co-enzyme in several system, magnesium is needed to regulate blood glucose and blood pressure.
The Health Benefits of Pineapples
Thwarts off microbial infections
Microbial infections include common diseases such as cough, cold, fever, flu and many others. These diseases can be avoided if the body receives enough Vitamin C that can boost the overall immune system. Pineapples are known to be very abundant with Vitamin C. To reach the daily Vitamin C requirement of the body for it to be resilient from microbial infections, it is advisable to always eat pineapples.
Excellent Source of Fiber
We must have heard that eating plenty of fibrous foods makes our body healthy and our weight regular. This is because fiber has the ability of regulating proper digestion and bowel movement. If the food intake is digested accordingly, the nutrients they contain will be absorbed well by the body. Plus digestive tracks are cleared for smooth digestive processing thus avoiding issues such as constipation. Because of the ability of fiber to regulate digestion, eating fruits that are excellent sources of fiber such as pineapple will effectively and vastly help you lose weight.
Treats and Prevents Growth of Intestinal Worms
Having intestinal worms is not only gross but also affects digestion. If you have been wondering why you won’t lose weight even if you are observing a strict and proper diet, it might be because your intestines are growing worms. Luckily, pineapples have bromelain which is an effective digestive enzyme that fights off bacteria blocking the digestive tracts as well as helps in removing parasites in the intestines, tapeworms for example.
Natural and Effective Skin Care
Because of the high levels of Vitamin C and Amino Acids contained in pineapples, eating this fruit has collagen synthesis boosting effects. When the body synthesizes collagen, it makes your skin beautiful, young looking, and revitalized. Collagen is able to make your skin firm and flexible thus defying the effects of ageing in the skin. The presence of amino acids is also vital because they are responsible in repairing damaged body cells including that in the skin. Eating pineapples exfoliates the skin through washing off dead skin cells and replacing them with healthy ones. Eating pineapple or applying pineapple extract in your skin for minutes will give it a fresh and young looking glow thus avoiding from looking dull. Pineapple is also proven to virtually treat acne and other inflammatory issues with the skin.
Keeps your Body Hydrated
This fruit has high water content that helps keep your body hydrated. Hydration is important for the body to function accordingly. If you are dehydrated, you will experience loss of energy and tiredness which is not really the condition you want to be in considering your daily activities and duties. Hydration boosts your energy levels which is very important in our everyday lives. Hydration also reflects in skin. A dry and dull skin is not really attractive. To keep your skin radiant and moisturized, regular consumption of pineapples will greatly help.
Hinders Development of Free Radicals
The primary reason why we must eat pineapple as much as we can is because this fruit is loaded with antioxidants that brings the body so much good. Antioxidants are able to assure that our body remains healthy on a cellular level. With regard to damaged cells, antioxidants will be able to repair them. Antioxidants protects the body from diseases and illnesses especially those that are effects of free radicals. Free radicals are the most common cause of serious sickness such as cancer and heart ailments.
Promotes Stronger Bones
For stronger bones, the body needs sufficient amount of manganese intake. Pineapples are rich in Manganese that a cup can fill up to 75% of daily manganese requirement. This mineral is essential in the body because they assure that connective tissues are healthy for your bones to be flexible and strong.
Prevents Impotence
Studies have proved that consumption of pineapple regularly improves fertility because of its richness of antioxidants. Impotence and other reproductive issues are also effects of free radicals that can be stopped with enough antioxidants in the body.
Optimizes Heart Health
On top of the Vitamin C and fiber content of this fruit, it also has potassium that wraps up its significance in having a healthy heart condition. Continuous studies and research concluded that those who always eat pineapple are less likely to die from heart-related illnesses.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Pineapples have potassium that is proven to maintain normal blood pressure. If you have a high blood pressure, eating pineapples everyday will help normalize your condition. High blood pressure cannot be underestimated because when it complicates, it can cause you your life.
Good for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics
Because this fruit is high in fiber, it is good for those who suffer from diabetes. For type 1 diabetes, consumption of fibrous foods helps in reducing the body’s glucose levels to normal. On the other hand, type 2 diabetics who regularly eat pineapple will experience improved insulin, lipids, and blood sugar levels.