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The summer season is a great time to fill your fridge with fresh fruit. Fruits like watermelon and cantaloupe are water-rich and packed with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Did you know that holds true for pineapple, as well? In addition to being a very versatile fruit — one that retains its distinctly sweet tang whether it’s served raw, grilled, or in juice form — pineapple offers a range of health benefits. Read on as we unpack the many ways you can power up with pineapple.
Packed With Nutrients
Pineapple is a potent source of nutrition. It’s packed with vitamins, heavy metals, and antioxidants that can help boost your immune system. Pineapple is particularly rich in:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin A
- Copper
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Fiber
- Manganese
- Folate
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
In addition to these nutrients, pineapple also provides a small quantity of protein, phosphorus, zinc, and calcium.
Aids In Digestion
“Pineapple on pizza” remains a deeply divisive topic among foodies. While some people find the idea of mixing pineapple with meat or dairy to be bizarre, there’s actually a scientific reason for why they’re a good match. Pineapple is full of bromelain, a type of digestive enzyme that specifically breaks down protein molecules. Bromelain is very efficient at making protein molecules easier for your body to absorb and convert into amino acids and peptides. If you find yourself having trouble digesting a hearty meat dish, treat yourself to a helping of pineapple for dessert and you should feel a difference.
May Reduce Risk Of Cancer & Dementia
Another benefit of bromelain is that studies have found it can help reduce the risk of cancer and dementia. It does this by helping to reduce inflammation and minimizing oxidative stress (a process which causes damage to neurons and can speed up the development & progression of dementia).
A Low Calorie Treat
If you’re looking to eat something sweet and filling that won’t pack on the pounds, pineapple is a great choice. Pineapple is a low-calorie snack that’s also very hydrating thanks to its high-water content. That water content, combined with the fiber in pineapple, makes it also a good option for people who suffer from constipation and need a little help “moving things along.”
Helps With Vision
Pineapple’s high concentration of Vitamin C and antioxidants may reduce your risk of vision loss. The vitamins in pineapple could help prevent macular degeneration, an age-related condition that causes vision problems and the formation of cataracts.
Can You Eat Too Much Pineapple?
All good things in moderation. If you go on a pineapple binge, the good news is that there aren’t many side effects from consuming too much of it. The exception is that some people could experience slightly adverse reactions to bromelain, especially for people with blood clotting issues. A warning sign that you’re sensitive to bromelain is if you experience tongue burning, itching, or nausea. Diabetics may also want to take it easy on pineapple and enjoy smaller servings of it due to the fruit’s very high sugar content.
Article by Austin Brietta
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