When we think of pineapples, most times the first image that comes to mind is being in the tropics, lying on a sunny beach somewhere, with sunglasses on and sipping pina colada from a glass with a decorative red umbrella on it!
That thought may be refreshing but there is more to pineapples than fun in the sun. A pineapple is actually a really healthy fruit that adds nutritional value to your diet. Listed below are just a few of them.
1. Great source of vitamin C
Fresh pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is important as it plays a major role in boosting immune function and removing potentially damaging oxidizing agents from your body. Its deficiency may cause scurvy, a disease of the gum and skin.
2. High levels of bromelain
Pineapple cores contain high levels of bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme. Bromelain is somewhat an anti-inflammatory substance that works best on the nose and sinuses after tissue injury and it also plays a part in reducing tumour growth.
Surprisingly, Bromelain is found to be useful as a meat tenderizer. So apart from decorating the ham at Christmas, pineapples are also tenderizing it!
3. Used to induce labour
Pineapple juice was used as a diuretic and to induce labour. Again due to proteolytic enzyme; bomelain, eating pineapples help to soften the cervix which induces labour. It is also effective as a diuretic.
4. Antioxidant
This fruit has high amounts of manganese, which is important for antioxidant defenses, pineapples also contain high amounts of thiamin, a B vitamin that is involved in energy production.
5. Low in calories
Pineapple is low in calories, therefore, it’s a wonderful snack for persons on a weight loss program or who just wants to maintain their current weight.
6. Lower high cholesterol
Pineapple juice is now being recognized as beneficial in lowering high cholesterol in the blood. Therefore is it extremely good for heart health.
7. Adds fibre to your diet
Eating pineapples adds fibre to your diet. Fibre helps with intestinal regulation and aids in the treatment and prevention of constipation.
Pineapples are simply energizing especially when chilled, a great summer snack for kids especially after a hot day at the park. So now, the next time we think of pineapples we can definitely couple the thought of ‘fun in the sun’ with ‘value for money’!
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