HEALTH BENEFITS OF PINEAPPLE

      Pineapple, the fruit is so much related to Tropical for me. A popular fruit packed with nutrients, antioxidants and other helpful compounds, such as enzymes that can fight inflammation and diseases.
Pineapple and its compounds have been linked to many health benefits, including aiding digestion, boosting immunity and speeding up recovery from surgery. Pineapples can be eaten raw or can be processed in a variety of food products such as Jam, Juice, Wine and it is one popular fruit sold Canned. Pineapples are also incredibly versatile and can be consumed in a variety of ways.
     Pineapple offers a wealth of health benefits due to its high nutrient and antioxidant contents. 
Pineapples are rich in Vitamins A and K, Phosphorus, Zinc and Calcium.  It is especially rich in Vitamin C and Manganese. Vitamin C is essential for growth and development, maintain a healthy immune system and aiding the absorption of Iron from our diet. Meanwhile, Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral that aids growth, maintains healthy metabolism and has antioxidant properties.  Pineapple with its loaded nutrient is one best fruit to boost the immune system.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF A PINEAPPLE

BOOSTS ENERGY:

      Pineapple has a rich source of Manganese, which helps to boost the creation of enzymes which are responsible for boosting up the energy in our Body.

WEIGHT LOSS:

     The high water content in the fruit proves beneficial for Weight Loss. Pineapples are a low-calorie, fat-free food with a low Glycemic Index. Pineapple also contains compounds with antioxidant properties and also helps to improve energy metabolism.

EYE HEALTH:

      Due to the high levels of antioxidants and Vitamin C, Pineapple may even help prevent cataracts and other age-related eye conditions like age-related Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma etc., Also, it contains a lot of Beta carotene – an essential element needed for a healthy vision that should be consumed regularly.

CANCER:

    Pineapple contains compounds that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to Cancer. The enzyme Bromelain is a compound found in Pineapple, which may stimulate cell death in certain cancer cells and aid white blood cell function. Pineapples contain loads of antioxidants that help to capture and fight against free radicals. This slows down the cell damage process, thus preventing some types of cancer. Certain enzymes found in Pineapple can shrink or kill cancer cells.

HEALTHY BOWEL:

     Pineapples provide the essential dietary fibre along with Vitamin C, which aids in Digestion & a healthy bowel.  Pineapples have proved to soothe inflammatory bowel diseases by reducing gut inflammation and preventing diarrhoea. Also, it helps to digest protein-rich foods.  Pineapples are a good source of fibre. It soothes the stomach and promotes digestion. It also hydrates the body and helps in regular bowel movements which may reduce the risk of constipation and protect against bowel diseases. It also strengthens the Kidneys by flushing out the toxins.

RELIEVES NAUSEA:

      A glass of Pineapple Juice can help beat the morning sickness for pregnant women. It is also helpful for people suffering from motion sickness.  Few glasses of Pineapple juice just before a long bus trip or a flight can reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.

IMMUNITY:

     Pineapples have anti-inflammatory properties that may boost the immune system.  Pineapples are a powerful source of Vitamin C, a primary water-soluble antioxidant that fights cell damage and prevents joint pains and heart diseases.

BONE HEALTH:

      In addition to Vitamin C, Pineapples also have plenty of Manganese which strengthens bones and connecting tissues. Manganese helps in preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. One cup of fresh Pineapple Juice contains over 70% of the required daily dose of manganese. Kids, adults and elderly people should eat a few chunks of pineapple a day to keep their bodies strong.

HEALTHY SKIN:

     Vitamin C in the fruit proves beneficial for the skin. Manganese in Pineapples supports healthy bones and tissues, while the antioxidant vitamin C promotes healing and helps your body absorb Iron. Antioxidants in Pineapples may reduce cellular damage by protecting cell membranes.

TREATS SINUSES & ALLERGY SWELLINGS:

      Vitamin C helps to reduce mucus in the throat and nose. Adding Pineapples in your daily diet is believed to ease up up seasonal allergies.

TREATS COLD & COUGH:

      Pineapples are loaded with Vitamin C and anti-inflammatory compounds.  This proves to be a great remedy for treating nasty colds & coughing.  Bromelain present in Pineapples reduce swellings and respiratory problems. Enzymes in Pineapples helps to reduce the inflammation and clean up excessive mucus in the respiratory system.  It is believed that a glass of Pineapple Juice can soothe the symptom of Cold & Cough faster than a glass of Orange Juice.

PREVENT ASTHMA:

      Beta-carotene is found in pineapples can lower the risk of Asthma. It also helps to detox your body from harmful substances and reduce inflammation levels caused by stress, pollution and poor nutrition.

REDUCES BLOOD CLOT:

      Bromelain present in Pineapples helps reduce excessive coagulation of the blood.

 STRENGTHEN THE GUMS:

      Astringent agents present in Pineapples help to tighten up gum tissues and even prevent oral cancer. Pineapple is believed to fix loosening of teeth or the retraction of the gums. Keep your teeth healthy and strong by munching some Pineapples.

TREATS ACNE:

      Pineapples can be used both externally and internally to improve your skin condition. The anti-inflammatory qualities of Vitamin C, Bromelain and special enzymes found in Pineapples proves beneficial in treating Acne.  Mix it with some turmeric for an amazing natural mask to treat your face.

TREATS FOOT CRACKS:

      Scrubbing your feet with Pineapple helps to get soothing relief for inflammation and swelling, triggered by the cracks and make your feet smooth and radiant.

STRENGTHEN THE NAILS:

     Pineapple is a good source of Vitamin A & Vitamin B.  These minerals helps to keep your nails strong and healthy. It could be applied topical and munched regularly.

CURE CHAPPED LIPS:

     Pineapple helps to hydrate the body. Mix Pineapple with Coconut Oil to soothe chapped skin and Lips.

HAIR GROWTH:

     Vitamin C & Antioxidants present in Pineapples are a powerful source which helps fight against free radicals that damage hair growth. Pineapple extracts, when applied to the scalp, are known to provide vital nutrients to the follicles to make your hair grow better, thicker, and shinier.

PROMOTES MENTAL HEALTH: 

     Pineapple provides a good source of Amino Acid called Tryptophan which helps the body to produce Serotonin otherwise called the HAPPY HORMONE.  Amino Acids along with Nutrients like Vitamin B is essential to keep your mind stable, producing enough energy and positivity.

 

HOW TO SELECT, STORE & USE A PINEAPPLE

HOW TO SELECT A PINEAPPLE

• Choose fresh-looking pineapples with green leaves and a firm shell. The pineapple should also have a small amount of “give” when squeezed gently.
• You should be able to smell the distinctive pineapple smell when you put your nose close to the bottom of the fruit.

HOW TO STORE A PINEAPPLE

• Pineapples will keep longer if refrigerated in a perforated plastic bag, up to 3-5 days.
• If using within 1-2 days, store pineapples at room temperature.

HOW TO CUT A PINEAPPLE

• To cut a pineapple, start by cutting off the crown and bottom. Kee the Pineapple upright and cut away the peel. deep enough to remove the eyes. Cut in half lengthwise, then halve each half to give you four quarters. Cut out and discard the core from the centre of each quarter. Cut into chunks or simply Slice it up and enjoy!

PINEAPPLES IN YOUR DAILY DIET

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PINEAPPLE

     Pineapples are naturally sweet, eat them as such or prepare a Sugarless Pineapple Juice it becomes a healthy way to cut down your calories.  Pineapples can be added into your daily diet, some easy ways to enjoy Pineapples are to :

• Eat Pineapple plain as a snack.
• Drink it as a Pineapple Juice.
• Use Pineapples in a Fruit Salad.
• Add Pineapple or Pineapple Juice to a smoothie.
• Fresh Pineapple Juice can be added into your favourite drink to convert it into a fancy Mocktail like Virgin Pina Colada or a Cocktail.
• Add Grapes & Pineapple to a piece of Cheese and serve it as an appetizer or dessert.
• Can convert it into Wines.
• Can make a wonderful & flavour-filled Pineapple Fried Rice.
• Pineapple is used in various Curries like Pineapple Pulissery, Pineapple Rasam, Madhura Curry, Nyonya Pineapple & Chicken Curry etc.,
• It is also used while making Salads & Pickles.
• Can make wonderful Desserts like Pineapple Ice cream, Pineapple Pudding, Pineapple upside-down cake, Pineapple Kesari etc.,

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TRIVIA: Fun Facts About Pineapple:

• Pineapple gets its English name from the look-a-like "PINECONE".
• It takes almost 3 years for a single Pineapple to reach maturation. 
• Once harvested, Pineapples don’t continue to ripen.