Photo: Unspalsh.
Ah Pineapples, everyone’s favorite prickly fruit. This tangy fruit is an icon of the islands, sunshine, and better days. The taste might remind you of a beach far away, or maybe it’s reminiscent of a chilled piña colada from your last vacation. Perhaps the green, spiky top brings back memories of driving through the pineapple fields on the way to the North Shore. No matter your specific association with pineapple, more than likely, it’s probably a good one. Although it might take a bit of extra effort to shave off the spiny outside, the sweet fruit inside is definitely well-worth it, and pineapple is always sure to put a smile on your face. While you might enjoy pineapple simply for the taste, the fruit also offers incredible health benefits. Here are 5 more reasons to snack on a pineapple today.
Boost Immunity
Pineapple is packed with vitamin C. In fact a single serving offers nearly half the FDA recommended daily value. Vitamin C is the number one water-soluble antioxidant in the body, and it fights off harmful cell damage. Additionally, pineapple has high concentrations of bromelain in its core. This chemical has been shown to reduce mucus in the nose and throat. If you are already sick, consider snacking on pineapple to help clear your sinuses and throat.
Strengthen Bones
Pineapple is great for bone health. A single serving of the sweet fruit contains 75% of the recommended daily value of manganese. This mineral is absolutely essential for building strong bones and connective tissue. One study even suggests that pineapple may be helpful in preventing osteoporosis in aging women.
Aid Digestion
Like most fruits and vegetables, pineapple also contains plenty of dietary fiber. This fiber is essential for staying regular and keeping your intestines healthy. However, the bromelain in pineapple is also believed to help break down proteins, further aiding digestion.
Combat Inflammation
Back to bromelain. This chemical is believed to have wonderful anti-inflammatory benefits. While pineapple has not specifically been tested, bromelain has been shown to reduce even the most severe inflammation. Inflammation has been linked to cancer, and bromelain has even been shown to slow tumor growth.
Protect Vision
Because pineapple has such high concentration of antioxidants like Vitamin C, it is believed that it can help prevent macular degeneration. This type of eye degeneration occurs with age. If you’re hoping to keep that 20/20 vision into your 80’s, consider making pineapple a part of your regular diet.
