Pineapple-Significant  Health Benefits Of Pineapples (Ananas)|Risks & Nutrition Fact

In This Article

Pineapples are tropical fruit that are rich in vitamins, enzymes and antioxidents. They may help boost the immune system, build strong bones and aid indigestion. Also, despite their sweetness, pineapples are low in calories.
Pineapples are members of the bromeliad family, and one of the few bromeliads to produce edible fruit, according to the biology department at Union County College. The fruit is actually made of many individual berries that fuse together around a central core. Each pineapple scale is an individual berry.

What is Pineapple?
Pineapple, also known as ananas, is a delicious tropical fruit surrounded by thorny spikes and topped with hard, waxy leaves that are sometimes up to thirty per fruit. The fruit is up to a foot long and has a combination of sweet and tart taste. Pineapple belongs to the Bromeliaceae family and is actually a composite fruit made of coalesced berries that grow at the crown of a fruiting tree.The name pineapple evolved in the 17th century due to its structure and appearance being similar to pine cones.

Nutrition facts
Here are the nutrition facts for raw pineapple, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which regulates food labeling through the National Labeling and Education Act:

Serving size: 1 cup chunks (165 g)
Amount per Serving (%DV*)
*Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

The nutritional profile for canned pineapple is different from raw pineapple. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, canned pineapple in light syrup has 131 calories per cup and 31.88 grams of sugar.

Health Benefits of Pineapple

The pineapple fruit is known to offer several benefits. Let us discuss each benefit in detail below.

• Treats Arthritis
  Pineapple has an ability to reduce the inflammation of joints and muscles, particularly those associated with arthritis. It contains a rare proteolytic enzyme called bromelain, which primarily aids in breaking down of complex proteins and has anti-inflammatory effects as well.
• Immune system support
  Pineapple contains all of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, according to the FDA. Vitamin C is a primary water-soluble antioxidant that fights cell damage, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. This makes vitamin C a helpful fighter against problems such as heart disease and joint pain.
• Effective Solution For Acne
  This exotic flavor is like an elixir for our skin, especially to get rid of stubborn pimples. How? Well, the presence of vitamin C (thus, the tartness) in pineapples enables this fruit to be used, internally as well as externally, as a cure for acne and other inflammatory skin conditions. Also, bromelain, the anti-inflammatory enzyme in this fruit, boosts the healing power of vitamin C. So, the next time you fall prey to acne, try using pineapples.
• Bone strength
  Pineapple may help you keep standing tall and strong. The fruit contains nearly 75 percent of the daily-recommended value of the mineral manganese, which is essential in developing strong bones and connective tissue, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. One 1994 study suggested that manganese, along with other trace minerals, may be helpful in preventing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. 
• Speeds up Wound Healing
  High vitamin C content in pineapple helps you heal wounds and injuries quickly and also defends you against infections and illnesses. Vitamin C plays an essential role in creating collagen. [6] This is partly the reason why it is seen as a healing vitamin because collagen is the essential protein base of blood vessel walls, skin, organs, and bones.
• Helps Your Skin Look Younger
  I consume pineapple thrice a week (depending on the season), and I can proudly state that it has a positive effect on my skin. So, all you lovely ladies who want their skin to be even and supple, include this exotic fruit in your grocery list. Want to know the scientific reason why pineapples make our skin awesome? Well, this fruit gives the collagen synthesis in your body a boost. The higher the collagen synthesis is, the firmer and more flexible your skin will be. Plus, the added nourishment comes from the presence of amino acids and vitamin C, which ensure that the damaged cells and tissues are repaired quickly. You can see instant effects after applying freshly prepared pineapple juice on your face and washing it off using tap water after 10 minutes. Do tell me how it worked for you!
• Eye health
  “Pineapples can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a disease that affects the eyes as people age, due in part to its high amount of vitamin C and the antioxidants it contains,” Flores said. 
• Prevents Cancer
  Pineapple has been directly related to preventing cancers of the mouth, throat, and breast as it is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin A, beta-carotene, bromelain, flavonoids, and manganese.Manganese is an important cofactor of superoxide dismutase, an extremely potent free radical scavenger that has been associated with the prevention of different cancers.
• Natural Exfoliating Agent
  In order to exfoliate your skin, you can use freshly crushed pineapple wedges. This particular surface has a rough texture that eliminates the dead skin and accentuates blood flow. This, in turn, makes your skin look brighter. Isn’t it just awesome?
• Aids in Digestion
  Eating pineapples regularly can protect you from many health conditions, including constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), atherosclerosis, and blood clotting as well as high blood pressure. Pineapple, being rich in fiber, promotes the passage of food through the digestive tract at a normal rate and stimulates the release of gastric and digestive juices to help food dissolve. It also bulks up loose stool, which helps in treating diarrhea and IBS. Furthermore, the bromelain in pineapple stimulates protein digestion, reduces gut inflammation, and therefore, treats digestive issues.

• Anti-Inflammatory benefits
  “Due to a complex mixture of substances that can be extracted from the core of the pineapple, well known as bromelain, pineapples can help reduce severe inflammation ... and can reduce tumor growth,” Flores said. A variety of studies have indicated that bromelain may be helpful in treating osteoarthritis, though more research is needed. 

  Excessive inflammation is often associated with cancer, and according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, bromelain and other proteolytic enzymes have been shown to increase the survival rates of animals with various tumors. There is not yet, however, clinical evidence to show that such results will happen in humans. 

• Get Rid Of Those Cracks On Your Feet
  Another of the most common problems that make us depend on those commercial creams. But, pineapple skin is the most inexpensive (well, if we take off the price of pineapple), yet effective method to make them vanish. The exfoliating property of pineapple, along with its collagen synthesizing nature, makes it an excellent natural scrub for your feet. It helps in sloughing off the flaky, calloused skin of the feet, leaving them smooth, soft, and pretty. The inflammation and swelling, triggered by the cracks, also get relieved 

• Softens And Strengthens Nails
  Have you thought why your nails look dry and brittle? No? Blame vitamins A and B. The lack of them in the body is the main culprit. You do not need any over-the-counter multivitamin pills to ease this condition, though! Just use pineapple. You can even prepare a nail softening lotion at your home using pineapple juice.

You Will Need

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon fresh pineapple juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 drops lemon oil

What You Need To Do

1. ​Mix all the above ingredients in a bowl using a brush or a spoon.
2. Apply it to your nails and cuticles with the help of a cotton ball or a thin brush.
3. Rinse after 15 minutes.

How Often Should You Do This
You can do this treatment daily before sleeping, and see the amazing shine on your nails the next morning. Wow!

Caution
If you’re allergic to lemon juice, do not try this treatment.

• Blood clot reduction
  Flores noted that because of their bromelain levels, pineapples can help reduce excessive coagulation of the blood. This makes pineapple a good snack for frequent fliers and others at risk for blood clots.
• Natural Cure For Chapped Lips
  Want to achieve pouty, kissable lips that are so soft and supple that you can’t help but fuss over them? Take my suggestion and use pineapple that, when used along with coconut oil, offers relief from chapped lips. Pineapple, like coconut oil, possesses skin hydrating and nourishing properties.
• Prevents Hair Loss
  Watching hundreds of hair strands flow down the drain when you shower can be really painful. But, a few dietary changes can help you prevent this troublesome hair loss. Including pineapple in your lunch/dinner routine is one such solution. Vitamin C is an important element that aids in preventing hair loss. It is a powerful antioxidant that combats free radical damage. Pineapple is a rich source of this water-soluble vitamin. Eat them as wedges or just juice them fresh and drink it to reap the benefits of vitamin C and prevent hair loss 
• Treats Cough and Cold
  Pineapple is rich in both bromelain and vitamin C, therefore it helps in preventing and treating respiratory illnesses while eliminating phlegm and mucus from your body if you’ve already contracted an illness or infection. These two nutrients are connected with the reduction of phlegm and mucus build up in the respiratory tracts and sinus cavities.
• Good For Inflammatory Scalp Conditions
  When your scalp feels like a battleground of itches, try pineapples for instant soothing. Bromelain is an antioxidative enzyme that possesses anti-inflammatory powers. Daily consumption of pineapple prevents and eases inflammatory conditions that affect the scalp. It also offers relief from infections of the scalp, preventing unwanted hair fall.
• ncreases Fertility
  Pineapples have been connected to improved fertility because of their antioxidant properties. These crowned fruits exercise their free radical scavenging action and help women in conceiving. The vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, beta-carotene, copper, zinc, and folate, all play an essential part in improving female as well as male fertility.
• For Thicker Hair
  Envious of Rapunzel’s long and thick mane? You can also achieve the Disney princess look by having pineapples. Their extracts are known to possess hair thickening properties. The enzymes present in this golden-yellow fruits enrich the hair follicles by rendering vital nutrients. This, in turn, improves the elasticity and thickness of the hair.
• Improves Oral Health
  Along with the antioxidants that protect against oral cancer, pineapple also has astringent properties, which strengthen gums and teeth.Pineapple is a very powerful astringent and is often prescribed as a natural remedy to fix the loosening of teeth or the retraction of gums. Astringent agents help tighten up tissues and tone the body so that tooth loss, hair loss, muscle weakness, and skin loosening do not occur.
• Prevent Free Radical Damage
  Pineapples are a rich source of antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body, thereby preventing further cellular damage. These antioxidants also protect our body from diseases like atherosclerosis, heart diseases, arthritis, various cancers, etc. So, if you are looking for an escape from these conditions, do not hesitate from adapting to pineapples.
• Improves Vision
  Pineapple has the ability to improve eye health and prevent other age-related eye diseases.Macular degeneration affects many elderly people and beta-carotene present in pineapple can help prevent this vision problem.
• Prevent Colds
  Nobody likes to sneeze and sniffle for most of the day. Born under the wintery skies, I’m very prone to getting cold fits even in summers, so pineapple has become my buddy. This exotic fruit is abundant in vitamin C and bromelain, which fight against microbial infections. Eating pineapples with the prescribed medicines can help cure colds and coughs effectively. Isn’t that a tastier option than swallowing up all those bitter meds?
• Cures Sinusitis, Sore Throat, Gout, Swellings
  Pineapples help prevent sinusitis. They are also effective in curing sore throat, gout, and swellings. Isn’t it just awesome?
• Dissolves Kidney Stones
  By regulating digestion and reducing blood clotting, pineapples help in dissolving kidney stones. Eat the bromelain-rich fruit or drink its juice to keep the kidneys safe and stones away!

Pineapple facts

• The word "pineapple," derived from the Spanish word piña, was first used in 1398 to refer to a pinecone. This changed about 300 years later, with the word "pinecone" being introduced so pineapple could be used exclusively for the fruit.
• Early attempts by Europeans to cultivate the fruit failed until they realized that the fruit needs a tropical climate to flourish. By the end of the 16th century, Portuguese and Spanish explorers introduced pineapples into their Asian, African and South Pacific colonies.
• Pineapples were discovered by Europeans in 1493 on the Caribbean island of Guadalupe.
• Because pineapples are very perishable, fresh pineapples were a rarity for early American colonists. Glazed, sugar-coated pineapples were a luxurious treat, and fresh pineapple itself became a symbol of prestige and social class.
• Pineapple canneries use every bit of the pineapple. The skins, core and end portions are used to make a variety of products, including vinegar, alcohol and animal food.
• Other countries that commercially grow pineapples include Thailand, the Philippines, China, Brazil and Mexico.
• Pineapples were first cultivated in Hawaii in the 18th century. Hawaii is the only U.S. state in which they are still grown.

Side Effects of Pineapple
The side effects of pineapple are mainly because of the high proportions bromelain and vitamin C present in it. Also, raw pineapple is very unhealthy for consumption and should be avoided. Common side effects of eating pineapple include:

• Vomiting
• Swelling of mouth and cheeks
• Skin rashes
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Nausea

Risks

• Sensitivity: Because of bromelain your lips, gums, and tongue may experience some tenderness or sensitivity if you eat too much pineapple.
• Pregnancy: Bromelain has been known to stimulate menstruation, so pregnant women should avoid excessive intake of pineapple in order to prevent any chances of a miscarriage.
• Heart disorders: People on medication of beta-blockers should consume pineapple in moderation as it can add to the potassium levels in the blood and cause them to rise.
• Interaction with medications: Individuals on medications like anticoagulants, blood thinners, insomnia drugs, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines.
• Canned Pineapples: Preservatives like sugar in canned pineapples are harmful to all, especially diabetics and those wanting to achieve weight loss goals.
• Gastro-esophageal reflux diseases (GERD): People suffering from GERD may witness an increase in serious symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation if too much of pineapple is eaten.
• Kidney diseases: Potassium, in pineapples, is healthy in many ways but can lead to negative effects if the intake of the fruit is not limited.

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