This tropical fruit, in addition to being delicious, has many health benefits.
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10 properties and benefits of pineapple
This fruit is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals . Its flavor is liked by everyone, and it can be consumed as a dessert, juice, or combined with yogurt or other foods. In fact, it can also be part of some recipes, such as prepared with Iberian ham.
In Western cuisine it has been widely used as a dessert, but in Eastern cuisine it is often combined with meat and main dishes. But in one way or another, the important thing is to enjoy all the benefits that pineapple has for the body.
1. Helps metabolize food
Pineapple is excellent for improving the food digestion process . This is because it has high amounts of bromelain, an enzyme that helps to better assimilate amino acids. This in practice means that it facilitates the digestion of proteins.
Therefore, pineapple is an excellent ally for those who suffer from indigestion, heaviness, gas or heartburn. Whether consumed fresh, juiced or roasted, pineapple always offers this benefit.
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2. Rich in nutrients
Pineapple is rich in nutrients like vitamins and minerals . For example, it contains magnesium that helps strengthen bones. It is also a source of antioxidants, so consuming pineapple in adequate amounts is helpful in aging.
Although it contains vitamin A, B1 or folic acid, the main vitamin that pineapple contains is vitamin C. Due to these reasons, pineapple is one of the fruits with the highest content of vitamins and minerals.
3. High contribution of fiber
This fruit is high in fiber . For this reason, consuming pineapple can help relieve constipation and lower the risk of developing colon cancer. Pineapple is certainly a remarkable food when it comes to fiber content.
To keep fit, consuming adequate amounts of fiber is also a great help. The best thing is that pineapple is consumed naturally, and if it is taken in the form of juice, the contribution of fiber it contains is lost.
4. Low calories
Pineapple is low in calories . For this reason it is an ideal food to include in a weight loss regimen. It can be consumed in any quantity, and there is a lot of versatility possible to incorporate it as a dessert, breakfast, snack, etc.
It provides such a low level of calories that it becomes a very good option to consume at any time of the day without feeling guilty or remorseful. And if we do, we have its high fiber content and its vitamins and minerals, which is always good news for our body.
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5. Strengthens the immune system
Eating pineapple represents a great help to improve the state of the immune system . This is mainly due to its high content of vitamin C and folic acid. These are two substances that greatly benefit the defenses.
Consuming pineapple regularly helps the immune system stay strong. A good idea is to also mix pineapple with other fruits to make fruit salads or other recipes with them. Eating a variety of fruits increases the variety of vitamins and minerals.
6. Anti-inflammatory
Pineapple has remarkable anti-inflammatory properties . Its consumption is suggested to help fight diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gingivitis and muscle pain.
This fruit can be consumed throughout the day without any type of restriction if you suffer from any type of inflammation. It can be combined with foods that do not counteract this effect or eaten fresh and sliced.
7. Antidiarreica
This fruit has also been shown to be effective in treating diarrhea . Its related properties are to inhibit the growth of intestinal parasites and improve the receptors of the intestine.
In traditional medicine, pineapple and its root are used to treat intestinal parasites. In addition, thanks to the fact that it contains bromelain, it helps in digestive processes such as heartburn, discomfort, heaviness and gas.
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8. Depurative
Pineapple is considered to be a purifying fruit . This function helps keep the liver healthy, so its regular consumption is recommended to help this organ perform its vital functions.
Due to the amount of fiber and water it contains, pineapple achieves this purifying effect. No type of preparation or cooking is required to consume it to enjoy this benefit of pineapple; just peel it and eat it fresh.
9. Heart-healthy properties
Pineapple contains anticoagulant properties, which is why it is considered heart-healthy . It helps improve circulation and exerts a fibrinolytic activity. Due to this, it helps prevent cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension or strokes.
Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, pineapple can help lower the risk of such diseases. Therefore, consuming pineapple on a regular basis is highly recommended.
10. Healthy skin
Due to its antioxidant properties and its high water content, pineapple is very good for the skin . If foods with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals are incorporated into the diet, the skin is capable of gaining health and smoothness, as well as regeneration and healing capacity.
In fact, pineapple is used in traditional medicine to soothe wounds and improve wound recovery. Eating pineapple is highly recommended for the skin, and even more so if it is complemented with good moisturizers and physical exercise.
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Bibliographic references
- Beauman, F (2005). The Pineapple: King of Fruits. Londres: Chatto & Windus.
- Flowerdew, B. (2006). The great book of fruits. Barcelona: Comprehensive .
- Sonny, P. (2005. Fruits and vegetables, nutritional and healing properties .
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.