JUICY
PINEAPPLE
Pineapple or "ananas" has
an interesting history. Ananas plant is
actually native to Paraguay in South America.
Health Facts
Of Pineapple Fruit
·
Low in
calories.
o
100
g fruit provides just about 50 calories equivalent to that of apples.
o
It
is rich source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber like pectin.
·
Contains a
proteolytic enzyme bromelain that digests food by breaking down
protein.
o
Bromelain
is a complex mixture of substances that can be extracted from the stem and core
fruit of the pineapple.
o
Bromelain
also has anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and anti-cancer properties. Studies
have shown that consumption of pineapple regularly helps fight against
arthritis, indigestion and worm infestation.
o
Ability
to prevent heart disease and its benefits in helping those with intestinal
problems. It breaks down protein into small particles so that they are absorbed
more easily by the intestines. It also seems to have a positive effect by
destroying bacteria that can be harmful to the intestines.
·
Excellent
source of antioxidant vitamin; vitamin C.
o
It
is one of the top 50 foods with the highest anti-oxidant content.
o
100
g fruit contains 47.8 or 80% of this vitamin. Vitamin C is required for the
collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the
body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and
bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body protect
from scurvy; develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity) and
scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
o
Vitamin
C promotes healthy gums, helps heal cuts, strengthens blood vessels, and aids
in the creation of collagen, which is the connecting tissue that holds muscles,
bones, and other tissues together.
·
Rich in
B-complex group of vitamins
o
like
folates, thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and minerals like copper, manganese
and potassium.
o
Potassium is an
important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and
blood pressure.
o
Copper is a helpful
cofactor for red blood cell synthesis.
o
Manganese is a
co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free
radical scavenger. Also important in
helping form bone and connective tissue.
Benefits of
Pineapples
1. Lessens risk of hypertension
Hypertension occurs when too much
force is exerted on the artery walls while the blood circulates. One of the
best ways to combat this is to infuse a high amount of potassium plus a small
amount of sodium in your diet to lower blood pressure. Pineapples are the
perfect for hypertension because a cup of pineapple contains about 1 mg of
sodium and 195 mg of potassium.
2. Helps
you lose weight
Eating pineapple can highly cut down
your sweet cravings because of its natural sweetness, saving you from a lot of
sugar-induced calories. Incorporating a lot of pineapple in your meals will
also help a lot in weight loss because pineapples can make you feel full
without giving you an ounce of fat.
3. Maintains good eye health
Time and again, studies have found
that pineapples protect against age-related eye problems because it is rich in
antioxidants.
4. Fights a lot of diseases, being rich in
Vitamin C
Pineapples are known to be a very
good source of vitamin C, which protects our bodies from free radicals that
attack our healthy cells. Lots of free radicals in the body can lead to major
diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and various cancers. Vitamin C is
considered the most important water-soluble anti-oxidant that fights against
disease-inducing substances within the body. It is also an excellent fighter
against flu and a great enhancer of the immune system.
5. Prevents plaque and keeps teeth healthy
Another benefit of the high amount of
vitamin C in pineapples is that it prevents formation of plaque and gum
diseases.
6. Cures constipation and irregular bowel
movement
Pineapple is rich in fiber, making it
effective in curing constipation and irregular bowel movement.
7. Keeps your skin beautiful
Pineapple contains enzymes that make
skin elastic, improve skin hydration, and remove damaged and dead cells. Thus,
it helps us achieve a clear and glowing complexion. The enzymes in pineapples
also fight free-radical damage and can reduce age spots and fine lines.
8. Strengthens weak bones
Pineapples are rich in manganese, a
trace mineral that is needed for your body to build bone and connective
tissues. Just one cup of pineapple provides 73% of the daily recommended amount
of manganese. The benefits of pineapple can effect the growth of bones in young
people and the strengthening of bones in older people.
9. Helps Arthritis
Eating pineapples can reduce the pain
of arthritis.
References:
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