The chosen abode of a certain sponge-shaped cartoon character, pineapples are prime real estate: both under the sea and in your fruit bowl. But forget the questionable pineapple beer that gained notoriety during lockdown, there are better ways to consume this fruit that’ll maximise their health benefits. Let’s look at some of these perks in closer detail:
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1. Eases digestion
Nothing spoils a meal faster than stomach cramps associated with poor digestion. If you find yourself struggling to digest the food you’ve consumed, start considering adding pineapple to your plate. The fruit contains a digestive enzyme called bromelain which helps break down protein molecules. Once broken down, the molecules are more easily absorbed resulting in improved digestion.
2. Boosts Immunity and Suppresses Inflammation
Winter is coming. And while we’re all worried about the coronavirus, the changing weather results in more people contracting the common cold and flu as well as a flare up of seasonal allergies.
With its high concentrate of vitamins including vitamin C, consuming pineapple is a good way to fortify your immune system to prevent yourself from falling ill. A study conducted on over 90 children showed that those who ate canned pineapples had a lower risk of contracting viral or bacterial infections. The digestive enzyme, bromelain, is also said to reduce signs of inflammation.
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3. Maintain Your Weight
Trying to lose weight while in quarantine but can’t stop snacking? Grab a slice of pineapple. The juicy fruit is low in kilojoules and high in fibre. Fibre helps you stay fuller for longer while reducing your total energy intake.
It’s also naturally sweet making it a good alternative for all those high-sugared snacks you crave. Eat them fresh, or buy this dried pineapple snack:
4. Recover Faster
When it comes to muscle recovery, pineapple is an all-round powerhouse. The combination of Bromelain, vitamin C and manganese makes the fruit the perfect remedy for when you’ve gone too hard at the gym.
Bromelain’s anti-inflammatory properties curbs the inflammation that comes with injury, while vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays an important role in tissue growth.
Add pineapple to your post-workout shake.
5. Strengthens Bones
The mineral manganese is said to improve bone health. It also helps to maintain healthy connective tissues. One cup of pineapple contains over 70% of the recommended daily serving of manganese your body needs.
Fruits such as raspberries, strawberries and bananas also contain high amounts of manganese. Toss the fruit together and enjoy a delicious fruit salad.
6. Clears Skin
Bromelain and vitamin C are not just good for digestive health – they’re great for your skin, too. Both have anti-inflammatory properties which help if you continuously struggle with acne.
Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties, you can use pineapple to clear your skin; whether you consume the fruit or apply it tropically as a cream.
The presence of the trace mineral manganese in pineapple helps boost collagen production in the body. Increased collagen in the body allows your wounds to heal quicker. This comes in handy when you’ve cut yourself.
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7. Prevents Hair Loss
As we age, our hair begins to fall out. If you’re worried about your receding hairline, and want to hold onto your locks for a little while longer, keep eating pineapple. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radicals in your body. Free radicals often prevent hair growth. By fortifying your body with the vitamin C from pineapples, you counteract this effect.
Pineapple really is the gift that keeps on giving, and adding pineapple extract to your scalp also allows your hair to grow back thicker and faster.
