8 HEALTH BENEFITS OF PINEAPPLE

Pineapple is among the world most consumed fruits. It is very nutritious and packed with numerous health benefits.
Some of its health benefits include:

1.  Protects Against Cardiovascular Disease

Because of  the fiber, potassium and Vitamin C content of pineapple, it  supports heart health.

High potassium intakes are  associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.

Intake of  potassium-rich fruits  can also help with lowering high blood pressure. Pineapple helps to reduce dangerous inflammation and restore healthy blood pressure due to its beneficial antioxidants.

Pineapple also  improve heart health because of the effects of powerful bromelain which can fight blood clotting. Bromelain has also proven to prevent  blood platelets from sticking together or building up along the walls of blood vessels, both known causes of heart attacks or strokes.

2. Strong bone

Pineapple helps in keeping bones standing tall and strong. Because it contains approximately  75% of the daily-required amount  of the mineral manganese, which is essential in developing strong bones and connective tissue.

A study suggested that manganese, along with other trace minerals, may be helpful in preventing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.

3.  Helps Mental Health

Pineapple also helps improve  mood and helps fight depression and anxiety. Because pineapple is a good source of the amino acid tryptophan, which is used by the body to produce enough serotonin, one of our main “happy hormones”.

Taking enough of this amino acid, in addition to other nutrients like B Vitamins, is important to support your neurological system, for energy, and for the production of good mood hormones.

4.  Reduces Inflammation

Another benefit of pineapple is its ability to help those suffering from arthritis and joint pain, because the bromelain that is present in it. It is also very useful for treating sporting injuries including sprains and can help counter pain.

Bromelain works on inflammation by blocking metabolites which cause swelling. It also acts to decrease swelling by activating a chemical in the blood that breaks down fibrin, thus leading to reduced swelling.

Bromelain is often recommended to be taken before surgeries to speed healing time and decrease inflammation commonly associated with surgical procedures.

5.  Helps digestion

Pineapple contains dietary fiber, which is essential in keeping the intestines healthy.
Also pineapple contains significant amounts of the enzyme bromelain that breaks down proteins thus  helping their digestion.

6.  Fertility

Antioxidants in pineapple, such as Vitamin C, beta-carotene and the other vitamins and minerals that are present including copper, affect both male and female fertility. Antioxidants have been shown to help increase blood flow and restore proper tissue formation in the genital organs, plus they can assist in boosting sperm count.

7.  Rich source of vitamin C

Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, it  contains half of the daily-required amount  of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble antioxidant that fights cell damage.
The vitamin is also a helpful fighter against heart disease, gout, cancer, lead toxicity, cataracts and stroke. It is commonly used to minimize coughs, colds, and flu symptoms.

Since it's  an antioxidant it has the ability to synthesize collagen, which is the main protein in the body responsible for maintaining healthy blood vessels and organs. The Vitamin C is also found to be helpful in  skin problems, like a sun-burn or dried and irritated skin.

Because of the Vitamin C content in pineapple, this amazing fruit can help your body fight off free radical damage and reduce inflammation which are known to contribute to the development of cancer.

8. Helps in  Asthma

Pimeapple is also rich in beta-carotene which  helps to lower the risk of developing asthma.

Reference:

http://draxe.com/benefits-of-pineapple/

http://m.livescience.com/45487-pineapple-nutrition.html

http://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/health-benefits-of-pineapple.html

DON'T FORGET! that to get all the nutritional and health benefits of any fruit it must be used when it's still fresh.