Pineapple is a tasty tropical fruit with many health benefits and nutritional advantages. The nutrition pineapple provides in fact is one of the most varied and advantageous of the various fruits and there are many positive side effects to regular consumption (on top of the deliciously sweet taste).

Pineapple contains vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorous and potassium and is a great source of fibre and carbohydrates. Its vast array of carbs mean that it’s great as an energy boosting snack and will give you an immediate sugar surge to help see you through the rest of the day. This also gives it its sweet flavour and makes it an excellent alternative to less healthy sugary snacks such as chocolates and sweets.

The nutrition pineapple offers however is really where its strengths lie. Pineapply contains bromelain – a proteolytic enzyme which helps with the digestion of protein. This is important for the body in various ways, firstly as it will help you to avoid feeling bloated after a meal (making it a great pudding) and prevent indigestion, but also because it will help you to utilise that all important protein which is used by the body for its amino acids to produce muscle, tendons and every other part of the human body. Bromelain also helps to prevent a blood clot which it particularly important for those who are prone to them or have suffered from strokes or high blood pressure.

The high mineral and vitamin content of pineapple also makes it an invaluable addition to anyone’s diet. Calcium will help strengthen bones, teeth, nails (check for white spots on your nails for a sign of calcium deficiency) muscle contractions and conjoining tissue such as tendons and ligaments. Potassium meanwhile will help to prevent cramps among various other roles. Vitamin C on the other hand is very important for helping the immune system to fight diseases as well as as an antioxidant to protect cell walls against damage and mutation. Finally, vitamin A is also an antioxidant and helps prevent night blindness and rough skin as well as aiding protein synthesis.

Other nutrional properties of pineapple mean it can help combat enlargement of the thyroid gland, dyspepsia, bronchitis, catarrh and arthritis. Thanks to its high fibre content it also helps protect against constipation, heart disease and high blood pressure.

The only downsides of pineapple are that it’s relatively difficult to eat and that it’s rather acidic. The acidity means that it can upset the stomachs of some people and eaten in too great quantities it can burn the stomach and bladder. It’s also hard to cut through the thick skin (which is inedible) and is notorious for getting stuck in people’s teeth – though if that motivates you to floss then that’s just one more way it’s improved your overall health.

Mack LeMouse

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