Pineapple is one of the most surprising superfoods out there. You’ve probably eaten it occasionally in the past and been completely unaware of just how effective it is for a range of health benefits. It’s not super expensive like manuka honey, and it isn’t an herb used for centuries by indigenous tribes (as most of these treatments tend to be). Nevertheless though, pineapple ranks up there with the very best superfoods and deserves a place in any healthy diet.
Here are just some of the most impressive benefits of eating pineapples…
1) They’re full of vitamins and minerals
Most fruits will give you a selection of vitamins and minerals, but pineapple gives you an especially big bang for your buck.
Among others, pineapples contain high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, manganese, copper, fibre, folate, vitamin B1, vitamin B6. Pineapples are actually particularly high in vitamin C and contain over 100% of your RDA. That makes them fantastically potent when it comes to strengthening the immune system and helping you to fend off colds and other diseases.
2) They’re great for bone health
As pineapples are high in manganese – one portion provides over 70% of your RDA – they are able to help the body build stronger bones as well as to strengthen the connective tissue (tendons and ligaments). That latter point means that pineapple could actually help to increase your physical lifting strength too.
3) Digestion
Pineapples contain bromelain, a protease that breaks down protein, and so may aid in their digestion.
4) They’re anti-inflammatory
Bromelain is also a natural anti-inflammatory which means pineapples can be helpful for treating the symptoms of arthritis and other injuries. They’re also used by some athletes for post-workout recovery.
5) They’re good for eyesight
Pineapples contain large amounts of beta carotene which is useful for protecting eye health. Regularly eating pineapple may help to reduce your chances of macular degeneration by up to 36%.
6) Anti-cancer
Because pineapples are so high in antioxidants, they’re great for defending the body against free radicals and are thus one of the best anticarcinogens. Manganese further aids in this antioxidant effect by helping with the production of certain enzymes.
7) Energy
Manganese and thiamine (vitamin B1) act as a great double act when providing the body with energy. These help to create enzymes that are crucial in providing the body with useable energy.