The many wondrous health benefits of pineapple may be more interesting than you think. With its powerful enzymes and many nutrients, the sweet pineapple is more than just a decorative fruit or drink garnish. In fact, this prickly fruit packs surprising health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory and good digestive qualities, antioxidants and immune support, pain-relieving properties and the power to prevent vision loss. Let’s not forget this fruit also contains a therapeutic, healing enzyme called Bromelain that has been used for centuries as medicine.
A Powerhouse of Nutrients
With all the Vitamin C in this fruit, it’s a power player for your body’s health. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that defends areas of the body against free radicals that attack and damage normal cells. Translation? The super vitamin makes fighting sickness a lot easier and gives an immense boost to the immune system. This tropical fruit not only contains high amounts of Vitamin C, but it also is an excellent source of manganese. Manganese is an essential nutrient for energy production as well as antioxidant defenses. Pineapples are also loaded with thiamin (Vitamin B1) which aids in enzymatic reactions that are vital to energy production.
Another amazing quality of pineapple is its ability to reduce the risk of macular degeneration, which is an age-related disease that can cause vision loss. Add more pineapple into your diet to protect your eyes and vision.
Pineapple also helps keep your intestines healthy. Each serving boasts a generous dose of dietary fiber and bromelain. Together, fiber and the powerful enzyme bromelain help your body breakdown protein, absorb nutrients and promote gut health.
Historic Pineapple Health Benefits
Throughout history, Bromelain makes many appearances in the medical world. American Indians knew about the analgesic effects of pineapple for ages. Additionally, a study posted in Biomedical Reports found that pineapple has been a part of traditional folk medicine since ancient times. Researchers have even likened the effects of bromelain to the power of morphine. When you ingest bromelain, the enzyme releases enkephalin (naturally occurring peptides similar to endorphins) and produces a pain-relieving sensation.
Pack Powerful Pineapple into Your Diet
Today, we use bromelain to help prevent cancer, fight allergies and asthma, aid in recovery from surgery and injuries, sinus infections, and joint pain. The most convenient and easy way to consume this powerful enzyme is by eating a ripe, delicious pineapple. So, go ahead and have a large helping of the queen fruit, it’s for your health!
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