By Dr. Lloyd Berg, PhD.
Today marks the first day of spring! Flowers are blossoming, tiny birdies are chirping and little lambs are bleating. Yes, “bleating.” It’s the fancy, proper word for the wavering “baah” sound Bo Peep’s besties make all up and down the pastures. Bet you didn’t know that!
And you know what else we’re pretty sure you never knew: pineapples are good for your skeletal system. Make no bones about it – pineapples will help you keep standing tall and strong for the rest of your life.
Pineapples contain nearly 75 percent of the daily-recommended value of the mineral manganese, which is essential in developing strong bones and connective tissue, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Whether you’re young or old, eating more pineapple will enhance your bone strength. So much so, that a study published in 1994 even suggests that the manganese, along with other trace minerals, found in pineapples may be helpful in preventing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.
A literal “crown(ed) jewel” in your supermarket, pineapple is a great way to enhance your Vitamin C consumption. One cup of fresh pineapple chunks contains more than 100 percent of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for Vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Among many of their roles, this crucial vitamin and antioxidant are involved in collagen formation that binds bone cells together making them stronger.
But that’s not all you get from a slice of The Perfect Pineapple™. Copper, Vitamins B6, B1 and Folate, are all trace minerals and B-complex nutrients that act synergistically with each other in the production of collagen and elastin, both connective tissue proteins. Not to mention you’ll also receive a shot of bromelain (a super antioxidant we’ve mentioned before), which also works as an anti-inflammatory to relieve joint pain and arthritic symptoms.
Oi! All of these goodies in one prickly package? Now that’s a BOGO deal to rave about. You better BAAH-lieve it!
This blog entry is part of a multi-post series on the potential benefits of pineapples. For more information about pineapple consumption, please contact us at info@chfusa.com.