Nutritional Benefits of Pineapple

Now that we are older, we do our best to eat healthy and try to have a healthy lifestyle. It is not easy to get a disease. Most of the diseases that come out when we are older comes from an unhealthy diet. It is best that we start eating healthy foods and be conscious of the foods we eat this early.

The pineapple fruit has many beneficial effects to the human body. Pineapple contains the protein digesting enzyme mixture called bromelain. This enzyme is natural anti-inflammatory that encourages healing. It also brings many health benefits. Bromelain is very effective in treating bruises, sprains and strains by reducing swelling, tenderness and pain, this according to Dr. Andrew Weil. This bromelain enzyme helps break down the amino acid bonds in proteins, which promotes good digestion. The uses of bromelain is similar to those of papaya.

For tuberculosis patients, the juice was also found to be effective in dissolving mucus and aiding recovery from the once dread disease. Pineapple has also been thought good for heart condition. It is useful in providing vitamin C with 19mg per 100g (4oz). Pineapple is best eaten fresh as canning or bottling divides the vitamin C content by three. This promotes the digestive process because only protein compounds that have been broken down into smaller components can be absorbed by the intestines and enter the bloodstream. Pineapple also destroys harmful bacteria in the stomach and intestines.

Pineapple juice also relives sore throats and bronchitis. However, it should not be used by those with Hemophilia or by those with diseases of the kidneys and liver. It can be useful for heart patients but it seems to reduce the time taken to coagulate the blood which is not good for those with kidney and liver disease.

Pineapples are rich in Vitamin C which is a common antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage and boosts the immune system. Vitamin C is used by th e body to help metabolize fats and cholesterol, absorb iron, and synthesize amino acids and collagen. Collagen is one of the primary building blocks of skin, cartilage and bones. Collagen will help our skin look healthy and clearer.

According to the study conducted at the State University of New York at Buffalo, vitamin C can reduce your risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. It increases the body's ability to fight invading bacteria and other toxins that contribute to gum disease. Periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. This disease destroys gum tissue and underlying jaw bones. Vitamin C also decreases the severity of colds and infections. It helps build and repair bodily tissue and promotes wound healing.

Pineapples are rich in manganese that is needed for your body to build bone and connective tissues. One cup of pineapple provides 73% of the daily recommended amount of manganese. Pineapple also strengthens the bones of older people as well as the growth of bones in younger generation.