I love pineapples. They are one of my favorite foods. We happened to buy one this week, and it was so good that I thought I’d finally write a piece about this yellow jewel.
While I normally write about my favorites recipes when I write about a specific food, I really love pineapples in one way much more than in any other — plain and simple. So, I don’t have any recipes to share that compare (in my opinion) to a freshly cut pineapple.
BUT, I think it’s always useful to write about the wonderful health benefits of a fruit or vegetable. So, here are some of the health benefits of pineapples for you:
Pineapples contain bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that basically kicks ass. Bromelain (and, thus, pineapples) helps us to digest protein and destroys worms. This enzyme can also help to prevent blood clot formation.
Bromelain is also an anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce swelling, arthritis, and numerous other issues. Interestingly, though, to increase pineapple’s effectiveness in this way, it is said that pineapples should be eaten alone. Eating them with other foods directs its bromelain “resources” to helping digest those other foods.
Pineapple is also a diuretic, and is good for sunstroke, anorexia, and diarrhea.
Pineapple also contains a lot of the antioxidant Vitamin C, which helps to protect against free-radicals. Thus, it can help to prevent diabetic heart disease, some types of cancer, atherosclerosis, asthma attacks, and problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. And it is good for building up the immune system. And, pineapples, as well as other foods high in antioxidants, help to maintain good eye health.
Pineapples also have a ton of manganese and thiamine (B1), both of which are important for energy production.
While many people avoid the cores, some research has found that they help fight some cancers — breast, colon, ovarion, lung, and skin.
Pineapples also help in regulation of the thyroid gland and can help people with goiter; can help to reduce high blood pressure; and can prevent nausea.
I’m sure it has even more benefits than this, but that’s a good enough list to make me want more. 😀
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