Pineapples are actually not one fruit but a cluster of berries!.. bet you didn't know that. Learn more about these sugary queens
The fresh pineapple is the only known source of an enzyme called bromelain, which has been used in studies to determine it's effectiveness in alleviating joint pain, arthritis, reduce inflammation, inhibit tumor growth and shorten recovery time following plastic surgery. Bromelain extracts can be obtained from both the fruit core and stems of pineapple. Potentially important chemical differences appear to exist between extracts obtained from the stem versus the core fruit. However, the practical relevance of these differences is not presently understood. Most of the laboratory research on bromelain has been conducted using stem-based extracts, however.
Possible Health Benefits of Consuming Pineapples
Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like pineapples decreases the risk ofobesityand overall mortality,diabetes,heart diseaseand promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, overall lower weight.
Age-related macular degeneration:
A higher intake of all fruits (3 or more servings per day) has also been shown to decrease risk of and progression of age-related macular degeneration.
Strong Bones:
Rich amount of manganese present in pineapples helps in strengthening bones and connective tissues. A cup of pineapple juice gives you roughly 73% of the required manganese for a day.
Asthma prevention:
The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is beta-carotene, found in plant foods like pineapple, mangoes, papaya, apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin and carrots.
Blood pressure:
Increasing potassium intake by consuming high potassium fruits and vegetables can help with loweringblood pressure. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, fewer than 2% of US adults meet the daily 4700 mg recommendation.
Cancer:
As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C, pineapples can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. Diets rich in beta-carotene may also play a protective role againstprostate cancer, according to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health's Department of Nutrition7and has been shown to have an inverse association with the development of colon cancer in the Japanese population. High fiber intakes from all fruits and vegetables are associated with a lowered risk of colo rectal cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society "there are studies suggesting that bromelain [found in pineapple] and other such enzymes may be used with standard cancer treatment to help reduce some side effects (such as mouth and throat inflammation due to radiation treatments)."
Diabetes:
Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One medium pineapple provides about 13 grams of fiber.
The Dietary Guidelines recommends 21-25 g/day for women and 30-38 g/day for men.
Digestion:
Pineapples, because of their fiber and water content, help to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract.
Fertility:
Antioxidant-rich diets have been shown to improve fertility. Because free radicals also can damage the reproductive system, foods with high antioxidant activity like pineapples that battle free radicals are recommended for those trying to conceive. The antioxidants in pineapple such as vitamins C, beta-carotene and the vitamins and minerals and copper, zinc and folate have properties that affect both male and female fertility.5
Healing and Inflammation:
Some studies have shown that bromelain, the enzyme found in pineapples, can reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain associated with injury and surgical intervention. Bromelain is currently being used to treat and reduce inflammation fromtendinitis, sprains, strains, and other minor muscle injuries as well as swelling related to ear, nose and throat surgeries or trauma. Catarrhis a disorder of inflammation of the mucous membranes in one of the airways or cavities of the body. This disorder can be prevented by eating pineapples regularly
Heart health:
The fiber, potassium and vitamin C content in pineapple all support heart health. In one study, those who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day had a 49% lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium (about 1000 mg per day). High potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk ofstroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation ofkidney stones.
Weight Loss (Nutrient density):
Pineapple is a nutrient-dense food, rather than an energy-dense food. This means that it provides a lot of nutritional benefit for a small amount of calories. Nutrient-dense foods can assist with weight loss. They help you feel full without adding too many calories, and provide you with fiber and a number of essential vitamins and minerals.
Skin:
The antioxidant vitamin C, when eaten in its natural form (as in a pineapple) or applied topically, can help to fight skin damage caused by the sun and pollution, reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin texture. Vitamin C also plays a vital role in the formation ofcollagen, the support system of your skin.
Serving Suggestions:
Make your own pineapple juice! Nothing tastes better than fresh fruit juice in the morning.
*Select a pineapple with a firm, plump body without bruising or soft spots and green leaves at the crown. A green outer shell does not mean the pineapple is not ripe and contrary to popular belief, neither does the ease in which the leaves pull from the crown. Pineapples should be picked at their peak ripeness since unlike other fruits, they will not continue to ripen once picked. Whole or cut pineapple should be stored in the refrigerator.
*If consuming canned or packaged pineapple, make sure to pick up the varieties canned only in pineapple juice, not heavy syrup.
*Keep a bowl of freshly chopped fruit front and center in a clear container in the refrigerator. Seeing the fruit readily available will likely cause you to choose them as a snack more often rather than raiding the cupboards for a less healthy processed snack
*Add pineapple to your favorite kebabs. Try shrimp, chicken or steak kabobs with red onions, pineapple and cherry tomatoes
Make a fruit salad with strawberries, pineapple, mandarin oranges and grapes. Top with unsweetened shredded coconut for a fresh twist
*Add some pineapple slices to your salad at lunch or dinner. Compliment the pineapple with walnuts or pecans, a crumbled cheese and light balsamic or citrus vinaigrette dressing
*Make your own juice! Nothing tastes better than fresh fruit juice in the morning. When you make your own, you can be sure there are no added preservatives or sweeteners.
*Make a fresh salsa with pineapple, mango, jalapeno, red peppers and chipotle pepper and use as a topper for your favorite fish tacos.
Potential Health Risks of Consuming Pineapples
1.) Consuming too much potassium can be harmful for those whose kidneys are not fully functional.
2.) Those with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) may experience an increase in symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation when consuming highly acidic foods, however individual reactions vary.
3.) Pineapple fruit contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain that may cause excessive uterine bleeding if consumed in large quantities during pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
Beta-blockers, a type of medication most commonly prescribed for heart disease, can cause potassium levels to increase in the blood. High potassium foods should be consumed in moderation when taking beta-blockers.
Fresh pineapple should not be combined with Amoxicillin or tetracycline antibiotics. When fresh pineapple is combined with these types of medications, it can increase the amount of medication absorbed by the body. In this case, it might increase the side effects of the medications. Bromelain also affects the body’s blood clotting abilities. When combined with medications that slow or prevent blood clotting -- such as an anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs -- it can significantly increase your risk of bruising or bleeding. The University of Maryland Medical Center also explains that the bromelain enzyme can increase the effects of sedative drugs, such as anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines and alcohol. (http://www.livestrong.com/article/497353-are-there-drugs-that-interact-with-eating-fresh-pineapple/).
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