Powerful Pineapple

Pineapple is a powerhouse when it comes to nutrition and health benefits. It's easy for you to incorporate into your diet because it is readily available and there are tons of recipes and ways to use pineapple. While it's best to eat organic foods, the thick skin on pineapple means that it can more naturally protect the edible fruit. If pesticides are used, the skin is so thick, that you won't be exposed to as much of the chemical as you would say, from a sprayed peach. The plant grows 5 to 8 feet tall and is grow primarily in Southeast Asia. Here are some benefits of the powerful pineapple.

Reduces Inflammation

Pineapple can help reduce inflammation in the body. The most common way to take advantage of this ability is to take a bromelain supplement which is derived from the green stem and the core of the plant. In addition to being anti-inflammatory, bromelain is a digestive enzyme that can help break down proteins. It can also be very useful for treating injuries because it can help alleviate pain.

Mood Balancing

Pineapple is a good source of the amino acid tryptophan, which helps your body produce serotonin. Serotonin is often referred to as one of the “happy hormones.” It also enables your brain cells and other nervous system cells to communicate with each other. In addition, it helps with sleeping and digestion.

Beta-Carotene

Pineapple also contains beta-carotene which your body uses to convert to vitamin A. Your body needs vitamin A for healthy skin and mucus membranes, a strong immune system, and good eye health. Beta-carotene is also an antioxidant which your body uses to inhibit oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is thought to be a key factor in cognitive decline. Studies have been done on the effectiveness of beta-carotene to protect the lungs as well.

Heart Health

Pineapple is rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C which have been studied to help keep the heart healthy. One cup of pineapple contains more than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. And the dietary fiber in pineapple positively impacts your gut microbiome. In spite of tasting sweet, one cup of pineapple only contains 82 calories.

Healthy Bones

Calcium, and the trace mineral manganese is essential for maintaining strong bones. And pineapple is one of the best food sources of manganese. A cup of pineapple contains about 76 percent of the recommended daily value. Some studies have shown that manganese can improve overall bone and mineral density. It may also help prevent bone loss in people with osteoporosis.

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