10 Benefits of Pineapple: Prevent Cholesterol and Anti-Cancer

zaramozzoe    June 19, 2024    benefits of fruit , health , pineapple   

 Pineapple or Ananas comosus is a fruit that grows abundantly in tropical regions.

This fruit with a sweet and sour taste has a high fiber content and relatively low calories, so it is often included in healthy fruit menus for diets.

Apart from that, people since ancient times have also used this fruit as a traditional medicine to treat coughs and as a natural ingredient to prevent the appearance of wrinkles on the face.

Pineapple Nutritional Content

The weight of 1 medium-sized pineapple is approximately 900–1,000 grams. In 100 grams of pineapple, there are around 40 calories and the following nutrients:

✅ 0.5 grams of protein

✅ 10 grams of carbohydrates

✅ 1 gram of fiber 58 IU vitamin A,

✅ 48 milligrams vitamin C,

✅ 18 micrograms folate 110 milligrams potassium, 

✅ 12 milligrams magnesium

Apart from that, pineapple also contains vitamin B, choline, selenium, zinc, antioxidants, and bromelain which is a typical enzyme from pineapples. This enzyme can produce substances that can prevent inflammation.

Before discussing the various health benefits, here are interesting facts for you to know about pineapple:

- In the wild, pineapple plants can survive and continue producing fruit for up to 50 years.

- One pineapple plant can only produce one pineapple in one season.

- Hawaii produces about 1/3 of all the pineapples in the world.

- Almost all parts of the pineapple can be used in the production of vinegar and alcohol.

- Even though in English pineapple is called "pineapple", pineapple is not apple or pine. Pineapples are included in the berry group.

What are the benefits of pineapple?

Pineapples have various benefits for many body organs, from digestive organs, skin, to bones and joints. The benefits of pineapple can also be felt in general body health, because this fruit is able to strengthen the body's immune system, control cholesterol and maintain blood pressure.

Thanks to its content of important vitamins and minerals, pineapple can provide many health benefits. These include:

1. Improve bone health

A study in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research states that one of the nutrients that is important for bone health is vitamin C. In fact, pineapple contains high levels of vitamin C.

This vitamin has been proven to stimulate the production of bone-forming cells and protect bone cells from damage, one of which is osteoporosis.

2. Increase sperm production

Interestingly, not many people know that this fruit is also believed to help increase sperm formation. The bromelain enzyme content in this healthy food can stimulate the formation of the testosterone hormone, so that sperm production also increases.

3. Reduces the risk of cancer

Cancer is a chronic disease with symptoms of uncontrolled cell growth. The development of these cells is generally related to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

The study in Nutrients notes that pineapple and its compounds, including bromelain, may reduce cancer risk by minimizing oxidative stress and reducing inflammation.

4. Prevent flu

One nutrient that can strengthen the body's immunity is vitamin C. Consuming 1 cup of fresh pineapple, or around 150 grams, is able to meet daily vitamin C needs. With sufficient vitamin C intake, the body's immune system will be stronger to prevent and fight infections, including flu.

5. Disguise black spots

The high content of vitamin C and antioxidants in pineapple means that this fruit is believed to reduce black spots due to exposure to UV rays and make skin color brighter. The benefits of pineapple can be obtained by applying cream containing pineapple extract evenly to facial skin.

6. Prevents Eye Disease

The content of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and antioxidant compounds in pineapple can help protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals and UV rays. Consuming pineapple regularly can help maintain eye health, prevent macular degeneration, and minimize the risk of age-related eye diseases.

7. Prevents Heart Attacks

The risk of heart attack can be reduced by maintaining a healthy diet. The nutrients and antioxidants in pineapple help lower the risk of heart attack, providing additional protection for your heart

8. Speeds up recovery after surgery and strenuous exercise

Eating pineapple can reduce the time needed to recover from surgery or exercise. This is largely due to the anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain contained in pineapple.

Several studies show that bromelain can reduce inflammation, swelling, bruising, and pain that often occur after surgery. Bromelain is also believed to speed up recovery from damage caused by strenuous exercise by reducing inflammation around damaged muscle tissue.

9. Able to heal wounds quickly

The anti-inflammatory content in pineapple is useful for healing wounds quickly. How to use it: You simply apply pineapple juice to the painful area. Apart from that, pineapple juice can also help clean wounds.

10. Prevents Asthma

The risk of developing asthma is lower in people who consume high amounts of certain nutrients.

One of these nutrients is beta-carotene. It is found in orange, yellow, and dark green plant foods. Examples include pineapple, mango, papaya, apricot, broccoli, melon, pumpkin and carrot.

Some studies have also shown that bromelain may contribute to reducing asthma symptoms.

Even though it promises many health benefits, pineapple consumption should still be limited to one day.

Because most of the calories in pineapple come from sugar, which can be dangerous for diabetes sufferers. For those of you who are pregnant, it's okay to eat pineapple as long as you don't overdo it.

That's an explanation of the benefits of pineapple for health. Apart from its sweet and refreshing taste, it turns out that pineapple has many health benefits. Therefore, don't forget to consume pineapple regularly to maintain your health.