Pineapple, health benefits : from diuretic to decongestant action, here are all the beneficial properties of this extraordinary exotic fruit.
In addition to its goodness that makes it a fruit particularly suitable for many recipes, pineapple is a true concentrate of beneficial and therapeutic properties. It is a rich source of antioxidants and essential nutrients that improve the health of our body.
Why pineapple has many benefits
In addition to its remarkable healing properties, pineapple is known for its high content of vitamins C, B1, B6, folic acid and mineral salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron . Pineapple is mostly made up of water and fiber; for this reason it is low in calories and therefore an ideal food for those following a diet.
Most of the benefits of pineapple are due to the presence of an enzyme called bromelain , an enzyme capable of improving digestion and destroying intestinal parasites.
Properties and benefits of Bromelain
Pineapple bromelain has anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, anti-edematous and fibrinolytic properties . According to experts, this enzyme could act as a natural anticoagulant and cause positive changes in white blood cells. Recent studies have also determined that bromelain and pineapple antioxidants could be anticarcinogenic.
Beneficial properties of pineapple
Here is a list of the benefits of pineapple , one of the healthiest tropical fruits :
1) Digestive action
Bromelain helps digest proteins but is also effective in treating dyspepsia
2) Anti-inflammatory action
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, bromelain is able to relieve trauma, edema and pain caused by arthritis but unlike drugs it does not cause toxic effects.
3) Diuretic action
Pineapple is particularly recommended by nutritionists and dieticians to fight fat and water retention
4) Antioxidant action
Thanks to beta-carotene and vitamin C, this fruit helps keep the skin elastic, preventing wrinkles and premature aging.
5) Antithrombotic and antisclerotic action.
It slows down the formation of plaques and clots in the veins and arteries and is very effective in cases of venous edema and insufficiency.
6) Antitumor action
Recent studies claim that bromelain could be able to prevent the formation of cancer cells
7) Slimming action
Bromelain stimulates the metabolism, helps burn fat and is therefore ideal for those following a slimming diet
8) Hypotensive action
Thanks to its richness in potassium, pineapple is particularly suitable for those who suffer from high blood pressure.
9) Purifying action
Pineapple helps the excretory organs, liver and kidneys, to perform their function at their best
10) Decongestant action
Indicated in the treatment of problems of irritation of the mucous membranes, of the respiratory tract and of catarrhal excesses, caused by allergic rhinitis
11) Immunomodulatory action
Bromelain helps reduce infections and parasites, improving the immune system
12) Fibrinolytic action
It is able to improve blood and lymphatic circulation and reduce vasodilation
13) Laxative and astringent action
Thanks to the fibres, this fruit is indicated in the treatment of constipation but thanks to its astringent properties it can be consumed to block diarrhoea
14) Anti-cholesterol action
The high fibre content keeps bad cholesterol levels in the blood under control because it reduces its absorption
15) Anti-flu action
The great resource of vitamin C helps prevent seasonal ailments, such as coughs, colds, flu and sore throats.
Nutritional properties of pineapple
Pineapple is an exotic fruit rich in nutritional properties .
One hundred grams of pineapple pulp contains the following quantities of vitamins and minerals :
- 17 mg of vitamin C
- 0.2 mg of niacin
- 0.05 mg of thiamine
- 0.01 mg of riboflavin
- 7 µg of vitamin A
- vitamin B6
- folates
- pantothenic acid
- 250 mg of potassium
- 17 mg of calcium
- 8 mg of phosphorus
- 2 mg sodium
- 0.5 mg of iron
- iron
- manganese
As for the composition of the fruit, 100 grams of pulp provide :
- 86.4 g of water
- 0.5 g protein
- 10 g of soluble sugars
- 1 g of fiber (of which 0.15 g soluble and 0.83 g insoluble)
The precious bromelain we wrote about in the previous paragraphs is instead mainly contained in the pineapple stem.
Pineapple diet
Pineapple in a balanced diet has a beneficial effect thanks to its diuretic action . It therefore helps to solve problems of water retention by promoting the elimination of liquids through urine.
However, the slimming properties of pineapple praised by amateur nutritionists or worse are completely unfounded.
How to choose pineapple
Many fruits continue to ripen after being picked, but pineapples do not. To find out if it was picked ripe, you need to look at the skin, if it is too green or too brown. In the first case it is not ripe, in the second case it is too ripe. To be ripe at the right point it must be a good shade of orange and have a pleasant scent.
