Pineapples are a nourishing and sweet fruit that has a variety of health benefits. If you’re on a low-carb diet plan, you might wonder if pineapple is a good option. Despite its trademark sweetness, pineapple may be incorporated into any healthy eating regimen as long as it is consumed in moderation. Pineapple is minimal in fat and salt and high in vitamins and minerals that promote health.
Nutritional Values of Pineapple
Minerals and Vitamins
Pineapple is high in vitamin C and other minerals such as copper and manganese. It also contains a lot of antioxidants. Pineapple, like other fruits, gets most of its calories from carbs, and it has relatively little protein or fat. Therefore, eating pineapple is an excellent approach to meeting the daily need for this vital mineral.
Health Advantages
Pineapple, like other fruits, has a variety of short- and long-term health advantages. This is primarily due to pineapple’s vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Reduces Inflammation
Bromelain, an anti-inflammatory compound found in pineapple, is present. This enzyme may be beneficial when used in conjunction with other drugs to treat acute sinusitis. It’s also available as a supplement to treat arthritis, muscle strains, and sprains. In Europe, it is even used as an anti-inflammatory medication in dental surgery and burn therapy, but not yet in the United States.
May Aid in the Reduction of Abdominal Obesity
Consuming an ample amount of fruits and vegetables is a common habit for achieving a healthy weight. Aside from weight, abdominal obesity, or visceral fat, is of particular concern due to its link to heart disease and metabolic syndrome. There is a definite link between eating enough fruits and vegetables and keeping a healthy visceral fat level. Sweet snacks also lead to belly fat. The sweet taste of pineapple, paired with its favorable nutritional profile, makes it an excellent substitute for processed sweets.
It Helps with Skin Repair
The high vitamin C content of pineapple aids the body in forming collagen. Collagen is an essential component of wound healing. Getting enough vitamin C from natural sources such as pineapple allows the body to mend skin injuries quickly.
Promotes Gut Health
Bromelain is frequently marketed as a digestive enzyme that aids stomach acid in digesting food. Although this impact is not yet fully supported by scientific evidence, pineapples may support healthy digestion lower down the digestive tract. In addition, Polyphenols included in plant-based meals, such as pineapple, promote the growth of diverse gut flora. A healthy gut provides immune system advantages and is linked to chronic disease prevention.
Combating Cancer Cells
Bromelain has also been examined for its potential role in the treatment of stomach and colon cancer. According to the study’s findings, bromelain promotes apoptosis, a technique of programmable cell death that the body needs as a natural defense against aberrant cells. Bromelain has also been proven to slow cell proliferation in gastric and colon cancers. Although more research is required in order to determine bromelain’s full potential for cancer treatment, the first findings seem promising. Because all fruits and vegetables contain beneficial polyphenols and antioxidants, integrating pineapple into your diet is a proactive eating method for cancer prevention.
Allergies
If you are allergic to some fruits, you may have a reaction when eating pineapple. According to medical professionals, cross-reactivity in fruit allergies is probable. Therefore, if you suffer food allergy symptoms such as hives, swelling, or trouble breathing, consult a healthcare practitioner for a diagnosis.
Negative Effects
Bromelain in pineapple may be harmful to those who are taking certain drugs. If you are using a blood thinner or sedative, you should consult your doctor before eating pineapples. Some ambiguous evidence indicates avoiding pineapple when taking amoxicillin or a tetracycline medication.
When It’s the Best
Fresh pineapples are transported from warm climates during the springtime, fall, and winter seasons. Fresh and frozen pineapple are naturally delicious and contain no added sugars. Frozen pineapple is ideal for any season. However, some canned pineapple brands contain a lot of sugar, especially if the fruit is packaged in a can or jar of syrup. Look at the ingredient list to verify if the brand you buy contains sugar. If this is the case, dump the liquid and rinse the fruit to remove any excess sugar. Better still, choose canned or jarred pineapple in water or juice. The same is true for fruit cups sold to children.
Food Storage and Safety
Pineapples rot quickly. It is critical to use fruit as soon as possible after purchasing it and to choose carefully. Choose fruits that are heavy for their size. It should have a powerful, sweet aroma as well as a deep hue. Avoid pineapple that has a fermented or sour odor. Fruit with dried leaves, bruising, darker patches, or soft spots should be avoided. Before chopping fresh fruit, always wash it and place it in the refrigerator.
Kim’s Final Thoughts…
While some fruits, such as pineapples, have a bad reputation for being heavy in sugar, incorporating a “rainbow” of fruits and vegetables into your diet is a terrific approach to improve overall nutrition. Aiming for one to two servings of fruit each day from a range of sources, such as pineapple, can help you meet your daily nutrient requirements. If you have any queries about the nutrients you should include in your diet, consult a doctor or a trained dietitian.
