Top 5 Health Benefits Of Pineapple

Read on the top 5 health benefits of pineapple. Check out the article we found over at Herbs Info.

The pineapple is native to southern Brazil and Paraguay, the modern fruit having been developed by native people from an almost inedible wild species. The most significant nutritional elements of pineapple are high quantities of vitamin C, manganese and the enzyme bromelain. We’ve researched and collected a significant amount of information about pineapple health benefits and presented them on this page!

1. Anti-Inflammatory – Different parts of the plant have the above traditional uses for a variety of ailments and their effectiveness could be due to the enzyme bromelain, which is extracted from the plant stems (and also present in the juice in small amounts). It is sold as a digestive enzyme to break down proteins and is used medicinally for a diverse range of conditions from hay fever to burns. It’s primary property is anti-inflammatory.

2. Arthritis Benefits – Bromelain from pineapple, when combined with trypsin and rutin could be helpful in reducing inflammation and knee pain for osteoarthritis sufferers, with possible effects on rheumatoid arthritis as well, although the evidence is scant for the latter. Note that while there is some bromelain in the fruit, it is much more abundant in the inedible stalk. However bromelain is available in supplement form.

3. Bone Health – Manganese is one of the important elements needed for the growth and maintenance of healthy bones, helping to prevent loss of bone density and diseases such as osteoporosis that can lead to a higher risk of fractures. 100g of pineapple contains 44% of the RDA of manganese.

4. Kidney Benefits – Pineapple is a safe fruit for people suffering from chronic kidney disease due to its low potassium content (180mg per cup of chopped fresh fruit). It can provide good nutrition for anyone with a chronic condition.

5. Anti-Cancer – Foods containing bromelain have been linked to chemopreventive action, for example in correlation with colorectal cancer cells. Extract from the plant stems also shows antitumor activity. Vitamin C is also known to strengthen the body against developing cancer.

The Wikipedia page for Bromelain states regarding bromelain “No peer-reviewed research shows any efficacy against tumors”. This is to a certain extent misleading – as although the human research has not been done, there have been numerous scientific papers reporting on anti-cancer effects of bromelain in cell and animal studies: For example a 2012 study in the peer-reviewed Journal Of Medicinal Food “Bromelain-induced apoptosis in GI-101A breast cancer cells”, and a 2013 study in the peer-reviewed Cancer Investigation“Anticancer property of bromelain with therapeutic potential in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma”

Pineapple and the environment: Waste material from pineapple growing has traditional use as a fibre for string and textile making. New research shows that it could be used to produce cellulose nanocrystals, which have many possible applications in the production of a highly sustainable and renewable manufacturing material, potentially able to replace some fossil fuel derived plastics! Unfortunately, it’s not all good news – some aspects of pineapple production are causing alarm, especially from the heavy use of chemical pesticides and herbicides. Organic pineapples are highly desirable but harder to find as the majority of the large-scale pineapple industry runs on industrialised monoculture.

Safety Note – People with anaemia should limit their pineapple intake as manganese can inhibit iron absorption.

Read full article: Amazing Health Benefits Of Pineapple