When many think of the tasty, juicy, sweet flavor of a pineapple, nutrition is often not at the forefront of their decision to partake of this lovely fruit. However, as delicious as they are, pineapples are actually full of key nutrients that are essential to our body’s health and survival. Vegetable and fruit nutrition, in general, are regarded as the best sources for vitamins, minerals and healthy immune support.
Pineapple Nutritional Benefits
Pineapple nutrition helps our bodies in a variety of different ways. The following are a short list of some of the key benefits contained within this fruit nutrition source:
- Manganese
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Copper
The dietary fiber contained in pineapples is also a key factor in good nutritional health, which helps in relieving symptoms of constipation, helps in detoxify the body, as well as helps in the avoidance of diseases and conditions commonly associated with poor elimination.
Pineapple Health Benefits
Alongside the supply of vitamins and minerals cited above, pineapple nutrition offers incredible health benefits, which are widely used in natural cures and home remedies for treating a variety of common ailments. Specifically, pineapple nutrition offers the following health benefits:
- Reduces inflammation (especially that which is commonly associated with asthma)
- Expedites recovery after surgery
- Supports good joint maintenance
- Is an excellent antioxidant source
- Provides protection against macular degeneration
Most published pineapple nutrition facts specifically note the fruit’s high bromelain content, since this enzyme is so widely regarded for its effectiveness in helping humans digest protein. The bromelain contained in pineapple nutrition is also useful in healing:
- Sinusitis
- Skin bruises
- Coughs
- Intestinal gas
- Osteoarthritis
Bromelain is also currently being researched as a complementary treatment for some forms of cancer.
Pineapple Precaution
There are no real health concerns generally noted in pineapple nutrition facts. As with all fruits and vegetables, pineapples should be washed and dried prior to consumption in an attempt to wash away any residue from pesticides or other toxic agents that the fruit may have come in contact with.
Bromelain, naturally contained in pineapple nutrition, when taken in supplement form and in large doses, may cause adverse reactions in some who are sensitive to the enzyme. Reactions may include, but are not limited to:
- Abnormal menstrual periods
- Uterine bleeding
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Increased heart rate
Though these symptoms are not directly associated with the pineapple fruit, those who have experienced an adverse reaction to bromelain in the past are advised to consult a health professional before consuming pineapples.
Also, people with digestive disorders or peptic ulcers should avoid eating pineapples before consulting a professional, due to their high bromelain content.
In very rare cases, people with latex allergies may experience a reaction to pineapple consumption.
Understanding fruit nutrition facts make eating regular servings not only desirable, but also helps to achieve overall goals of accomplishing good health. Although many of the vitamins and minerals mentioned above can be found in supplements instead of gained by eating the pineapple, nutrition from natural sources should always be everyone’s first choice whenever available, as there simply is no better match for our bodies than the nutrition that has been provided for us in nature.
