Pineapple is the second most popular tropical fruit in the USA, second only to the banana. Native to Paraguay and Brazil, the pineapple has been used there by the locals for 1000's of years as a staple fruit and for its health promoting benefits.
Heart Health Benefits of Pineapple
Large prospective studies always show that those who eat the most fruits and vegetables are significantly less likely to develop heart disease than those who eat little or no fruit. One key ingredient in fruits and vegetables that prevents heart disease is vitamin C, and pineapple is abundant in it! Just 1 cup of pineapple provides us with 40% of the RDA (recommended daily allowance). Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants for protecting LDL cholesterol cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Once damaged, the LDL cholesterol cells will attach to the artery wall and slowly but surely build up into a plaque creating a condition called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Atherosclerosis is the number one risk factor out of a variety of conditions that can lead to heart disease.
Energy Production
Pineapples are an abundant source of manganese, a trace mineral that is an essential co-factor for producing energy in the body. Besides this, manganese is also essential for the creation of superoxide dismutase, a powerful anti-oxidant that can only be created in the body. Superoxide dismutase protects the mitochondria in cells from free radical damage. This is important, because the mitochondria are the fundamental energy producers in the body.
Pineapple is also a great source of the B vitamin niacin. Just like maganese, niacin also has essential functions necessary for the production of energy in the body.
Digestive Health Benefits of Pineapples
The core and the stems of pineapples contain a unique digestive enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain is able to break down proteins into their constituent amino acids by breaking the peptide bonds in protein. Because of this useful ability, supplements of bromelain extract have become very popular as a digestive aid, often combined with another digestive enzyme found in papayas called papain.
Anti-inflammatory Effects of Pineapple
Drinking a daily pineapple juicer recipe could be a great aid for those who suffer with arthritis. Bromelain and vitamin C (which we can achieve higher doses of both by juicing) have both been shown in studies to help reduce inflammation and pain when taken at higher doses. Vitamin C is especially effective for helping with the pain of arthritis knee when taken at doses of 500mg or more each day. When taken in the form of real food like fruits and vegetables, vitamin C is even more effective than in supplement form.