We all love pineapples – they're tasty and full of essential vitamins and minerals and the aroma is just so nice. The tropical fruit with a spiky shell is actually one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. Full of vitamin C, manganese, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, and fiber, pineapple has a myriad of health benefits you shouldn't miss on.
Among all those essential nutrients, there's one that definitely deserves the attention, yet many people fail to recognize it. We're talking about bromelain, a potent anti-inflammatory compound and enzyme that can ensure proper hormonal balance and pH levels in the body. Bromelain has been extensively studied in recent years, with doctors concluding that it can relieve pain and reduce inflammation better than most drugs.
Bromelain can also speed up the healing of wounds and is especially effective against minor cuts, wounds, and burns. Some studies have suggested that bromelain can stop lung cancer from metastasizing, although further research is needed before anything is confirmed. What science has definitely confirmed is that bromelain can relax and soothe tense and inflamed muscles as well as allergy symptoms, ACL tears, arthritis, joint pain, asthma, and other inflammatory conditions.
Apart from this, pineapples have other health benefits as well.
The bromelain in pineapples can reduce the amount of mucus in your airways and soothe the symptoms of sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis.
Can't stop coughing? Eat pineapples – the bromelain can soothe the inflammation in your lungs and suppress a cough better than anything else. Pineapple juice also works great in cases of a sore throat.
Drink pineapple juice if you're having problems with blood clotting.
Fresh pineapple juice will protect your arteries from hardening and oxidative damage, effectively preventing atherosclerosis.
The rich vitamin C content in pineapples will reinforce your immune system and keep you safe from colds and the flu in winter.
Drink pineapple juice every day to reduce the risk of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Although it won't sharpen your eyesight instantly, studies have shown that if consumed regularly, pineapples can prevent eye damage and problems.
Eat a few pineapple slices every day to keep your blood pressure normal and prevent the problems associated with hypertension.
Pineapples are rich in various minerals which can reinforce your bones and reduce the risk of fractures.
How to Pick the Perfect Pineapple?
When shopping pineapples, pick the heavy, golden ones. Check the bottom for mold as well – you don't want those moldy pineapples. To easily open up the fruit, cut off the crown, turn the pineapple upside down on a plate and put it in the fridge. This will ensure that all its juices are evenly distributed in the fruit.
The best way to eat pineapples is to cut the fruit in small cubes and eat it fresh. Pineapple juice also works great, but prepare it at home instead of getting it from the market.
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