On Facebook today I saw a post regarding some of the health benefits of pineapple, including being used to suppress a cough and loosen mucus. Another reader of course had to point out that these are unsubstantiated claims. While that may be true from the stand point of not a lot of "research documentation" was presented, it is also true that the second reader had no documentation to prove it isn't true.
So, for those of us who want to be as natural and truly beneficial as possible with what we put into our bodies I present some of the Health Benefits of Pineapple as gleaned from Facebook and other postings.
Jennifer Boswell Davlin wrote in a rebuttal to the poster who objected to the lack of "research documentation" ... Health Benefits of Pineapple
This
sticky and sweet tropical fruit is a favorite with children of all
ages. The pineapple is a member of the bromeliad family. It is extremely
rare that bromeliads produce edible fruit. The pineapple is the only
available edible bromeliad today. It is a multiple fruit. One pineapple
is actually made up of dozens of individual flowerettes that grow together
to form the entire fruit.
Pineapple
is the second most popular tropical fruit, next to bananas. Some people
find pineapples as a very luxurious and even exotic fruit. Eating this
delicious fruit on regular basis provides immense health benefits one
could ever think of. Here are a few given below:
•
Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals: The obvious benefits of pineapple
are all the vitamins and minerals the fruit is loaded with. Its
nutrients include calcium, potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. In addition
it is low in fat and cholesterol.
•
Strengthens weak bones: One of the benefits of pineapple is that it
helps to build healthy bones. Pineapples are rich in manganese, a trace
mineral that is needed for your body to build bone and connective
tissues. Just one cup of pineapple provides 73% of the daily recommended
amount of manganese. The benefits of pineapple can effect the growth of
bones in young people and the strengthening of bones in older people.
•
Good for Gums: Your gums are very important to keep healthy. The gums
hold the teeth in place and your teeth would be in bad condition if you
have unhealthy gums. By eating pineapple, you are strengthening your
gums to make it through the hard years later.
•
Prevents Macular Degeneration: Pineapples contain a lot of
beta-carotene that is good for the eyes and for your vision. Studies
show that eating three or more helpings of pineapple a day may lower
your chance of getting age-related macular degeneration, the main cause
of vision loss in older folks.
•
Helps Arthritis: Bromelain is also considered an effective
anti-inflammatory. Regular ingestion of at least one half cup of fresh
pineapple daily is purported to relieve painful joints common to
osteoarthritis. It produces mild pain relief. In Germany, bromelain is
approved as a post-injury medication because it is thought to reduce
inflammation and swelling.
•
Coughs and Colds: While many people often take extra vitamin C or drink
extra orange juice when they have a cold, few consider eating
pineapple. The benefits of pineapple when you have a cold or cough are
the same as the benefits of orange juice, but there is an additional
benefit of pineapple. Bromelain, which is found in pineapples, has been
found to help suppress coughs and loosen mucus.
•
Digestion: The bromelain found in pineapples aids in digestion. Eating
one slice of pineapple after each meal will reduce gas, bloating,
nausea, constipation and the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Fresh
pineapple juice also aids in removing intestinal worms.
•
Sinusitis and Bronchitis: Bromelain has been shown helpful for upper
respiratory tract infections such as Sinusitis and Bronchitis. Bromelain
helps to reducing nasal inflammation and break up the mucus in the
nasal, sinus and respiratory area.
•
Blood Clots: Pineapples can help reduce the risk of blood clots due to
the bromelain present in the fruit and thereby preventing heart
problems.
As
pineapple stops ripening when picked, choose carefully and don't select
one that looks immature. Pineapples can be stored at room temperature;
however they spoil easily and should be watched carefully. To keep it
longer than a day or two, wrap in a plastic bag and store in the
refrigerator for up to five days. If you've cut your pineapple, store
unused pieces in the refrigerator in an airtight container and use as
soon as possible. They can be frozen, however this will change the
flavor so be careful.
When
you eat pineapples, you have a better chance at having a healthier
life. Doctors have been preaching the eating of fruits for centuries.
There are always good things that come from fruits. Be aware of all the
benefits of the fruit you eat so you know what you are lacking for the
day. Our bodies need a certain amount of nutrients and vitamins a day.
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I will add here that to choose a good pineapple you must first examine it for bruises and damage. Bruised fruit will not last very long. Then check the color if there is a good bit of yellow that is distributed fairly evenly around you will have a riper and sweeter pineapple... a lot of green is not a good thing. Also smell the fruit. Can you smell the pineapple flavor. If not try another one.