The many health benefits of Pineapple

KATHMANDU: Don’t let that spiny skin intimidate you. Pineapple is sweet enough to rival most candies — and it packs way more health benefits. Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, talks about how this tasty tropical fruit boosts your health.

Provides plenty of nutrients

Pineapple is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. One cup of pineapple chunks will deliver:

• Vitamin C: You’ll get about one-third of your recommended daily amount of vitamin C, which aids in tissue growth and repair. Vitamin C helps boost your immune system and may also help fight cancer, heart disease and arthritis.
• Manganese: Pineapple has more than 100% of your recommended daily amount of this essential trace element. Manganese helps with bone formation, immune response and metabolism.
• Fiber: Nearly 10% of your daily fiber needs are in one cup of pineapple. “Fiber is necessary for a healthy gut and can help you stave off hunger,” Zumpano says.
• B vitamins: Pineapple gives you a healthy dose of several B vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, B6 and folate. These nutrients help your body process energy from the food you eat. They’re also critical to forming new red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your organs and tissues.
• Various minerals: Pineapple contains several minerals your body needs for proper function, including copper, potassium and magnesium.

Promotes tissue healing

“Pineapple is the only food known to contain bromelain, an enzyme that helps your skin and tissues heal,” Zumpano shares. “Bromelain appears to produce substances that combat in pain and swelling.”

Consuming bromelain from pineapple might also help your skin heal after surgery or injury.

Fights inflammation

“Inflammation is a natural process that occurs in our bodies to help fight off illness,” Zumpano explains, “but too much inflammation, especially over long periods, can lead to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.” The anti-inflammatory power in bromelain can help fight inflammation and may suppress the growth of certain tumors.

Of course, eating pineapple isn’t a cancer-free guarantee. “But eating lots of colorful fruits and vegetables, including pineapple, is a good way to help prevent cancer and other health conditions,” Zumpano says.

Aids digestion

Here’s another reason to make pineapple your go-to dessert: Pineapple contains a significant amount of fiber, which is associated with better digestion. Bromelain is also thought to aid in digestion, though there’s not enough scientific evidence to say for certain.

Relieves arthritis pain

The anti-inflammatory power of pineapple’s bromelain may provide pain relief for people with osteoarthritis. “If you have achy joints from osteoarthritis, try adding pineapple into your diet,” Zumpano suggests, “but don’t stop taking your medications or change your dose without talking to your doctor.”

May help with weight loss

Most weight loss experts recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables if you’re trying to shed pounds. But pineapple could be your diet’s BFF (best fruit friend) because its enzymes just might help with fat burning.

“The studies on pineapple as a weight-loss aid are only animal-based, so we need more evidence of this claim,” Zumpano notes. “But adding some of this healthy fruit to your diet certainly couldn’t hurt.”

Helps with post-workout recovery

When your muscles work hard, they produce inflammation — leading to that inevitable soreness that can sideline you for up to three days. But popping pineapple into your post-workout smoothie might help you get back to your training regimen a little sooner. “The anti-inflammatory power in pineapple could soothe muscles and may help them recover more quickly,” Zumpano says.

How to enjoy pineapple

Pineapple is a standalone snack once it’s cut into ring-shaped slices or chunks. But if you want to avoid cutting it, many grocery stores offer pre-cut pineapple. Frozen and canned pineapple are good options, too.

“Choose canned pineapple packed in its juice, not syrup,” Zumpano advises. “Pineapple is sweet enough on its own, so skip the added sugar when you can.”

Pineapple doesn’t have to go it alone either. This fruit also fits well into a variety of sweet and savory meals. These recipes provide some inspiration:

• Grilled pineapple with lime and mint: Fire brings out pineapple’s sweetness, so try this delicious grilled pineapple recipe.
• Caramelized pineapple with raspberries: This quick pineapple dessert has a gourmet feel to it.
• Pineapple raspberry popsicles: Get a summertime vibe any time of year with these healthy frozen treats.
• Pineapple yogurt fruit salad: Serve up this tasty alternative to standard fruit salad.

What makes pineapple so healthy?

Pineapple’s impressive nutrition profile makes it a healthy dessert, side dish or anytime nosh. A one-cup serving (165 grams) offers just 75 calories without any cholesterol, sodium or fat.

While some of pineapple’s health claims need further study, there’s no denying it’s loaded with nutrients that can boost your well-being. Slice, chunk, grill or blend it — however you choose to eat it, enjoy adding this bright, tangy fruit to your diet.

-Health Essentials