Pineapple Benefits you need to know!

Fruits are often loved for their sweet and tempting taste, a sniff of bliss within a bite. But, pineapple? It is a different world. This fruit is loved for its tart and sweet nature. We all love eating it but none loves peeling it. 

This tropical temptation, although has that spiky and threatening outlook, is a beauty when it comes to its taste and the many health benefits. From its vitamin C content to its digestive aid, it never disappoints (except when being peeled). Not adding this fruit to your diet is a mistake that should not be made. And you’ll realize it once you read these benefits.

Know Your Pineapple – Historical Narrative, Names, and Nutrition

Although pineapple is not an Indian fruit, we love it wholeheartedly. Native to South America, this fruit was very dear to the Mayas and the Aztecs. From there, it leapt the American bounds and reached Europe and India through the hands of the Portuguese after Columbus saw it. 

This war was around the 1550s. 

Since then, it has travelled distances due to its high exotic appeal. But it is not just its taste that helped it. Pineapple is super nutritious as well. Here is how much:

Pineapple Nutritional Benefits (per 100 grams)^[1]

Firstly, it contains very few calories. This makes it an alluring choice for those looking for weight management. Most of it is its high water content, which is what makes it a refreshing delight. 

In India, pineapple is usually known as ‘ananas’ in Hindi. But what will you buy it as if in different Indian states? Here is how:

Pineapple Names in Different Indian Languages

Alright, and now, it is time to peel it off and taste the many pleasing pineapple benefits. 

Pineapple Benefits – Pleasing, Potent, and Promising

Let’s start our journey with something wealthy, quite literally.

So, when pineapple was introduced to Europe back in the 15^th and 16^th centuries, the weather stood as a challenge before its cultivation. This labour-intensiveness increased its cost and so it became the symbol of wealth in the European culture. Soon, it invaded European art and architecture. Remember it being a part of still-life fruit photography in the school days?

Now, let’s move from financial wealth to true wealth, i.e., our health. Here are the many pineapple benefits that one gets alongside its tart tropical flavours:

1. Delights the digestive system

Ever seen pineapple being served alongside meat? Or ever heard of pineapple being used as a meat tenderizer? It is because it has digestive properties. And these properties have one good source – bromelain. Yes! Again!

Now, bromelain is found to be helpful in breaking down proteins. This strengthens and improves digestion. But there is another way this juicy delight helps digestion:

Pineapple have anti-inflammatory properties. These properties reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. When the inflammation is reduced, the guts get strengthened and function well. Not only this, it also contains a good amount of fibre. ^[2][3]

Fibre is very crucial when it comes to digestion. This can easily be observed by looking at the many products that market themselves as good sources of fibre. 

2. A wonderful Weight Watcher

Who doesn’t want to get rid of that stubborn fat? But it is tough. However, not with the right diet.

Pineapple, along with other fruits and veggies, can be your good weight-loss companion. It is because pineapple contains fewer calories, only 50 kcal in 100 grams. This provides us temporary relief from hunger and saves us from a caloric load. 

Apart from that, there are other ways pineapple helps shed those extra layers that make us sigh before the mirror. Here is how:

• It has good fibre content. This fibre helps us feel full and satisfied, thereby making us eat less overall
• It is a good source of water. Hydration is a long-known factor behind weight loss
• It is rich in various vitamins and minerals that strengthen our ability to burn calories
• And lastly, it contains bromelain, which has been shown to boost metabolism

3. Enlivens and uplifts mood

When we take a bite of juicy pineapple, a rush of flavours washes our mouth. This infuses within us a wave of upliftment. How delightful. But pineapple uplifts our ways in another sense too.

Pineapple is a proven stress reliever. It contains bromelain. Now, this enzyme hates stress. It is well-proven. In a study, bromelain from the pineapple plant was found to reduce depression, anxiety, etc. This happened due to its impact on reducing cortisol, our stress hormone. ^[4]

Another way this fruit worked on giggling our moods is through its vitamin C content. This vitamin works quite wonderfully when it comes to uplifting mood and putting a smile on the face. ^[5]

So, if you ever feel that life is going to fall, have a juicy bite and see your mind rising high. This is why pineapple should be made a regular part of our diets.

4. Enhances immunity

Pineapple has long been used as an immunity-booster fruit. And today, science is proving this too.

One way pineapple boosts immunity is through its rich nutritious profile. It contains loads of vitamin C, vitamin B, folate, etc. All these vitamins and minerals restore the body’s strength to fight off diseases. 

Bromelain, apart from being good at digestive aid, is also proven to be an immunity booster. In a study, 3 groups of children were fed different amounts of pineapple on a regular basis. Those with the highest intake had almost 4x immunity. ^[6]

Another beauty that lets this fruit be a good immunity strengthener is its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants fight off the damage-causing free radicals and armour our immune cells with the required protection. 

5. Your efficient recovery agent

We all have gone through those strenuous gym days when the next day feels like a walk uphill. Brutal amount of muscle strain and pain. Well, if you don’t want to skip your workout for a long, consume pineapple. 

Pineapple can actually improve your recovery time after that ‘once in a while’ sort of tiring workout. The secret lies in its bromelain content. But, it also contains potassium. ^[7]

Now, potassium is proven to be helpful in preventing muscle cramps and improving hydration.

And not only recovery from muscle pain, it can actually be beneficial in recovering from surgeries or dental treatments too. This happens due to its anti-inflammatory properties. ^[8]

6. Rich in antioxidants

If there is one word that is being tossed too much in the health-related world, it is antioxidant. But for all the right reasons. Firstly, know that pineapple holds within its tartness a big rush of antioxidants. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, everything helps. 

Now, know what these antioxidants do to our health:

• They can protect our cells from damage done by free radicals and add a few extra years to our lives
• Antioxidants can help to boost the immune system and protect against infection
• If you often suffer from inflammation, antioxidants can help by reducing it

• And who doesn’t know the most tempting benefit of antioxidants – they grace our skin with youth 
• And, as seen above, they also heal our beloved but gentle heart ^[9]

Still want to ignore it? If yes, then read these few more pineapple benefits.

7. Hums happiness to heart

Heart health is vital, very much. But not all of us give it the attention it deserves. Most ailments kick in either when the stomach stays sick or the heart stays sick. Once this happens, life takes a fall. 

One way to bring the heart to a state of goodness is to avoid fast food, practice relaxation, and exercise regularly. Another way is to cherish pineapple.

Here is how this tangy tropical temptation can heal and help your heart:

• Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties ^[10]
• Pineapple is a good source of potassium. This mineral is essential for blood pressure regulation
• Also, pineapple contains antioxidants, lots of them. These antioxidants are proven to help the heart by protecting it from damage done by free radicals ^[11]

Still you feel that pineapple is not a good deal?

To elate your healthy eating experience, below are some soothing ways you can add pineapple to your diet.

7 ways to add pineapple to your diet

Life is not boring, at least when we have numerous ways to add pleasant pineapple to our diets. Here are seven nutritious and delicious ways to incorporate pineapple into your Indian lifestyle:

1. Pineapple Paradise Smoothie – Up for some soothing morning routine? Blend pineapple, Greek yoghurt, and a drizzle of honey for a vitamin-packed morning boost.
2. Pineapple Pulao Perfection – Pulao and pineapple? Yes! Try it. A sheer burst of flavours! Simply add small pineapple chunks to your kind of pulao recipe. This sweet-meets-savory combo will tantalize your taste buds.
3. Pineapple Salsa Sensation – A homemade pineapple salsa is all we need. Mix diced pineapple, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a zesty and vitamin-rich dip.
4. Pineapple Peanut Salad – A beauty that is protein + carbs + some healthy fat. Combine fresh pineapple cubes with roasted peanuts, cucumber, and a dash of chaat masala for a delightful crunch.
5. Pineapple Pulissery – Talking of Indian food without curries? Impossible! Prepare a nutritious pineapple and coconut curry blend. This creamy blend of pineapple and coconut milk will add a tropical touch to your meal.
6. Pineapple Paratha Pleasure – Simply add pineapple to the stuffing. This innovative twist will make you go gaga behind the flavour burst in your mouth.
7. Pineapple Infused Water – This is a detoxifying drink that is simple to make. Infuse your water with pineapple slices, mint leaves, and a hint of ginger for a refreshing and detoxifying drink.

Just don’t limit yourself. Cuisine demands creativity to enhance the overall eating experience. Prepare some salad, eat it raw, turn it into a refreshing juice, or prepare some dish out of it, but eat. It will heal and help as long as you keep your dishes healthy. 

Now, a bit about the precautionary measures one must take while consuming pineapple.

Precautions to take while eating pineapple

• If you have certain pineapple-induced allergies, talk to your doctor.
• Because pineapple contains bromelain, don’t eat it in high amounts as it will impact blood clotting.
• If you are on some blood thinning medication, eat it modestly.
• Consuming it in a higher amount might cause stomach discomfort.

Keep your consumption below 1 cup of freshly cut pineapple. 

Conclusion 

Pineapple might seem a bit rough and tough, it is very kind when it comes to health. It is a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the health benefits are immense. From boosting moods and heart health to aiding digestion and enhancing immunity, this tart and sweet beauty is a must-add to your diet.

For fitness enthusiasts, it aids in recovery and weight management. This exotic fruit also protects cells, promotes youthful skin, and even improves your metabolism.

It is time we embrace the healing power of nature’s bounty. Pineapple may be a bit challenging to prepare, but its health benefits are worth the effort.

With creativity and precaution, make pineapple your cheerful companion on the journey to a healthier, happier you. 

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