In addition to being a delicious garnish for many meals, pineapple is a great source of nutrients for a balanced diet.
A registered dietitian at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital with expertise in oncology nutrition, Sarah Rivenburgh, RDN, stated that pineapples supply essential minerals, vitamins, and bioactive components to the body.
She declared, “It’s a really good source of vitamin C.” Because it is not produced by your body, it must obtain it from food. If you’re not a big lover of oranges, pineapple can be a wonderful method to obtain some vitamin C.
More than 100% of the daily required consumption of vitamin C and 10% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin B6 for women can be found in one cup of pineapple. You need these antioxidants to support a healthy immune system.
According to Rivenburgh, “Vitamin C helps your body absorb plant sources of iron.” “So as people are transitioning to more of a plant-based way of eating, sometimes having extra vitamin C can help your body absorb iron from foods like spinach or beans to make sure you’re not deficient in iron.”
In addition to preventing inflammation and damage from free radicals, vitamin C may also be able to stop diseases like cancer and heart disease. Pineapple also contains calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, and folate, among other minerals. The fruit contains almost no fat and no cholesterol.
According to Rivenburgh, pineapple is excellent for wound healing, collagen formation, tissue repair, and other skin-related activities.
She added, “It keeps you full longer, also,” Because pineapple’s insoluble fiber gives stool more volume and maintains gut health, it aids in maintaining regular bowel motions. Fruit promotes healthy digestion and feeds the microbiome’s beneficial microorganisms. Bromelain is an enzyme that possesses anti-inflammatory and protein-breaking qualities.
According to research, bromelain can help heal burns by removing dead skin and reducing discomfort after arthritis or surgery. Further research is necessary, however it has also been suggested to have some anti-cancer benefits.
Given that it does have anti-inflammatory qualities, Rivenburgh noted, “that could be possible.” “So, if you’re having pain at your joints and this can potentially help decrease that inflammation.”
Because pineapple can be used so many different ways, Rivenburgh recommends crushing the fruit and adding it to ice cream or bread or cakes for individuals who are in the mood for something sweet. Because it has more vitamin C, fresh pineapple is usually recommended, but tinned pineapple is still a good choice.
If all you have access to or prefer is canned pineapple, it’s still totally acceptable to consume it, according to Rivenburgh, who also stated, “I always say eating any fruit or vegetable is better than no fruit or vegetables.” “You’re still going to get a good amount of nutrients from it.”
Because of the fruit’s high bromelain and acidity, some people may feel oral irritation despite its many benefits. According to Rivenburgh, consuming pineapple with a dairy product or a dash of salt can lessen these effects. However, it’s critical to differentiate these signs from an allergic reaction, which can include tongue, throat, and lip swelling in addition to itching.
