THE HEALTH
BENEFITS
OF PINEAPPLE...
Pineapples are the only source of the plant compound
bromelain, a unique protein-digesting enzyme, which is
linked with many health benefits, such as reducing the
risk of cancer, reduced inflammation, enhanced immune
function and better gut health. The pineapple is also
packed full of other good stuff that helps with general
well-being:1
It improves gut health
Studies have indicated that pineapple, namely
bromelain, can be effective in treating digestive
diseases by reducing gut inflammation. Like most
fruits and vegetables, pineapple is a rich source of fibre.
Consuming the recommended amount of pineapple
can protect you from a wide range of health conditions,
including but not limited to, diarrhoea, constipation and
irritable bowel syndrome.2
It lowers cancer risk
Diets that are high in deep-yellow vegetables and
fruit are believed to lessen the risk of contracting
colon cancer. Some studies have also shown that
bromelain has even prevented the growth of cancer
cell growth.3
It strengthens bones
Pineapple is positively loaded with a mineral
called manganese. Manganese is a mineral your
body needs to build bone and connective tissue, that
also aids in growth and repair.4
It improves eye health
Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, which is known
to boost eye health. Based on research findings,
vitamin C intake is important to prevent the onset of
cataracts in the elderly.5
It’s good for your skin
This fruit will help keep your skin flexible and
firm because it increases collagen formation.
Bromelain helps towards the treatment and prevention
of acne, fine lines, sun damage and uneven skin toning.6
It strengthens gums
Eating a good dose of pineapple strengthens your
gums and keeps your teeth healthy and strong.
Pineapple is often prescribed as a natural remedy to fix
the loosening of teeth or retraction of the gums.7
It reduces blood pressure levels
and improves blood circulation
Eat your pineapple for a healthy heart! Pineapple
is a valuable source of many minerals, including
potassium. Potassium can help ease the tension and
stress of the blood vessels and promote blood circulation
to various parts of the body. This can help towards
preventing health conditions such as heart attacks
and strokes.8
It’s good for weight management
Pineapple is a great fruit for those trying to lose
weight because it makes you feel full and provides
energy without adding too many calories. One half cup
of fresh pineapple contains fewer than 60 calories.
Pineapple has high water content and is rich in fibre,
which is what keeps you feel fuller for longer.HOW TO SELECT AND
SERVE A PINEAPPLE...
Pineapple season lasts from June
to February and this is when
you’ll find a pineapple at it’s peak
condition. Indicators that a fruit
may be past it’s prime are soft
spots, mould and bruises, so if you
see any of the aforementioned,
then it’s best left on the shelf. You
can judge freshness, ripeness and
quality simply by giving a pineapple
a soft tap on the side. What you
want to hear is a dull, solid sound.
If you hear a hollow sound, then
this is a sure sign the pineapple
either needs maturing or is of a
poor quality. It should also have
a fragrant sweet smell at the stem
end and should not smell sour,
musty or fermented. If left at room
temperature your pineapple will
lose quality quite quickly, so the
best way to preserve the fruit is to
wrap up cut sections inside a thin
plastic cover and store in the fridge
for 1-2 days.
9 QUICK
pineapple facts
DID YOU KNOW?
- Pineapple juice mixed with sand
is said to be effective for cleaning
stubborn surfaces. - In Australian slang, ‘to get the wrong
(or rough) end of the pineapple’
means to get a bad deal. In the
1930s in Britain, ‘being on the
pineapple’ became a slang phrase for
being unemployed. - Pineapple juice is one of the best
foods for constipation. Unprocessed
plant foods generally have a
lot of fibre. Pineapple juice is a
natural laxative that can also help
bowel movements. - Eating pineapple hurts your tongue
because the enzyme bromelain
attacks your tongue, cheeks and lips
on contact. However, both saliva
and stomach acids overpower the
sensation once you swallow or chew
the pineapple. - It’s a myth that you will face serious
health problems if you drink milk
after eating pineapple. - Pineapple is commonly used as a
material in men’s Barong Tagalog
and women’s baro’t saya formal
wear in the Phillippines. - The fibre within a pineapple is used
as a component for wallpaper. - The popular fictional children’s
character Spongebob Squarepants
lives in a pineapple house with
his pets Gary the Snail and his
scallop Shelley. - When you cut up your pineapple,
you normally chuck the skin, core
it, then it ends in the bin. The
pineapple canning industry doesn’t
though – these bits are used for
making alcohol, vinegar and animal
feed. Visit http://www.gogofruitbasket.com
for more information.