You may well know that pineapples taste delicious, but do you know what types of vitamins and minerals are inside this tropical fruit, and why eating pineapple benefits your health?
Pineapple Origins
Most of us associate the pineapples birth place to be Hawaii, but it's actually South America where the pineapple originated, and then it was later transported to Hawaii in the 1700's. Hawaii do supply the largest amount of pineapples in America. However, China supply the whole world with a larger production of pineapples than any other country.
Benefits of Pineapple
Bromelain
Bromelain is a powerful enzyme, which is extracted from pineapple cores. (Most pineapple cores are inedible, but you can find some that are soft enough to eat). Once the enzyme is collected, it's often turned into supplement tablets. Bromelain is a popular supplement for athlete's, and also for people who just want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The pineapple enzyme helps with the
digestive system to break down our foods, and clean
blood by removing debris and toxins from the
blood stream. Bromelain enzyme contains anti-inflammatory properties that benefits our internal organs. The enzyme also speeds up recovery after external
injuries and reduces swelling. Eating pineapple fruit has also been known to reduce '
ulcerative colitis'.
Manganese
Manganese is a vitamin that our body can't produce on its own. We need to find daily sources of manganese from food we eat. Pineapple is agreat source of Manganese. Manganese is responsible for bone formation, healing wounds, and keeping skin healthy. It regulates
blood sugar levels, and helps with the immune system to fight off disease. Regularly eating pineapple will ensure you're consuming enough manganese in
your diet.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a 'water soluble vitamin', which means it doesn't store in the body. We need to take Vitamin C every day in order to replenish its levels. Pineapple is a great source to find a daily dose of Vitamin C. It helps in the formation of collagen, collagen is a protein that grows new skin and
blood vessels. The benefit of taking vitamin C is also believed to keep away
the common cold.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 is partly responsible for the development of energy in the body, turning carbohydrates into the daily energy we need. Vitamin B1 is important for the nervous system and
muscle functions. Vitamin B1 also goes by the name 'thiamine' . As well as being found in Pineapples, thiamine can be found in meat, whole-grain foods, leafy vegetables and egg yolks.
Pineapple helps combat Joint Pain
Eating a big chunk of pineapple a day, will help keep joint pain at bay. Drinking a glass of pineapple juice a day can alleviate the oncoming signs of arthritis. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Other
natural sources that'll combat
inflammation include, cherry juice, fresh ground flax seed, Garlic, Rosehip and Turmaric.
