Health Benefits of Pineapples
Of all the vitamins and minerals in pineapple, vitamin C beats them all with 131 percent of the daily value. Vitamin C has a reputation for suppressing coughs, colds, and flu symptoms for a reason. A natural antioxidant, vitamin C is also needed for synthesizing collagen, which is the main structural protein in the body for healthy blood vessels, organs, skin, and tissue support, heavy metal absorption, and bone strength.
Most of the nutrients aren't greatly diminished between fresh and canned pineapple, except for vitamin C, which is reduced from 131 percent of the daily value to 32 percent in canned. One cup of fresh pineapple chunks equals around 165 grams, while the same amount of canned pineapple contains 246 grams.
Pineapples provide three-quarters of the manganese needed for one day in a single serving, letting loose powerful free radical scavenging through the super healthy enzyme superoxide dismutase. What's more, they come with folates, thiamin, biotin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and minerals like copper and potassium, the latter of which offers what's needed for healthy cell and body fluid maintenance, heart rate regulation, and blood pressure. Vitamin A and beta-carotenes provide additional antioxidants for immune system support and eyesight protection.
An enzyme called bromelain is able to break protein down into simpler substances to provide phytonutrients such as amino acids and peptides needed for digestion. Research indicates that because of the bromelain, when eating pineapples, it discourages arthritis inflammation, indigestion, clotting, bruising, and harmful bacteria - even cancer and parasites.
However, consume pineapples in moderation because they contain fructose, which may be harmful to your health in excessive amounts.
Bromelain, obtained from pineapple, possesses powerful anti-cancer compounds. Numerous studies have been conducted, but one in particular showed that cancer cells exposed to bromelain exhibited delayed growth, began breaking down, and then died.1 In a breast cancer study, bromelain given to subjects in ever-increasing concentrations over a 24-hour period demonstrated ever-increasing cancer-minimizing effects.
Another study explored the anti-inflammatory capabilities of bromelain found in pineapple extracts. Research showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in allergic airway disease. Scientists concluded that it might also be an effective treatment for asthma, whether brought on by genetic, allergic, infectious, environmental, or dietary causes.
Source: Dr. Mercola