10 Reasons To Eat Pineapple

Pineapple is more than a delicious tropical-fruit treat. It offers exciting health benefits that can help improve many people’s quality of life. Read on to find out 10 reasons to eat pineapple...

Researchers are just beginning to study pineapple nutrition, but the outlook so far suggests this common fruit delivers many healthy pluses to the average human body. Jim Dole moved to Hawaii around 1900 to found the pineapple industry that still bears his name today. 

However, pineapples are mostly grown in Hawaii from one of several different types. The most common is the Smooth Cayenne pineapple that is found in most supermarkets, however, there are other kinds that can grow up to twenty pounds. 

Below are several reasons to stock up on fresh or canned pineapple at the supermarket.

1. Pineapple overflows with Vitamin C. 

According to Nutrition Facts.com, one cup of pineapple chunks contains 131 percent of the daily value of Vitamin C, which helps protect the body against viruses and builds strong skin defenses against infection.

Instead of drinking orange juice or grapefruit juice, or restricting yourself to these common rich sources of Vitamin C, you can enjoy the juicy flavor of tropical pineapple to get your daily requirement of this important nutrient.

2. Pineapple is Great for bone health 

Along with calcium, manganese is an element that is essential for maintaining strong bones and healthy connective tissues. A single cup or roughly 165 grams of pineapple contains about 76% of the recommended daily value of manganese. It is important to note that while studies supporting the role of manganese in the reparation and creation of bones are lacking, manganese is still connected to the prevention and relief of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis because of its contribution to overall bone and mineral density. 

Plenty of other tropical fruits are also high in manganese, particularly raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and bananas. Pair pineapple with any or all of these fruits and you have yourself a delicious fruit salad packed with manganese and other essential vitamins and minerals.

3. Pineapple contributes to the Digestive Process 

According to health.learninginfo.org, the pineapple is being studied by researchers for an important enzyme mixture called “bromelain.” The compounds appear to reduce inflammation and a certain degree of swelling in conditions like sinusitis, sore throat and arthritic flare-ups. In fact, pineapple has been used to treat indigestion and reduce inflammation for centuries in Central and South America. In order to maximize its health benefits on the digestive system, its best to eat pineapple in between meals as a snack. 

Bromelain is also very effective at reducing inflammation from infections and injuries. For this reason, bromelain may even reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain after physical injuries and surgery. Although it has been suggested that bromelain can treat sinusitis, arthritis, and enhance the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs, additional research is still needed to fully support these claims.

4. Pineapple is Filling, but not Too Heavy 

Nutrition Facts.com rates pineapple’s fullness factor at 3.3 (on a 5.0 scale). 

It is naturally sweet and filling, which is the basis for its main negative quality—good taste that comes from the natural sugar it contains. However, those who are looking for a sweet snack can fill up on pineapple and consume relatively few calories compared to high-sugar or high-fat foods such as potato chips and bread. 

Although pineapple is 94 percent carbohydrate content and must be carefully balanced in a low-carb diet, this fruit contains no other negative aspects that should concern those restricted to special diets. The remaining 6 percent consists of 2 percent fats and 4 percent proteins, which are fairly negligible amounts

5. Pineapple is Important for Keeping Your Sight 

You have probably heard that carrots keep your eyes bright and healthy, but research suggests that fruit is even more important for the health of your eyes. Archives of Ophthalmology published a study that found that eating 3 or more servings of fruit a day may lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) by as much as 36 percent. ARMD is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults, afflicting over 3 million Americans every year. Adding more pineapple to your diet ensures you are getting the antioxidants needed to slow or halt the development of ARMD. 

6. The Cost is Affordable. 

Unlike expensive imports or seasonal fruits, pineapple is available year-round, generally fresh in the supermarket’s produce section, and almost always in the canned fruit aisle in small or medium-size containers. It can be found in jars, too. 

It is not unusual to find sale prices for this item, but on average, for about a dollar or two, shoppers can enjoy a ready-to-eat treat that can be prepared in seconds by removing the skin of fresh fruit or opening the canned or frozen variety.

7. It is Easy to Serve. 

You can pop open a pull-tab can and pour the rings or chunks into a serving bowl for immediate consumption. Crushed pineapple in the can is ready for cooking purposes and requires no mixing or added preparation. 

Pineapple can be purchased in light or heavy syrup, depending on the buyer’s taste, or it can be found packed in its own juice for a healthier alternative. It also is available in the form of frozen juice or by itself. 

8. Kids Love it.

Because it is a finger food and easy to eat, not to mention sweet and accessible, pineapple makes a great school lunch addition or after-school treat. 

Unlike apples and oranges that must be peeled, a pop-open can of pineapple is ready for the kids when they want it. Chunks and rings can be stored in plastic baggies for eating later, as well.

9. Pineapple Recipes abound. 

To promote pineapple health benefits without making it sound like medicine, add it to a variety of foods for new and unusual tastes. 

In addition to serving it alone or as part of a healthy meal, this fruit makes a great addition to recipe specialties such as pork, salads, and many vegetables. For example, use toothpicks to skewer pineapple chunks soaked in brown sugar and its own juice to a holiday ham. 

Or try the fruit cooked with a pork roast. It can be added to apple sauce for a unique taste and texture. Canned pineapple is a great ingredient for a number of delicious foods, such as tofu stir fry . Crushed pineapple is also great for sauces and sundaes, along with special stews. 

10. Dieters love it. 

Because it is inexpensive, easy to find and prepare, tastes good, and is low in calories, people who are trying to maintain or lose weight often fill up on pineapple between meals. 

Eating pineapple while on a diet, especially when paired with interesting items like walnuts, low-cal whipped cream, and rice dishes, can remove the stigma of dieting because it helps to manage food cravings by delivering a sugar punch and a fiber fill-up.

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