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Pineapple improves digestion, boosts immunity and helps prevent cancer

Vino Li image in Unsplash

Pineapple is a delicious fruit, very popular around the world and whose consumption brings several health benefits. In addition to being able to be consumed in various ways (fresh, in juices, jellies, sweets and even in syrup), pineapple is also capable of improving digestion, circulation, respiratory and cardiac health and the immune system, as well as fighting the flu. , colds, infections and parasites, assist in weight loss and cancer prevention.

Originally from south-central Brazil, northeastern Argentina and Paraguay, the pineapple was cultivated by the indigenous people and spread throughout America even before the arrival of the Europeans. It is believed that natives of southern Brazil and Paraguay spread the pineapple throughout South America and eventually the fruit reached the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. Columbus and his sailors found pineapple trees in Guadeloupe, in the Lesser Antilles, and from there they took the plants and fruit to Europe, starting their spread around the world.

Pineapple is also known as pineapple in Portugal and in some Spanish-speaking varieties. Both names have their origin in the languages ​​of the Brazilian Indians. The term "pineapple" comes from the junction of the Tupi terms i'ba (fruit) and ka'ti (recent, which gives off a pleasant and intense smell). Already "pineapple" comes from Guarani and ancient Tupi nana and the word is considered a loan from the general language spoken in Brazil until the 19th century (which was mainly a mixture of Tupi and Portuguese).

In Brazil, the term “pineapple” can be used to refer to both the fruit and the plant that produces it. Already “pineapple” is used to designate the fruits of wild species. Belonging to the bromeliad family, the pineapple is considered a tropical fruit and the species cultivated for consumption is the pineapple comosus, from the subfamily bromelioideae. The pineapple tree, or pineapple, is a semi-perennial plant (which lasts for several years) and can reach up to one meter in height, producing various fruits throughout its life.

Pineapple Benefits

In addition to its curious trajectory and peculiar flavor, pineapple brings several health benefits. The fruit is rich in water, soluble and insoluble fibers (such as pectin), vitamins B and C, beta-carotene and mineral salts such as calcium, copper, manganese, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Pineapple also contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps in the digestion of proteins and which is responsible for the very popular use of the fruit as a tenderizer for less noble meats. Learn about the benefits of pineapple:

Prevent arthritis

One of pineapple's most celebrated health benefits is its ability to reduce inflammation of joints and muscles, particularly in cases associated with arthritis. In addition to breaking down complex proteins, the bromelain present in pineapple also has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, which has been positively related to reducing the signs and symptoms of arthritis in many test groups.

Strengthens the immune system

A 100g serving of fresh pineapple has more than 40% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, a very important component of the immune system. Vitamin C stimulates the action of white blood cells and acts as an antioxidant, fighting free radicals (which are responsible for causing mutation in cells, causing cancer).

Improves tissue and cell health

Vitamin C also plays an essential role in the creation of collagen, which is an essential protein in the makeup of blood vessel walls, skin, organs and bones. The high concentration of vitamin C present in pineapple helps to heal injuries and wounds faster, as well as being a body defense against illness and infection.

cancer prevention

In addition to vitamin C, pineapple is also rich in other antioxidant substances, such as vitamin A, beta-carotene, the aforementioned bromelain and also manganese, which has a high potential to fight free radicals. Pineapple has been directly related to the prevention of mouth, throat and breast cancers.

Helps digestion

Like most fruits, pineapple is a source of fiber, but the advantage is that the fruit contains soluble and insoluble fiber, which encourages bowel function. This means that pineapple consumption helps to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of a number of illnesses, such as constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, atherosclerosis, clotting and blood pressure problems. Fiber also helps eliminate excess bad cholesterol from your blood vessels.

Fights coughs and colds

Bromelain, combined with a high amount of vitamin C, works to reduce phlegm and build mucus in the respiratory system and its cavities. In addition to preventing the formation of these substances, bromelain helps to eliminate them from your body.

Improves bone health

Pineapple isn't famous for its calcium content, but it does have an incredible amount of another essential bone-strengthening nutrient: manganese. A 100g serving of the fruit has 43% of the recommended daily dose of the mineral, which also acts on the growth and recovery of muscles, which makes the daily consumption of pineapple also a powerful ally for athletes and people who want to gain muscle mass. .

Help with oral health

Along with antioxidants that prevent oral cancers, pineapple also has astringent properties, which strengthen the gums. Astringents help maintain firmness and muscle tone, preventing small parts, such as teeth and hair, from coming loose. Pineapple is highly recommended as a natural remedy to combat tooth loss and gum retraction.

Strengthens eye health

The beta-carotene present in pineapple acts to prevent eye diseases and degenerations, especially those related to age, such as degenerations in the macula. Maintaining proper intake of beta-carotene is one of the best ways to prevent vision problems in old age.

blood pressure regulator

Among the many mineral salts present in pineapple is potassium, which is an important vasodilator. Potassium relieves tension in the blood vessels and promotes good circulation to all parts of the body. Good circulation prevents the accumulation of waste in the veins, which reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Helps good blood circulation

In addition to the benefits of pineapple from potassium consumption, the fruit also contains copper, another essential component for the proper functioning of the human body. Copper acts in the production of healthy red blood cells. A high number of red blood cells improves the oxygenation of organs, causing them to function at higher levels. It also improves cognitive abilities and helps prevent neurological disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's.

Some pineapple warnings!

The benefits of pineapple are many, but like any substance, you need to be careful with its consumption. Bromelain and acidity present in pineapple can cause softening and increased sensitivity in the lips, gums and tongue if consumption is excessive. This type of reaction usually improves within a few hours.

Excessive doses of bromelain and vitamin C can also cause rashes, vomiting, diarrhea and excessive menstrual bleeding, which makes pregnant women moderate their consumption of pineapple. Some medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, anticoagulants and antibiotics can interact with bromelain, so if you are taking any of these substances, it is best to talk to your doctor before eating pineapple.

Green pineapple is dangerous and toxic to humans and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Always wait for the fruit to ripen before consuming it. The acidity of pineapple also makes it not good for people with a tendency to develop thrush, stomatitis or other mouth sores. See how to fight cold sore naturally in the article "Bicarbonate works as a cold sore home remedy".

If you have any of the conditions where pineapple acts as an ally, never discontinue medical treatment. Talk to your doctor about adding the fruit to your treatment to enjoy the benefits of pineapple.