Top Ten Health Benefits of Pineapple

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Ever wondered if there’s a superfruit that can jazz up your health with a cocktail of benefits? Enter pineapple, a tropical powerhouse brimming with nutrients that’s more than just a pretty fruit with a crown. It’s a nutritional dynamo with a ‘magic ingredient’ that might just change the game for your health and well-being. But before we dive into the top ten health benefits of pineapple, let’s take a brief look at its origins and classification.

What Exactly Is Pineapple?

Picture this: a sweet, juicy sphere that’s not only a delight to your taste buds but also a marvel of nature. Each pineapple is a cluster of individual flowers, each with its own eye, merging into a single fruit that takes up to three years to reach full bloom. Now, that’s some commitment to growth!

Why should you care? Here’s the scoop: pineapples pack a punch with antioxidants, and we’re not just talking about a quick hit. These antioxidants offer longer-lasting protection, making them the unsung heroes in the fight against free radicals. Think of it as your internal bodyguard squad, working overtime to keep you healthy.

And there’s more! Pineapples are a fantastic source of fiber, which is like the highway of your digestive system, keeping things moving smoothly. If you’ve ever felt bloated or sluggish, pineapple could be your new best friend. Plus, for those who struggle with iron absorption, pineapple might just be the helping hand you need to boost your iron levels.

But wait, let’s talk healing! Have you ever had an injury that just wouldn’t heal? Pineapple could play a role in your recovery. And for those dealing with the aches and pains of arthritis, this fruit might offer some relief. It’s like having a natural remedy right in your fruit bowl!

Let’s not forget about immunity! In a world where we’re constantly fighting off germs, pineapple supports your immune system, giving you an extra layer of defense. And for your heart, pineapple’s got your back, supporting your cardiovascular system. It’s like giving your heart a high-five for all its hard work.

Now, for anyone with inflammatory bowel conditions, pineapple might just be the soothing presence you need in your diet. It’s like a gentle pat on the back for your gut, telling it everything’s going to be okay.

But what’s in pineapple that makes it so special? An 80g serving of fresh pineapple gives you a low-calorie snack with a nutrient-rich profile, including potassium and vitamin C. It’s like nature’s own multivitamin, all wrapped up in a tangy, sweet package.

And yes, pineapple counts towards your five-a-day, whether it’s fresh or canned. Just remember, if you’re going for canned, watch out for added sugars. And while a glass of unsweetened pineapple juice also makes the cut, be mindful of those sneaky ‘free’ sugars. You can enjoy it with moderation and still take advantage of its incredible health benefits.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Pineapple

1. Rich in valuable nutrients: Vitamin C, Manganese, Fiber, B Vitamins, Minerals
2. Source of antioxidants and longer-lasting antioxidant protection – Pineapple is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that, when consumed regularly, reduce the risk of some chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. It’s also rich in insoluble fiber, which helps prolong the flavonoids’ protective effect.
3. Supports weight loss – Insoluble fibers induce a feeling of satiety without adding calories. Moreover, research links pineapple juice to fat formation decrease and fat breakdown increase. Due to its juicy texture and sweet delicious taste, pineapple can become an excellent snack or dessert for anyone looking to lose or maintain weight.
4. Improves digestion – Rich in fiber and enzymes, pineapple allows your body to process food faster and facilitates digestion. It also feeds the good bacteria in your gut, promoting a healthy gut balance.
5. Reduces inflammation – The Bromelain abounding in pineapple has been shown to relieve inflammation, pain, and swelling. It’s often used to treat inflammation, sports injuries, and even osteoarthritis.
6. Promotes heart and cardiovascular health – Bromelain is believed to be able to break down blood clots and melt cholesterol deposits in the arteries, thus supporting healthy blood flow and reducing risks of heat disease.
7. Relieves cold and allergy symptoms – Bromelain thins mucus, preventing sinus and chest congestion that are common symptoms in colds. It’s also used to treat asthma and allergies.
8. Reduces vision loss risks – The vitamin C, A, and beta-carotene in pineapple reduce macular degeneration risks, preventing age-related cataracts and other vision problems, like eye floaters (small sports or shapes that impair vision.
9. Supports Bones Health – Rich in Manganese and Bromelain, pineapple helps maintain strong bones, improving mineral and bone density and preventing osteoporosis.
10. Improved immunity and disease-fighting abilities – The numerous antioxidants in pineapple help the body fight off free radicals that cause cellular damage and, with it, serious health issues that range from diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease to heart disease and even cancer. Pineapple is also believed to boost the immune system and lower the risk and duration of viral and bacterial infections in children.

Generally speaking, yes, pineapple is safe. Moderation is key, though, as too much can upset your stomach. And if you’re not a fan of unripe fruit or have acid reflux, you might want to steer clear to avoid any discomfort. Also be mindful if you have any allergies or are on blood-thinning medication, and don’t consume pineapple when drinking Coke. When in doubt, have a chat with your healthcare provider.

There you have it, folks! Pineapple isn’t just a delicious fruit; it’s a nutritional titan that’s ready to elevate your health game. So give it a try and see how it can transform your diet! Your body might just thank you with a burst of vitality and wellness.

How to Pick the Best Pineapple

Choosing the best pineapple is not easy, and there are a lot of myths circling around. Here are a few tips:

• Look for pineapples with a predominant light or medium yellow shell. The dark green shell suggests that the pineapple is underripe. A dark yellow or or a dark-orange shell suggests overripe pineapple. The pineapple bottom is the best area to look at in order to determine ripeness.
• Compare several pineapples and choose the one that feels heavier, without neglexting the other aspects. Heavier means ripe, juicier, and sweeter.
• Sniff the bottom of the pineapple, to make sure it smells sweet and fruity. No smell means underripe, while funky or vinegary smells could mean overripe or even spoiled. Also stay away from chemical smells, which could mean excess use of pesticides during cultivation or preservatives during storage.
• Squeeze the pineapple lightly and choose the one that feels firm but gives just a little. Too much give could mean overripe, while no give means underripe.
• Gently tug on the spiky green leaves at the top of the pineapple. When the pineapple is ripe, they feel loose or come off. Fresh green leaves suggest recently picked pineapple, while dry leaves could suggest an extended storage period.

Please keep in mind that, once picked, pineapple doesn’t ripen much more. Since underripe pineapple is not that sweet and juicy, it’s best to marinate it or cook it with other sugars to sweeten and soften it. To enjoy it raw, store it upside down for 1-2 days to let the natural sugar from the bottom seep through the rest. Storing it with bananas and other sweet fruits that give off ethylene may help as well, as ethylene favors ripening. Overripe pineapple is best frozen for or candied for baking.

Best Source for Pineapple – Maui Gold

I haven’t tried the RubyGlow Pineapple, which sells for $400 a piece, so I can’t say how it compares with my favorites, but you can’t go wrong ordering your pineapple straight from the source. I recently discovered Maui Gold Pineapple and can’t get enough of it. Grown on the slopes of Haleakala for over 5 decades and sold in the company’s official store, it’s handpicked on the day of the delivery and air-shipped to your door. Once you’ve tried it and got hooked, you can subscribe to receive monthly batches and not have to worry about re-ordering. And if you sign up to their newsletter, you’ll receive special discounts that go up to 20% or, during peak season, 50% off the second pineapple box/case.

What makes this pineapple so special?

• Higher level of Vitamin C
• Sweeter and juicier than other pineapples
• Lower acidity
• No pesticide and preservative health hazards
• Straightforward farm-to-plate delivery

And there’s more! After the wildfires that devastated the island of Maui last year, the company has been donating and investing all its proceeds in rebuilding local businesses and supporting the local community. By shopping with them, you not only enjoy the world’s sweetest pineapple, fresh, delivered straight to your door, but you also help those struggling to rebuild their lives.

Maui Gold Pineapple is your best choice to eat fresh and use in desserts, salads, smoothies, purees, cold drinks, and anything your heart desires. With it, you’ll not only enjoy all the ten health benefits of pineapple listed above, but you’ll also have a convenient and thoughtful gift for your friends and loved one on any occasion: Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, housewarming parties, get-well, corporate gifts, etc. And if you happen to visit Maui and take a Pineapple Tour, you’ll have an incredible experience to share with your companions and an amazing story to tell and share on social media.

Order Maui Gold Pineapple Here!

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