Pineapple, a fruit rumored to be able to make a woman's lady parts smell good, but did you know, it has myriad of health benefits too? Such as fighting cancer, boosting immunity, improving heart health, and regulating blood pressure. The tangy fruit is a powerhouse full of fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins and contains an enzyme termed as bromelain (an enzyme extract derived from the stems of pineapples). Discover why this tropical fruit is so nutritious and healthy, and stay tuned to find out if the rumors are true.
Here are some benefits of pineapple that would send you running to the market:
Anti-inflammatory properties in bromelain enzyme present in Pineapple
Pineapple contains bromelain – an enzyme that digests proteins and has anti-inflammatory properties. Bromelain is useful in preventing the blood from clotting and in reducing swelling and bruising and other sports injuries. It is also termed as a scavenger enzyme that aids in cleaning up the damaged and dead cells.
Anticancer agent to suppress cancer calls
Pineapple contains compounds that reduce oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body) and inflammation, both of which are linked to cancer. The enzyme bromelain present in Pineapple juice stimulates cell death in certain cancer cells and aids in white blood cell (WBC) function.
Cataract prevention
Vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals like manganese (Mn) and potassium (K) present in Pineapple decrease the risk of cataracts, which is a cloudiness of the lens that can interfere with vision. It helps combat cell damage and alleviates the risk of macular degeneration, an eye disease that affects older people. It is also a good source of beta carotene (a strongly colored red-orange pigment present in huge quantities in plants and fruits) - a major requirement for good eye health.
Pineapple juice has fertility perks
The manganese (Mn) enzyme present in the Pineapple juice has been found to boost sperm mobility and quality in men and fertility in women. The enzyme present in the fruit called bromelain helps with implantation. The juice also contains copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), Niacin, Pantothenic acid, beta-carotene, and folate that improves fertility. So, females wanting to conceive should drink Pineapple juice.
Regulates Blood Pressure and Hypertension
Pineapple juice contains sodium (Na) and potassium (K), which is essential for regulating the high blood pressure to a state of normalcy.
It treats colitis
Pineapple has bromelain – an anti-inflammatory enzyme that can treat a gastrointestinal condition called colitis by alleviating swelling and inflammation of the colon, making it easier to get through the day.
It is a nutrition powerhouse
Juicy, deliciously tangy and sweet, Pineapples pack a powerful nutritional punch containing vitamins like Vitamin A, C, E, and K, minerals like Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca), electrolytes and Phyto-nutrients like carotene. Pineapple juice is also a good source of Vitamin B termed as thiamine, which enables the body to utilize carbohydrates as energy and serves as a cofactor in enzymatic reactions central to energy production. The juicy chunks are also a rich source of antioxidants, which combat against free radicals in the body, preventing cell damage. These anti-oxidants can safeguard you from diseases like coronary heart diseases, atherosclerosis, arthritis, and various cancers. Vit A and Vit C are a boon for the skin as well.
Helps in burning fat
This prickly tropical fruit contains bromelain enzyme that helps split fat. Also, the soluble fiber content contributes to a delayed digestive process, which is helpful in controlling hunger pangs and indirectly accounts for boosting metabolism and calorie burn.
The tropical fruit is helpful in treating constipation
Pineapple contains natural plant enzymes, like bromelain, that play an important role in improving bowel function, alleviating bloating and constipation. This miraculous fruit is beneficial in facilitating the natural digestion process. It has high fibre content and hence serves as a natural laxative in curing constipation, thereby helping in the formation of the stool and better bowel movement through the tract.
Pineapple myth-busting
Pineapple dissolves flesh
Since Pineapple is a great meat tenderizer due to presence of bromelain enzyme, eating in extreme amounts can result in tenderness and stinginess of the mouth, including the tongue, lips, and cheeks. The bromelain present in the fruit or its juice reacts with your tissue proteins that cause discomfort and stingy feeling in your mouth. The stingy feeling vanishes after a few hours.
Eating Pineapple will induce labour
It is believed that bromelain – an enzyme in the Pineapple finds its way into the cervix (the narrow passage forming the lower end of the uterus) and causes the breakdown of tissue there. This softens the cervix and stimulates labor. This is a myth and there is no evidence to support this theory.
Pineapple makes the smell of vagina good
It is the most common myth about the tangy fruit. There does not exist any scientific proof to believe that Pineapple has an effect on how your vagina tastes or smells. Eating or drinking Pineapple will only offer much required Vitamin C to the body and has no role in making the smell of the vagina good.
Skip the hype, ignore the myths and make it a routine to include this sweet, tangy tropical fruit in a multi-coloured, plant-based diet to get real nutritional benefits it has to offer. Stay tuned for more pineapple recipes!