7 reasons why you should be going bananas over pineapples

Pineapples

By Serisha Singh

One of the tastiest tropical fruits around, pineapples are packed with flavour and loads of health benefits.

Pineapples are rich in several nutrients

Pineapple is also a source of important vitamins and minerals such as thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, manganese and potassium and antioxidants and polyphenols, such as beta-carotene. In fact, just one cup of pineapple chunks provides 131% of your vitamin C needs for the day.

Bromelain makes pineapple a superfood

Fresh pineapple is the only known source of the enzyme bromelain, which is effective in alleviating joint pain, arthritis, reducing inflammation, inhibiting tumour growth and shortening recovery time following plastic surgery.

Boost your digestive system

Rich in fibre, pineapple helps to boost digestion. Bromelain also helps to digest food by breaking down the protein particles within it. This is an excellent and all-natural way to cleanse your digestive tract.

Keep your skin looking fab

An excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants essential for collagen synthesis, pineapple is great for your skin. Vitamin C also helps to maintain the integrity of your blood vessels, skin, organs and bones.

Make sure your bones stay healthy

Pineapple is also known for its high level of manganese, which is an essential element for energy production, while protecting your cells from free radicals. It helps your body use key nutrients including thiamine and biotin, keeps your bones healthy and helps synthesise fatty foods.

Open your eyes to good health

Pineapple is also a rich source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which help your immune system and eyesight. It also helps to protect your body from free radicals.

Increase your energy and keep your blood pressure down

Pineapple contains high levels of vitamins B1 and B6 which are good for energy production and the breakdown of sugars and starches in your digestive system. It also contains copper which helps red blood cell synthesis, and potassium which assists in controlling the heart rate and blood pressure.

So reach for the pineapple every day and help keep the doctor away.

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