I love eating pizza, but what I love most is the pineapple toppings. Any combination
of toppings I just prefered in pineapple. Anyway according to the study there are
possible health benefits of consuming pineapples..
Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced
risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies have suggested that
increasing consumption of plant foods like pineapples decreases the risk of obesity and
overall mortality, diabetes, heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair,
increased energy, overall lower weight.
Age-related macular degeneration: A higher intake of all fruits (3 or more servings per
day) has also been shown to decrease risk of and progression of age-related macular
degeneration.
Asthma prevention: The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume
a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is beta-carotene, found in
plant foods like pineapple, mangoes, papaya, apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin
and carrots.
Blood pressure: Increasing potassium intake by consuming high potassium fruits and
vegetables can help with lowering blood pressure. According to the National Health
and Nutrition Examination Survey, fewer than 2% of US adults meet the daily 4700 mg
recommendation.1
Also of note, a high potassium intake is associated with a 20% decreased risk of dying
from all causes.1
Cancer: As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C, pineapples can help
combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer.
Diets rich in beta-carotene may also play a protective role against prostate cancer,
according to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health's Department of
Nutrition7 and has been shown to have an inverse association with the development of
colon cancer in the Japanese population.8
High fiber intakes from all fruits and vegetables are associated with a lowered risk of
colorectal cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society:
"there are studies suggesting that bromelain [found in pineapple] and other such
enzymes may be used with standard cancer treatment to help reduce some side
effects (such as mouth and throat inflammation due to radiation treatments)."
Diabetes: Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have
lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids
and insulin levels. One medium pineapple provides about 13 grams of fiber.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 21-25 g/day for women and
0-38 g/day for men.
Digestion: Pineapples, because of their fiber and water content, help to prevent
constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract.
Fertility: Antioxidant-rich diets have been shown to improve fertility. Because free
radicals also can damage the reproductive system, foods with high antioxidant activity
like pineapples that battle free radicals are recommended for those trying to conceive.
The antioxidants in pineapple such as vitamins C, beta-carotene and the vitamins and
minerals and copper, zinc and folate have properties that affect both male and female
fertility.5
Healing and Inflammation: Some studies have shown that bromelain, the enzyme found
in pineapples, can reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain associated with
injury and surgical intervention. Bromelain is currently being used to treat and reduce
inflammation from tendinitis, sprains, strains, and other minor muscle injuries as well
as swelling related to ear, nose and throat surgeries or trauma.9
Heart health: The fiber, potassium and vitamin C content in pineapple all support heart
health.
In one study, those who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day had a 49% lower risk
of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less
potassium (about 1000 mg per day).1
High potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection
against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the
formation of kidney stones.1
Skin: The antioxidant vitamin C, when eaten in its natural form (as in a pineapple) or
applied topically, can help to fight skin damage caused by the sun and pollution, reduce
wrinkles and improve overall skin texture. Vitamin C also plays a vital role in the
formation of collagen, the support system of your skin.
