Behind the fresh and delicious taste, pineapple has many health benefits, from increasing immunity to losing weight. The benefits of pineapple are there because this tropical fruit contains a variety of important nutrients needed by the body.
To get the benefits of pineapple, you can eat fresh pineapple that has been ripe and peeled. In addition, you can also enjoy this fruit in other ways such as processing it into pineapple juice, pineapple pudding, or fruit salad.
Pineapple Nutrient Contents
In 100 grams of pineapple, there are about 50 calories and a variety of the following nutrients:
- 0.5 grams of protein
- 1.5 grams of fiber
- 13 grams of carbohydrates
- 10 grams of sugar
- 60 IU of vitamin A
- 48–50 milligrams of vitamin C
- 18 micrograms of folate
- 110 milligrams of potassium
- 12 milligrams of magnesium
In addition, pineapple fruit also contains various other nutrients, such as B vitamins, choline, selenium, zinc, antioxidants, and bromelain.
Benefits of Pineapple for Health
Because it contains a variety of important nutrients, consumption of pineapple can bring many health benefits. Following are some of them:
1. Increase body immunity
Consumption of 1 cup of fresh pineapple or about 150 grams of pineapple is able to meet the daily needs of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important vitamin to increase the body's immunity.
With a strong immune system, your body will be stronger against viruses and bacteria that cause infection, so you will be more fit and less likely to get sick.
In addition to eating pineapple, you can also get enough vitamin C by eating other fruits that are high in vitamin C, such as chilies, oranges, mangoes, and tomatoes.
2. Overcoming digestive disorders
Pineapple fruit is also good consumed to overcome digestive problems, such as food intolerance and constipation. This is thanks to the fiber content, antioxidants, and bromelain substances that can help smooth the digestive process and prevent constipation.
Even not only that, research also reveals that bromelain in pineapple can help relieve intestinal inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis.
3. Helps maintain healthy skin and bones
The content of manganese, vitamin B, vitamin C, and antioxidants in pineapple can function as antioxidants that can protect skin cells from damage, for example due to exposure to UV rays.
In addition, pineapple is also good to eat to increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, especially in the elderly.
4. Improve heart health
The benefits of pineapple to improve heart health can not be separated from the content of antioxidants, potassium, and fiber in it which are good for lowering high blood pressure and controlling it to keep it stable.
In addition, the consumption of pineapple fruit is also useful to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) which can clog blood vessels.
5. Reduce inflammation
The content of bromelain and antioxidants in pineapple is useful in reducing inflammation and pain in the body, for example in sinusitis, strep throat, or arthritis. Bromelain is also good consumed to thin phlegm and reduce coughing.
6. Lose weight
If you are trying to lose weight or keep it stable, pineapple can be the right choice for you to add to your daily diet.
This low-calorie fruit is rich in fiber, so it can make you feel full longer. Not only that, some research also shows that pineapple can help increase the fat metabolism process, thus making weight control easier.
The benefits of pineapple for health are not small, but you still need to eat other healthy foods, so that the nutrients you get can be varied and fulfilled.
Pineapple is generally safe for consumption. However, this fruit may not be suitable for consumption by people who have allergies to latex, because pineapple can trigger a recurrence of allergic reactions, such as hives, stomach pain, or diarrhea.
If you experience an allergic reaction after eating pineapple or still have other questions about the health benefits of pineapple, you can consult a doctor.