The Delicious Health Benefits of Pineapples

Pineapples have a tangy, but sweet flavor that most people can’t resist. Whether you eat it by the slice, in a fruit cocktail, or sip it in a pina colada, pineapple is a tasty treat. For a fruit that tastes so luscious, it’s also surprisingly good for your health. What are the health benefits of pineapple?

Important for Healthy Bones and Cartilage

Pineapples are an excellent source of the underappreciated mineral manganese. In fact, a cup of chopped pineapple supplies over a day’s worth of this often neglected mineral. Manganese is important for healthy bones and cartilage. A study showed that a group of women with osteoporosis had lower levels of manganese than their counterparts with healthy bones. Another study showed that adding manganese to calcium supplements, along with copper and zinc, reduced bone loss more than using a calcium supplement alone. This suggests that manganese plays an important role in keeping bones strong and healthy. Pineapple tops the list of foods that are rich in manganese. Plus, pineapple is a good source of vitamin C which helps to build healthy skin and cartilage.

Good for the Immune System

A cup of chopped pineapple supplies forty percent of the daily requirement of vitamin C – an antioxidant vitamin that keeps the immune system primed. Although it may not be a cure for the common cold, it helps the immune system wipe out foreign invaders such as viruses that could lead to infection. A healthy immune system is also important for keeping tumor cells in check – so vitamin C could also play a role in preventing cancer. Pineapple is a tasty way to boost blood levels of this critical antioxidant vitamin.

It’s Heart Healthy

The evidence is conflicting, but many experts believe that vitamin C contributes to heart health. The thought is that vitamin C stops clumping of platelets which can lead to clogged arteries. Because vitamin C is a strong antioxidant it prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol which also leads to plaque formation. Pineapple is also a good source of heart-healthy fiber. The stem of the pineapple contains an anti-inflammatory substance called bromelain that helps to break down arterial plaque. Unfortunately, it’s found primarily in the stem which most people don’t eat. To get sufficient quantities of bromelain, you would need to take a supplement.

The Bottom Line?

Pineapple may be a little higher in sugar compared to other fruits, but with this many health benefits it’s a treat worth eating on occasion.