The pineapple fruit, first discovered in South America in the 16th century, has since become a well-known and loved fruit first in Europe and then all over the world. Thanks to its unique appearance, sour-sweet flavor and abundant fiber structure, pineapple can be eaten alone or included in different food and beverage mixes. Although it was once seen as a luxury tropical fruit, now we can reach it much more easily because it is grown in our country.
Of course, the reason for writing this article is not to introduce a delicious fruit to our readers. In addition to all these delicious properties of pineapple, it also provides countless benefits to our body as a miracle of nature. Of course, like every natural product, pineapple can have some harm, especially for some people. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of pineapple and see some of its possible harms.
First of all, let’s get to know pineapple a little closer and see its nutritional value:
- 83 calories
- 1.7 grams of fat
- 1 gram of protein
- 21.6 grams of carbohydrates
- 2.3 grams of fiber
- According to daily needs;
- 88% Vitamin C
- 109% magnesium
- 11% Vitamin B6
- 20% copper
- 11% thiamine
- 7% folate
- 4% potassium
- 5% niacin
- 7% pantothenic acid
- 4% riboflin
- 3% iron
Note: The above values are the average nutritional value in a serving, i.e. 165 grams of pineapple, as follows;
Since pineapple is extremely rich in vitamin C, one serving of pineapple can meet one-third of your daily vitamin C needs. Since it is also rich in magnesium, which contributes to bone formation, it is possible to meet all your daily magnesium needs with a serving of pineapple.
A serving of pineapple, which meets 10 percent of the indispensable fiber need for our intestines, is also extremely rich in B vitamins such as thiamine, niacin, B6 and folate.
Let’s come to the main issue; What are the benefits of pineapple?
- It is rich in antioxidants.
- It has a positive effect on the digestive system.
- It reduces the risk of cancer.
- It strengthens the immune system.
- It reduces arthritis pain.
- It accelerates the healing process of muscles and wounds.
- It helps you lose weight.
Rich in antioxidants:
Oxidative stress caused by unstable and free molecules in our body; It can cause chronic inflammation, a weak immune system, heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Thanks to antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolics in pineapple, the negative effects of this stress are minimized.
It has a positive effect on the digestive system:
Although it is not very common in our country, you can see that pineapple is served with red and white meat in many countries. This is because it helps in digesting hard-to-digest foods such as meat. Thanks to an enzyme group called bromelain in it, it helps protein molecules to be absorbed more easily by the intestine after they are broken down. It is especially important in pancreatic disorders where digestive enzymes are not produced.
It reduces the risk of cancer:
Cancer is caused by the growth and spread of cancerous cells in our body. Bromelain and similar compounds found in pineapple reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that make cancer cells grow. These ingredients also suppress cell growth and support cancer therapy in advanced breast, skin, colorectal and bile duct cancers.
Strengthens the immune system:
Although it has been known in the world for several centuries, pineapple was actually used by South American civilizations even in ancient times. Because the components in it strengthen the immune system as well as reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that people who eat 140 grams of pineapple a day or drink pineapple juice have a reduced risk of viral and bacterial infections, while people with chronic sinusitis have a healing effect.
Reduces arthritis pain:
Arthritis is pain caused by inflammation in the joints. The anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain and other enzymes in pineapple reduce arthritis pain. Thanks to the same feature, pineapple prevents cartilage tissue deterioration and inflammation. So it also has a protective effect.
Accelerates the healing process of muscles and wounds:
The healing process of some wounds and muscle wear in our body after minor surgeries or excessive exercise may take a long time. Pineapple not only helps to replenish carbohydrate stores, but also accelerates the healing process with its anti-inflammatory properties. It also reduces inflammation, swelling, bruising and pain. Its positive effect is seen rapidly, especially in skin injuries.
Helps you lose weight:
When we look at the nutritional value of pineapple, which we have listed above, it is seen that if it is not eaten frequently, it will not cause you to gain weight. In addition, thanks to its fiber structure, it will also help you lose weight. Especially if you eat it with yogurt, it will keep you full for a long time. It may sound strange, but you can also eat pineapple with meat or rice, as long as you find a recipe that suits your taste.
Nothing is innocent; What are the harms of pineapple?
Of course, the first thing that comes to our mind when consuming a natural product is allergy. Pineapple is not a common allergen.
Pineapple is a fruit after all and has sugar in it. For this reason, it is beneficial for people with diabetes to keep their portions small. Even if you are not diabetic or allergic, be careful not to eat too much because the risk of nausea and diarrhea is quite high.
Perhaps the greatest risk of pineapple is related to blood clots. Bromelain in it is beneficial as well as effective on blood coagulation. If you are using blood thinners, it is useful to limit the amount of pineapple you consume.
Can pineapple be eaten during pregnancy or can a nursing mother eat it?
As we have explained at length above, pineapple is an extremely useful fruit and is recommended to be eaten while pregnant. However, it is useful to keep your portions small because it can cause softening of the cervix when consumed too much. The situation is a little different for breastfeeding mothers. It is also recommended for them, but it can cause problems because of the high risk of gas formation. However, there is no harm in eating it in moderation.
We answered questions such as what are the benefits and harms of pineapple, which is as healing as it is delicious. What we describe is for informational purposes only. Do not forget that you should get the most accurate and specific information about pineapple consumption from a specialist physician, as in all health issues.
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