How healthy is a pineapple? Read the 8 benefits here
Pineapple is a fruit with a surprising number of healthy properties and is rich in various vitamins and minerals.
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Pineapple used to be seen as a luxury product for rich people.
Thanks to its low calorie count, lacking fat content and high vitamin C content, the pineapple is extremely popular nowadays.
Contents:
- Facts about pineapple
- Why pineapple is healthy
- Nutritional value
- Pineapple and losing weight
Facts about pineapple
- Pineapple is low in calories, has a low fat content and is rich in vitamin C.
- The pineapple was discovered in 1493.
- It was not possible to grow pineapple in Europe, because this type of fruit must be grown in a warm climate. Therefore, pineapple is now produced in countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, Hawaii, China, Mexico and Brazil [1].
Why pineapple is healthy
Pineapple is a delicious fruit that contains many important vitamins and minerals. Think of vitamin B , vitamin C , potassium and manganese . This fruit also has several benefits for our health.
- Lowers blood pressure
Pineapple contains the important mineral potassium, which can have a blood pressure-lowering effect [2]. Potassium is also involved in maintaining and strengthening muscles and protecting the brain.
- Protects against colds
The nutrients vitamin C and bromelain are both found in pineapple. These substances fight microbes in your body and help you prevent colds [6].
- Prevents asthma
People who regularly eat pineapple, mango, broccoli, pumpkin or carrots have a smaller chance of developing asthma. This is because the beta-carotene in these foods protects against asthma and other diseases [3].
- Promotes digestion
Pineapple promotes digestion [8]. This is due to the bromelain in pineapple, an enzyme that helps your body break down proteins. In addition, pineapple contains fiber, which is also beneficial for digestion.
- Improves the immune system
Pineapple contains fiber that counteracts hunger and keeps the intestines in top condition. With a healthy intestinal flora you are better protected against diseases and viruses, because your resistance largely comes from your intestines.
The vitamin C in pineapple also ensures that cells recover better [4].
- Can have a positive effect on fertility
Foods rich in antioxidants can promote fertility. This is because antioxidants fight against free radicals.
The antioxidants found in pineapple, such as vitamin C, copper, zinc, folic acid and beta-carotene, have a beneficial effect on male and female fertility [3].
- Strengthens the bones
A 56 gram serving of pineapple contains 26% of the daily recommended amount of manganese. This mineral is essential for the body because it ensures that bones and connective tissue strengthen [4].
Manganese also affects your metabolism and is indispensable if you want to lose weight healthily .
- Contributes to the recovery of the skin
The nutrients in pineapple can contribute to the recovery of the skin after damage from sunlight or pollution. They also ensure that wrinkles are reduced. The vitamin C in pineapple also influences the production of collagen: a protein found in the body that supports the skin [3,5].
The nutritional value of pineapple
A portion of pineapple (1 slice of 56 grams) contains the following nutritional values [7]:
- Energy: 28 kcal (calories)
- Carbohydrates: 6.5 grams
– Sugars: 5.5 grams - Proteins: 0.3 grams
- Fats: 0.1 grams
- Fiber: 0.8 grams
Vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin A: 1% RDA
- Vitamin C: 45% RDA
- Vitamin B6: 3% RDA
- Manganese: 26% RDA
- Folic acid: 3% RDA
- Magnesium: 2% RDA
- Potassium: 2% RDA
In addition to these vitamins and minerals, a portion of pineapple also contains vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B5, calcium and iron.
Pineapple and losing weight
Pineapple is a suitable fruit to eat while losing weight. By adding this exotic fruit to your diet , you will consume few calories and provide your body with many good nutrients.
Yet pineapple, like other fruits, contains fructose . If you want to lose weight, it is best to limit your fructose intake. For this reason, it is important not to eat too much pineapple.
Our advice is not to eat more than two pieces/servings of fruit per day if you want to lose weight (or not gain weight).
Eat pineapple as well as other healthy foods full of healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and protein for weight loss. This ensures (in addition to weight loss) better skin, more energy and a better night’s sleep, and prevents binge eating later in the day. Click here for more weight loss tips .
Do you want to know how this way of losing weight works? You can read how it works in our article about the low-carb diet . In the article you will also find a free shopping list and weekly menu, so you can start right away.
