Pineapple Benefits That May Surprise You

Pineapple isn’t just a tasty tropical snack. Not only is it packed with vitamins and nutrients, but the natural sweetness can help you curb those sugar cravings without reaching for a chocolate bar.

It’s such a great staple to have in your kitchen because you can use it in so many different ways. There are heaps of yummy ways to eat it!  Try it in a salsa, as part of a rice bowl, snack on it with some Greek yoghurt or drink it as a nice cold glass of juice.

Pineapple Benefits

As well as being so delicious, did you know pineapple has stacks of different health benefits too? We all know fruit is good for you - but here's some benefits of pineapples you might not expect.

It helps with digestion

Fresh pineapple is the only fruit to contain the enzyme bromelain, which breaks down protein and makes it easier for your stomach to digest. If you eat a lot of red meat, pineapple can ease the strain on your digestive system.

It’s great for your skin & bones

Containing both manganese and phosphorus, pineapple helps to form and strengthen your bones. Manganese also promotes healthy bone metabolism (regeneration of bone tissue), the formation of connective tissue and the absorption of calcium.

The vitamin C found in pineapple supports collagen production, which can help keep your skin looking healthy and supple.

It’s high in fibre

Like most fruits, pineapple is a great source of fibre. Unlike some other fruits though, it has both soluble and insoluble fibre. The insoluble component makes pineapple quite filling and helps to regulate your bowel, while the soluble fibre slows down digestion. This slower rate of digestion means your body won’t feel the same blood sugar spike and crash as you would with a high carb snack. Instead it keeps your blood sugar at a consistent level.

It provides anti-inflammatory benefits

The anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain can be great for active bodies as they help to reduce joint pain. The potassium can also help alleviate muscle cramps and soreness. When pineapple is included in your diet, you might find your body is able to recover faster from tough workout sessions.

It can be helpful to relieve symptoms of PMS

Pineapple is a great food to eat on your period. For ladies suffering with wildly fluctuating hormones, pineapple could help! This delicious fruit contains manganese and calcium, which together can reduce irritability, headaches and mood swings caused by changes in hormones before that time of month. It has been suggested that bromelain can also help muscles relax, which may provide relief from cramps too.

It’s not just one fruit! 

Between the spikes and the rough scales on the outside, pineapple is a little mean looking, right? You may not know that pineapples are actually made up of multiple flowers. When the pineapple grows, the individual flowers and fruitlets basically merge together around the core to form what looks like a single piece of fruit. That’s why the outside has a scaly texture — they are left over from the individual fruitlet.

Enjoy the health benefits of pineapples

Love, Kayla xx