03/14/2024 – Pineapples are sweet and delicious tropical fruits. A popular ingredient for fruit and green smoothies, studies have also shown that pineapple offers several health benefits, such as supporting digestive health and relieving sports injuries.
Despite their name, pineapples don’t grow on pine or apple trees. In the 17th century, pineapples were named the way they were because, at the time, the term “apple” was applied to unknown fruits. And pineapples looked like pinecones.
Pineapples originated in South America. By the 15th century, the tropical fruit reached Europe and India because sailors found that eating pineapples helped support their overall well-being during their long voyages. There are now over 100 different pineapple varieties sold worldwide, mainly from Costa Rica, Brazil, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.
Experts think that pineapple’s therapeutic value is mainly due to bromelain. The proteolytic enzyme bromelain is found in different supplements and herbal preparations.
The most important substance in pineapple is bromelain. Bromelain is still being studied for its potential use in other medical applications.
As a proteolytic enzyme, bromelain helps break down the protein molecules in food for optimal absorption and digestion. This characteristic is also linked to other beneficial actions.
Pineapples support brain health
The copper levels in pineapples may help maintain neural pathways in the brain, which then helps support cognitive function.
According to a 2017 study in Iran, pineapple juice positively affected the cognitive ability of memory-impaired mice subjects to recognize objects. The scientists concluded that pineapple has the potential to treat certain cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Additionally, pineapples may help support mental health by reducing anxiety and improving mood due to tryptophan and magnesium. Both are known to help boost the body’s production of serotonin, the substance that elevates mood.
Pineapples support a healthy heart
Pineapples contain fiber and potassium, which can both support heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Potassium is vital in regulating blood pressure, while fiber helps lower cholesterol levels. (Related: Grapefruit found to help reduce high blood pressure.)
Pineapple antioxidants are flavonoids and phenolic compounds that reduce inflammation and damage from free radicals. The results of a laboratory study on rats revealed that these antioxidants may have heart-protective effects by reducing cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation.
Pineapples support optimal digestive health
Bromelain was first identified in 1891 and has been used as a dietary supplement for gastric upset and inflammation for over 50 years.
Eight proteolytic substances have also been isolated from bromelain. Bromelain therapy is used with pancreatic insufficiency patients who are unable to produce enough digestive enzymes.
Aside from bromelain helping digest the proteins in food, pineapple fiber also contributes to gut mobility and healthy bowel elimination. Food.news.
