Pineapples are a sweet, tropical fruit which have numerous uses in both sweet and savoury cuisine. They are packed with vitamins and minerals and offer many health benefits. Lets take alook.

Strong bones

Pineapples are a good source of manganese, a mineral which can promote bone strength. Just one portion of pineapple can provide more than 70% of the recommended daily allowance of manganese.

Pineapples are a powerhouse of nutrients, just one cup of fresh pineapples contains high amounts of

Manganese (70+% of your daily value)

vitamin c (88% of your daily value)

Fighting infections

The vitamin C content in pineapples makes them a beneficial food for fighting infections, such as the common cold. Vitamin C is vital for the efficient functioning of the immune system, and a good intake of the vitamin can reduce the severity and duration of a cold. It can also reduce the risk of gum disease, such as gingivitis, by increasing the ability of the body to fight the bacteria that can cause the condition.

Packed with powerful Nutients

Pineapples also contain the enzyme bromelain, which can help to suppress coughs and break up mucus. Pineapples also contain in smaller amounts vitamin b6, copper, thiamine, folate, pottasium, magnesium, vitamin b3 (niacin), Pantothenic acid, riboflavin and iron.

Pineapples also contain trace amounts of zinc, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins A and K.

As you can see pineapples are a powerhouse of nutrients, pineapples taste amazing and will give your pineapple smoothies a super boost of nutrient goodness.

Pineapples can be beneficial for digestive health, due to the bromelain content. Bromelain can relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and constipation, as well as reducing gas and bloating. Fresh pineapple is better than canned pineapple for this purpose, as bromelain can be lost during the canning process.

Anti-inflammatory

Due to the bromelain found in pineapples, they have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, gout or sports injuries. Bromelain is also thought to be effective in treating bruises and sprains, as it can reduce tenderness and swelling.

Hayfever relief

Pineapples may be beneficial for the relief of hayfever symptoms. The bromelain contained in pineapples can help to reduce sinus congestion, while the vitamin C is a natural antihistamine.

Pineapples are also a source of vitamin B5, otherwise known as pantothenic acid, which can reduce allergic reactions and nasal congestion.

Consumption of pineapple can be beneficial to cardiovascular health. Pineapples are low in sodium and high in potassium, which can help to regulate blood pressure.

It is thought that the antioxidant properties of vitamin C may help to increase blood flow to the heart.

Protection against free radicals

As pineapples are a good source of vitamin C, they are effective in protecting the body against harmful free radicals. A build up of free radicals can cause serious illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease. The anti-oxidant properties of vitamin C can fight free radicals and provide protection from certain illnesses.

Ways to use pineapple

Drinking pineapple juice is an easy way to introduce more pineapple into your diet, but there are also many ways to use fresh pineapple.

Pineapple can be added as a pizza topping or used in meat and fish dishes. It is often used in desserts, such as fruit tart, upside-down cake or as part of a fruit salad. Pineapple can also be used in sauces, such as sweet and sour sauce.

Tinned pineapple may be easier to use, but it is better to use fresh if you can, as fresh pineapple retains more of the nutrients.