Pineapple Benefits and Facts

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is one of the world’s most unique and exotic tropical fruits. The tough, waxy rind is green, brown, and yellow in color with a scale-like appearance. Pineapple juice contains calcium, potassium, manganese, vitamin C. It is also a rich source of vitamin, B1, vitamin B6, copper and dietary fiber.

Pineapple Benefits

Pineapple juice is a great source to find a daily requirement of Vitamin C. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and prevents the development of illnesses and infections by stimulating the production and function of white blood cells. Mononuclear phagocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes accumulate vitamin C to high concentrations, which can protect these cell types from oxidative damage. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs and bones. The synthesis of collagen, for which vitamin C is essential, proceeds in the body as one of its major manufacturing enterprises Also, pineapple juice  reduces periodontal disease and gingivitis. A cup of pineapple contains approximately 80 mg of vitamin C.

Pineapple juice good is an source the trace mineral manganese, which  includes an essential cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant protection. Manganese is responsible for bone formation, healing wounds, and keeping skin healthy. One cup of pineapple juice provides 70% of the daily recommended amount of manganese.

Bromelain are a family of sulfhydryl proteolytic enzymes derived from the stem and juice of the pineapple plant. The proteolytic enzyme, bromelain, was formerly derived from pineapple juice. Now it is gained from the mature plant stems salvaged when fields are being cleared.  Helps in reducing the swelling in the inflammatory conditions like gout, arthritis and acute sinusitis. Bromelain is an enzyme capable of enhancing digestion,  reducing or eliminating nausea, gastric reflux, and other symptoms that accompany non-digestion of foods. Fresh pineapple juice, has three times the amount of bromelain as canned pineapple.

Anti-Inflammatory

Bromelain is considered  strong anti-inflammatory. Laboratory evidence suggests that bromelain may be helpful in treating ulcerative colitis. Bromelain enzyme inhibits formation of prostaglandin E2, a chemical leading to inflammation, and it helps to stimulate the production of prostaglandin E1, an antiinflammatory chemical. Research reported in 2002 issue of Phytomedicine found that doses of both 200 and 400 mg of bromelain daily helped reduce knee pain in adults. Participants reported their results via questionnaires that included indicators of joint health as well as psychological well-being. The results of a clinical study published in 2004 in Clinical Rheumatology also found that bromelain enzyme, when combined with rutosid and trypsin,  was as effective as dicolfenac in alleviating symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Sinusitis, Bronchitis and Asthma

Bromelain enzyme has a mucus-thinning action and helps to reduce phlegm in respiratory conditions such as sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma. The German Commission E recommends the use of bromelain as a digestive aid, a treatment for traumatic injuries and joint inflammation and a treatment for sinusitis and bronchitis. In a double-blind study, 48 patients to  sinusitis received bromelain or placebo for 6 days.  All patients were placed on standard  therapy for sinusitis, which included antihistamines, analgesics, and antibiotics. At the end of study, inflammation was reduced in 83% of those taking bromelain compared to 52% of the placebo group. When 124 hospital patients with chronic bronchitis or pneumonia were given bromelain enzyme, there was a significant reduction in the volume and purulence of their sputum, enabling it to be more easily expelled by the respiratory tract.

Colitis

Colitis refers to the inflammation or swelling of the colon or large intestine. It’s a painful condition that causes abdominal bloating and cramping, diarrhea and nausea. Other forms of colitis may also come with fever, chills and other kinds of associated infections. The results of an animal study, published in 2010 issue of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases show that  long-term nourishment with bromelain-containing pineapple juice, reduces the severity of inflammation in the colon of mice with colitis.

Immune System

Bromelain enzyme has the ability to activate different immune cells and their cytokines. Cytokines are signaling molecules secreted by immune cells that act as messengers to alert other immune cells. Bromelain enzyme has been shown to remove T-cell CD44 molecules from lymphocytes and to affect T-cell activation. A study in Germany involving 6 breast cancer patients showed the patients to have improved immune function when taking bromelain by mouth.

Cardiovascular Disease

The positive reports in a few clinical trials of bromelain to decrease thrombophlebitis and pain from angina and thrombophlebitis. In one study, the use of bromelain resulted in the disappearance of all symptoms of angina within 4 to 90 days of commencement of daily bromelain treatment. Angina , is chest pain or discomfort that occurs if an area of your heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease. Those at an increased risk of coronary artery disease are also at an increased risk of angina.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.