Have you noticed this? Among fruits, we often gravitate towards the trendy and exotic. But today, I want to shine a light on a humble fruit. Some of us love this, some may be allergic to it, and a few might even experience a “scratchy” effect on the tongue or roof of the mouth after eating it. Nevertheless, if it suits you, I urge you to consider incorporating it into your daily meals more frequently.
I’m talking about the humble pineapple, packed with incredible health benefits.
Pineapple is cherished by most of our pro athletes. Yes, athletes around the world have this fruit almost every single day. Let’s dive into why this tropical delight deserves a spot on your plate.
Photo Credit: Freepik
For powerful recovery
Pineapple is a powerhouse for post-exercise recovery. Whether you’re struggling with recovery from strenuous exercise, sprains, muscle spasms, tendinitis, or soreness, this fruit’s anti-inflammatory properties work wonders.
For arthritis
It even plays a vital role in alleviating the symptoms of arthritis. In our own experience, several of our patients with arthritis have reported significant improvements when they include pineapple in their meals. And this is backed by science!
Now rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can cause chronic pain and flare-ups. While pineapple won’t cure arthritis, its anti-inflammatory effects can certainly help you with relief from pain and inflammation.
Packed with essential vitamins and minerals
Pineapple isn’t just about taste—it’s a nutritional goldmine. It contains vital nutrients like:
Vitamin C: It is essential for immunity, especially when we are constantly exposed to toxins from pollution, pesticides, and viruses. Vitamin C helps our bodies absorb iron from the food we eat. This is excellent for maintaining healthy hemoglobin levels, especially when many people have low hemoglobin levels.
Manganese: A trace mineral that’s often overlooked but plays a key role in energy production. Manganese, along with Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), helps convert food into energy. Pineapple is a rich source of manganese which makes it a fantastic choice for those with fatigue, chronic fatigue, or long COVID symptoms. When working with these cases, we use Vitamin B1 from natural foods like meat, fish, whole grains, and very few fruits like bananas and pineapple.
Folate, Flavonoids, and Phenolic Acids: Pineapple is rich in these antioxidants which protect your body from inflammation and oxidative stress. And we all know that chronic inflammation is the root cause of most lifestyle conditions today from cancer to diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, hormonal imbalances, and more.With its high levels of Vitamin C, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, pineapple is a fantastic immune supporter. It helps ward off colds, coughs, and other common illnesses, making it an ideal fruit for adults and kids.More scientific studies today are pointing to the benefits of pineapple for cancer management and prevention. For those going through chemotherapy and radiation, or even those looking at prevention, pineapple is an excellent fruit to keep your immune system smart and strong. Its antioxidants help us fight inflammation from ultra-processed foods, environmental toxins, and even sleep deprivation, among other factors.
Of course, no single food will “cure” or prevent cancer, but as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, pineapple can be an invaluable addition.
For post-surgery recovery
If you are healing post-surgery, pineapple can speed up recovery by reducing inflammation and supporting tissue repair.
But here’s a disclaimer. However, if you’re on heavy blood thinners or have issues with blood clotting, consult your doctor before adding pineapple to your routine because it may not be good for you.
Pineapple isn’t just great for general health—it also supports reproductive health. For men, it has been scientifically proven to help improve testosterone levels, libido, and sperm quality. The combination of bromelain and Vitamin B1 works together to promote healthy sex hormone production, making it beneficial for both men and women.
If you struggle with low libido, erectile dysfunction, sperm motility, and infertility, this is a fantastic fruit. In certain civilizations, men eat a pineapple or drink a small glass of pineapple juice before intimacy.
The Magic of Bromelain
Photo Credit: Freepik
We have been using pineapple for years for our patients, thanks to bromelain.
Pineapple’s real magic lies in bromelain, a powerful enzyme known for its digestive benefits. Bromelain helps break down proteins into amino acids. This can aid digestion among those with pancreatic insufficiency, gallbladder issues, low stomach acid, and H. pylori infections, where they struggle to digest proteins effectively.
Athletes and bodybuilders often consume pineapple before or after their workout shakes to enhance protein digestion.
Did you know pineapple is commonly used to tenderize meat in many countries, across South America, some parts of India, and Africa because of bromelain’s ability to break down proteins efficiently into amino acids, which are then absorbed by your tissues, cells, and muscles? It is either cooked with meat or used in marinades to do this.
If you suffer from digestive issues, pineapple can offer relief. The bromelain in pineapple acts as a natural digestive enzyme, breaking down food more efficiently and helping with issues like indigestion, bloating, and even conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
There are also bromelain supplements available, but I’m usually a fan of first getting bromelain from your fruits. In case you need more bromelain but are unable to eat or digest the fruit, you can use supplements under professional guidance.
The Big Takeaway
The reason I am sharing this with you is to inspire you to go back to simplicity and our roots. There’s too much complication out there. Too many pills are being sold to us. But hey, if pineapple can fix those problems for us, why not add it to our diet? It tastes amazing.
I am a fan of eating fruits rather than juicing them. But sometimes, people may need to juice it when they have severe digestive problems or can’t chew due to oral cancer or gum issues.
Do not buy store-bought pineapple juice with any added sugar and preservatives. Try to do fresh pineapple juice. You can make it at home, and you can still consume it then.
Pineapple, in all its humble glory, offers a wide range of health benefits that many of us overlook in favor of more trendy foods. Next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t forget to pick up this miracle fruit. Your body will thank you!
Disclaimer:
Always make an informed choice.
If you are allergic to certain foods or ingredients, avoid them. Respect your bio-individuality. What suits someone else may not necessarily suit you.
Consult your primary healthcare provider before trying anything new, especially if you have any ailments, undergoing treatment, or are on medications.
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