Pineapple Health Benefits

Few foods or fruits freshen your mood like a couple of cold slices of a fresh, juicy pineapple do. It's true. And for those of you who aren't quite convinced about it, here's what you can do. The next time you come home after a particularly long and tiring day, and are done with your usual routine of untying your shoelaces and flopping down on the sofa, try this out. Head to the refrigerator, and help yourself to two-three slices of cold (chilled is even better) fresh pineapple. Close your eyes as you savor the sweet, juicy taste of this wonderful fruit. You will find that it instantly invigorates you and relieves you somewhat of your tiredness and fatigue. To be honest, the health benefits of pineapple aren't limited to just refreshing a person or rejuvenating him/her. There are plenty of other advantages of the pineapple fruit. Read ahead to know what they are.

Pineapple Health Facts
For those of you who are extremely calorie conscious and naturally, are more interested in numbers and statistics, here is a bit of information regarding the nutritional value of 100 grams of fresh, raw pineapple.

Item/Ingredient	Amount
Calories	50
Calcium	13 mg
Potassium	110 mg
Iron	0.29 mg
Phosphorus	10 mg
Zinc	0.11 mg
Carbohydrates	13.2 g
Protein	0.54 g
Fat	0.12 g
Vitamin C	37.2 mg
Vitamin B1	0.079 mg
Vitamin B2	0.031 mg
Vitamin B3	0.495 mg
Vitamin B5	0.205 mg
Vitamin B6	0.111 mg
Vitamin E	0.62 mg
Sugar	9.5 g
Dietary Fiber	1.4 g

Health Benefits of Fresh Pineapple
As you may have very well observed from the table above, pineapples are rich in vitamins, proteins and essential minerals. At the same time, they are extremely low in terms of fat content. That makes this fruit an ideal low-calorie, yet filling food. It is a perfect choice for a midday snack for weight watchers and the calorie conscious community.

A rather lesser-known fact about pineapples is that it aids the process of digestion. It has anti-inflammatory properties which come to the rescue for those showing symptoms of arthritis, gout, as well as those experiencing pain or discomfort due to sports-induced injuries.

Pineapple is very good for overall dental health. Since it has a high content of Vitamin C, it can reduce the chances of gum inflammation and other gum diseases.

Pineapple has a very important ingredient in the form of bromelain. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme which plays a vital role in the following:

• fighting infections
• reducing muscle pain or swelling after sprains
• relieving sore throats
• treating sinusitis and bronchitis
• improving blood circulation
• reducing or preventing thrombosis (formation of blood clots)
• treating menstrual disorders

Pineapples are also good for eyes and for maintaining good vision. It is believed that regular intake of pineapple fruit or pineapple juice can prevent the chances of macular degeneration (an eye problem experienced by middle-age people or the elderly).

Pineapple is also a great mood-lifter, and is quite beneficial for maintaining a good memory and a sharp brain. The benefits you get by consuming canned pineapple are more or less the same as compared to those of fresh pineapples. Just make sure that the canned product isn't past its best-before date. Take care!