Pineapple originates from Central and South America.  It is said Christopher Columbus discovered pineapple in the Caribbean and took it back to Europe.  Early colonists in America considered pineapple an expensive treat because of their rarity.

Pineapple has been used to treat various ailments for centuries.  Pineapple may be useful for aiding digestion and inflammation due to its antioxidants and enzymes.

Like all other fruits, pineapple is a good source of vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber.

However, pineapple has some unique benefits like being a good source of the mineral manganese and an enzyme called bromelain.

Bromelain has been shown from research studies to have some promising health benefits.

Bromelain is also what may aid digestion and help lower inflammation related to asthma and other health conditions.

Adding any fruits and vegetables to your diet is recommended for many health reasons.

However, when considering adding fruit juice or real fruit, it’s best to opt for fruit over juice.

Pineapple juice has the vitamins and minerals from pineapple, but it doesn’t have the fiber that can help slow the absorption of the sugar from pineapples.

Health benefits of Pineapple fruit

• Fresh pineapple is low in calories. Nonetheless, it is a storehouse for several unique health promoting compounds, minerals, and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.

• 100 g fruit provides just about 50 calories; equivalent to that of apples. Its flesh contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. Nonetheless, it is a rich source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber like pectin.

• Pineapple fruit contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain that digests food by breaking down protein. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that consumption of pineapple regularly helps fight against arthritis, indigestion and worm infestation.

• Fresh pineapple is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin;vitamin-C. 100 g fruit contains 47.8 or 80% of this vitamin. Vitamin-C required for the collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body protect from scurvy; develop resistance to combat infectious agents (boosts immunity) and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.

• It also contains small amount Vitamin-A (provides 58 IU per 100 g) and β -carotene levels. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin-A is also required maintaining healthy mucosa, skin, and is essential for vision. Studies suggest that consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps the human body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

• Further, ananas fruit is rich in the B-complex group of vitamins like folates, thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and minerals like copper, manganese, and potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Copper is an essential cofactor for red blood cell synthesis. Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger.