Pineapple
The health and medicinal benefits of pineapple include boosting the immune system, and respiratory health, aiding digestion, and strengthening bones. They also help in reducing inflammation, curing coughs and colds, and accelerating weight loss. They contain bromelain, protein, carbohydrates, sugar, and soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. The vitamins in these fruits include vitamin A , vitamin C, thiamin, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 and folate. Pineapples also contain potassium, copper, manganese, calcium, sodium, and magnesium. The most notable nutrient is vitamin C with a cup full of pineapple containing vitamin C 130% at RDA. A full pineapple has 450 calories.
If you’re eating pineapples, you should be getting the enzyme bromelain (mainly in the core). Many professional bodybuilders have used this supplement to prevent their testosterone levels from dropping and to enhance post-workout recovery. Bromelain maintains levels following hard exercise sessions. Canned or pasteurized pineapple juice does not contain enough bromelain to have therapeutic effects. It is best to eat a very ripe pineapple where some of the stem can be eaten. The balance can be used in a smoothie.
Bromelain has also been found to reduce blood uric acid levels and therefore prevent gout. If you want to get a higher amount of bromelain then you could consider a supplement. The vitamin C content of pineapples will also help with gout.
