Pineapple

Pineapple

Pineapples belong to the Bromeliaceae family and are actually a composite fruit made of many individual berries that fuse together around a central core. Spiny on the outside, sweet on the inside, this superfood is jam-packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, thiamin, folate, potassium, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, beta carotene, and bromelain. Whether eaten fresh, juiced, cooked and preserved, consuming this nutrient powerhouse can benefit almost every organ system in the body.

Benefits of Pineapple

For centuries, people consumed pineapples not only for their amazing flavor, but also for their seemingly miraculous health benefits. Among its many benefits on the human body, the following are worth mentioning:

Boosts Immune Function

Pineapples contain several compounds that are known to have immune-boosting effect. According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, higher intake of pineapple may shorten the duration and incidence of viral and bacterial infections by increasing the production of immune system cells such as granulocytes and CD4 cells.[1] Researchers observed that study participants who consumed two cans (280 g) of canned pineapples for 9 weeks demonstrated higher production of immune system cells, indicating an improved immune function.

Combats Cancer

An overwhelming body of research shows that bromelain from pineapples has anti-cancer properties. For instance, one study found that bromelain inhibited the growth and reproduction of several gastric cancer cell lines by inducing programmed cell death and altering several pathways involved in cancer cell survival.[2] Another study also found that oral administration of bromelain in healthy volunteers significantly reduced      tumor-platelet aggregates that protect tumor cells from immune recognition.[3]

Treats Osteoarthritis

Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain, several studies suggest that pineapples can be used as a natural treatment for osteoarthritis.[4-10] According to these studies, patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and shoulder who received bromelain treatment experienced a significant improvement in symptoms and range of motion of the affected joints.

Maintains Strong Bones

Pineapple is loaded with an impressive amount of manganese, a trace mineral that helps build bones and connective tissue. There is strong scientific evidence that consuming manganese-rich foods such as pineapple can help prevent bone breakdown.[11]

Prevents Eye Disorders

Results from a study conducted by the Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group suggest that the likelihood of vision loss from macular degeneration (deterioration of the small central area of the retina) can be reduced in people with higher intake of beta-carotene-rich foods, such as pineapples.[12]

Improves Digestive Health

Pineapple fiber can bulk up the stool, which helps normalize bowel movements. It also promotes the release of gastric and digestive juices to speed up digestion and absorption of foods. In one study, researchers concluded that pineapple fiber can help treat various digestive problems such as constipation, loose bowel movement, and inflammatory bowel syndrome.[13]

Speeds Up Recovery

Studies show that administration of bromelain, particularly from pineapples, before a surgery, can reduce the length of hospital stay by fighting pain and post-surgery inflammation.[14-15] Nowadays, bromelain is prescribed for treating inflammatory conditions and sports injuries.

Prevents Cardiovascular Disease

According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, consumption of pineapples can help prevent heart disease by deceasing blood platelet aggregation and preventing blood clot formation.[16-17] In addition, two large scale tests on patients with heart disease have shown that pineapple consumption completely eliminated blood clots, thereby preventing the risk of heart attack.[18-19]

Improves Libido

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Integrative Nephrology & Andrology suggests that pineapple consumption can help increase the level of the hormone testosterone.[20] This finding is highly significant since testosterone fuels a man’s sex drive

References:

1. Cervo MMC, Llido LO, Barrios EB, Panlasigui LN. Effects of Canned Pineapple Consumption on Nutritional Status, Immunomodulation, and Physical Health of Selected School Children. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. 2014;2014:861659. doi:10.1155/2014/861659.
2. Amini A, Ehteda A, Masoumi Moghaddam S, Akhter J, Pillai K, Morris DL. Cytotoxic effects of bromelain in human gastrointestinal carcinoma cell lines (MKN45, KATO-III, HT29-5F12, and HT29-5M21). OncoTargets and therapy. 2013;6:403-409. doi:10.2147/OTT.S43072.
3. Smyth RD, Brennan R, Martin GJ. Systemic biochemical changes following the oral administration of a proteolytic enzyme, bromelain. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther. 1962;136:230–236.
4. Cohen A, Goldman J. Bromelain therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Penn Med J. 1964;67:27–30.
5. Leipner J, Iten F, Saller R. Therapy with proteolytic enzymes in rheumatic disorders. Biodrugs. 2001;15:779–789.
6. Singer F, Oberleitner H. Drug therapy of activated arthrosis. On the effectiveness of an enzyme mixture versus diclofenac. Wien Med Wochenschr. 1996;146:55–58.
7. Klein G, Kullich W. Short-term treatment of painful osteoarthritis of the knee with oral enzymes: a randomised, double-blind study versus Diclofenac. Clin Drug Invest. 2000;19:15–23.
8. Singer F, Singer C, Oberleitner H. Phlyoenzym versus diclofenac in the treatment of activated osteoarthritis of the knee. Int J Immunother. 2001;17:135–141.
9. Tilwe GH, Beria S, Turakhia NH, Daftary GV, Schiess W. Efficacy and tolerability of oral enzyme therapy as compared to diclofenac in active osteoarthritis of the knee joint: an open randomised controlled clinical trial. Journal of the Association of Physicians of India. JAPI. 2001;49:621.
10. Walker AF, Bundy R, Hicks SM, Middleton RW. Bromelain reduces mild acute knee pain and improves well being in a dose dependant fashion in an open study of otherwise healthy adults. Phytomedicine. 2002;9:681–686.
11. Fore H, Morton RA. The manganese in bone. Biochemical Journal. 1952;51(5):598-600.
12. Friedman DS, O’Colmain BJ, Muñoz B. Prevalence of age-related macular degeneration in the United States. Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960). 2004; 122(4):564-72.
13. Roxas M. The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders. Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic. 2008; 13(4):307-14.
14. Tassman GC, Zafran JN, Zayon GM. Evaluation of a plate proteolytic enzyme for the control of inflammation and pain. Journal of Dental Medicine. 1964;19:73–77.
15. Tassman GC, Zafran JN, Zayon GM. A double-blind crossover study of a plant proteolytic enzyme in oral surgery. The Journal of Dental Medicine. 1965;20:51–54.
16. Brien S, Lewith G, Walker A, Hicks SM, Middleton D. Bromelain as a treatment for osteoarthritis: a review of clinical studies. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2004;1(3):251–257.
17. Ley CM, Tsiami A, Ni Q, Robinson N. A review of the use of bromelain in cardiovascular diseases. J Chin Integr Med / Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2011; 9(7): 702-710.
18. Ley CM, Tsiami A, Ni Q, Robinson N. A review of the use of bromelain in cardiovascular diseases. Zhong xi yi jie he xue bao = Journal of Chinese integrative medicine. 2011; 9(7):702-10.
19. Felton GE. Fibrinolytic and antithrombotic action of bromelain may eliminate thrombosis in heart patients. Medical hypotheses. 1980; 6(11):1123-33.
20. Available from http://www.journal-ina.com/article.asp?issn=2394-2916;year=2015;volume=2;issue=1;spage=5;epage=18;aulast=Wendlov%E1.