Why you should include pineapples in your diet

Rich in beta carotenes, pineapples are great for your eyes. Souce: Seuss./Flickr

For a tropical country like ours, pineapples have been a part of our diet, as a special treat, whenever they’re in season. The bright yellow fruit with a rather unique appearance is loaded with a lot of goodness, apart from its sweet and sour taste and is also quite low on its calorie count – about 50 calories per 100g.

Pineapples are rich in bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme which is associated with the breakdown of complex proteins. The enzyme also has anti-inflammatory properties and studies have shown a correlation between the compound and a reduction in the signs and symptoms in those afflicted with arthritis.

Bromelain is also associated with the reduction of mucuous and phlegm buildup in the respiratory tract and sinuses. So it helps expel out mucuous and phlegm from your system, if you’re already suffering from chest or nasal congestion.

A single serving has approximately 130% of daily vitamin C requirement which helps keep your hair and eyes healthy, apart from keeping your immune system in top shape. Vitamin C also helps in collagen formation, which forms a vital protein matrix for healthy blood vessel walls, skin, organs as well as bones.
Watch how to make pineapple banana smoothie:

 

The beta carotene present in pineapples is converted to vitamin A in the body. The compound is also a powerful antioxidant that protects cells against free radical damage, reduces the risk of heart ailments. Beta carotenes also help keep the eyes healthy, and help prevent muscular degeneration that can affect vision.

Pineapples are a rich source of essential minerals like potassium, copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium that are vital for overall health and well being.
Learn how to make pineapple rabdi:

 

The fruit is also rich in manganese and thiamin (vitamin B1), which are essential co-factors for the production of enzymes that are vital in energy production.
They’re also a good source of soluble and insoluble fibre, which makes the fruit great for your digestive system. Fibre rich foods also help in keeping cholesterol levels in check and improve cardiovascular health by leaps and bounds.