Pineapple The Tropical Champ For Bone Health and More

I didn't grow up eating fresh pineapple and now it's one of my favorite fruits. It has a wonderful smell and tastes great but there's so much more to this tropical fruit. When buying them I look for crisp deep green leaves - no yellowing or brown tips. Contrary to popular belief, a leaf that comes off easily doesn't mean the fruit is ripe. I save the juice for drinking, the little bit there may be is still worth saving.

This tropical fruit is very good for bone health. It also suppresses inflammation. Both the fruit and a main constituent, an antibacterial enzyme called bromelain, are anti-inflammatory. Pineapple also helps digestion, helps dissolve blood clots and is good for preventing osteoporosis and bone fractures because of its very high manganese content.

Pineapple is also antibacterial and antiviral and mildly estrogenic. For anti-inflammatory benefits, make pineapple a between meals snack. Studies show it can sooth irritated sinuses and swollen sore throats.

Eat pineapple alone to get the most benefit; otherwise the bromelain will be deactivated as it helps digest protein in the other foods you eat. This is a reason pineapple helps with digestion, especially in older people who have low levels of stomach acids and enzymes.



Buy it fresh, canned pineapple is convenient, but when you're eating it to soothe an upset stomach, the fresh is best because the intense heat used in canning destroys the bromelain.

In lab studies and human studies, the bromelain extracted from pineapple has eased swelling and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, soft tissue injuries, inflammatory conditions in the colon, and even chronic pain. In a University of Connecticut lab study, researchers found that bromelain reduced cells associated with asthma by half. "Maybe it could cut down on the use of steroids" says lead researcher Eric Secor, ND. He also stresses not to give up asthma meds just yet.

In Germany, bromelain has been approved for healing after surgical procedures and for easing swelling in the nose and sinuses after operations in the nose, ears and throat.

Pineapple is high in manganese, your body uses this to make collagen that helps build connective tissues like bone, skin, and cartilage. Research shows that people deficient in manganese develop bone problems similar to osteoporosis.

Pineapples aren't as rich in vitamin C as oranges - they're still excellent sources and with all the other health benefits this tropical fruit is a good staple fruit.


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