Pineapple is a tropical and nutrient-dense fruit. More research is required, but pineapple may provide numerous health benefits, including the treatment of inflammation and intestinal issues.
In addition to being a tasty tropical fruit, pineapple has other health advantages. In fact, a September 2016 study published in Biomedical Reports claims that it has been utilized in folk medicine since ancient times. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), it is native to the Americas and is grown in tropical areas worldwide.
- One Fruit High in Vitamin C Is Pineapple
Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and offers antioxidant benefits, is the most notable ingredient found in pineapple, according to gourmet nutritionist Jackie Newgent, RDN, author of The All-Natural Diabetes Cookbook and resident in New York City. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that 78.9 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C are found in one cup of pineapple. According to MedlinePlus, that is nearly equal to the recommended daily intake for men (90 mg) and exceeds the recommended dietary requirement for adult women (75 mg). Vitamin C is essential for wound healing and iron absorption, among other processes in the body, as it promotes development and healing throughout.
2. Eating Pineapple May Enhance Your Weight Loss
You may have heard that pineapple can lead to weight loss. There isn’t a whole lot of evidence to back up that claim, though an animal study published in April 2018 in Food Science and Biotechnology did find that pineapple juice may help decrease fat formation and increase fat breakdown. More studies in humans are needed to confirm that result, though.
Even if it doesn’t have a significant effect on your metabolism, it’s a good snack choice because it (and other fruits) is low in calories, high in important vitamins and minerals, and does not include saturated fats or trans fats, Andrews says. “There is no specific fruit or vegetable that directly causes weight loss, but they’ll help fill you up without packing in calories,” Andrews says. “So people tend to eat fewer calories overall if they consume several cups of fruits and vegetables each day as part of a well-balanced diet.”
You may also find that the fruit satisfies your sweet tooth. “Pineapple is lower in calories than other sweet treats, so if you enjoy a serving of pineapple versus an ice cream cone for your nightly dessert, you may consume fewer calories and, in turn, lose weight,” says Colleen Christensen, RD, a dietitian based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pineapple also delivers some fiber (2.3 grams in 1 cup, per the USDA), which can help control your blood sugar level and help you eat less because it keeps you feeling full, according to the Mayo Clinic.
3. The Manganese in Pineapple Promotes Healthy Bones
Along with calcium, the trace mineral manganese is essential for maintaining strong bones, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Pineapple is one of the top food sources of the mineral, according to Oregon State University — a single cup of pineapple contains about 76 percent of the recommended daily value of manganese. Manganese may help stave off osteoporosis and help improve overall bone and mineral density, according to Oregon State University. Be careful not to overdo it, though — manganese intake can be dangerous and may increase the risk of cognitive disorders if you consume more than 11 mg per day, according to a study published in The Open Orthopaedics Journal. But don’t fret: It’d be difficult to reach those levels because ½ cup pineapple has less than 1 mg manganese, Andrews says.