Pineapple Health Benefits in Nutritional Value and Ease of Digestion
Pineapple is a great fruit to add to your diet. Not only do they provide many important nutrients, but they are also easy to digest.
Pineapple’s nutritional content starts with Vitamin C, which is important for immune system functions. It has plenty of other nutrients too including copper, manganese, and potassium. But one thing that really sets pineapple apart from other fruits is that it’s high in bromelain and protease enzymes which make it easier on the stomach than other fruits.
How the Acid in Pineapples Promotes Digestive Health
The digestive enzymes in pineapple help break down proteins into amino acids which are necessary for the construction of collagen.
The fruit contains bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme, meaning it aids in digestion by breaking down protein into amino acids.
This process helps produce collagen, a key structural component in connective tissue and skin.
Why is the Pineapple so Special?
One of the most recognizable symbols from around the world, a pineapple is a symbol of hospitality and welcome. When you visit someone’s home, it has become customary to give them a pineapple.
Some people believe that the fruit was used as money in certain parts of Africa because it could be grown on almost barren land and its value would stay constant in all conditions. Others say that pineapples were used to show rank or status in schools or universities in some parts of China because they were expensive and only wealthy people could afford them.
The fruit is also believed to be an expensive fruit that can only be enjoyed on special occasions so it became a symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and happiness.
What are the Nutritional Facts of a Pineapple?
The nutritional facts of a the fruit vary depending on the type of pineapple you are eating.
The healthiest option is to eat fresh pineapple. It has about 94 calories per cup and is packed with vitamin C, fiber, and bromelain. The other two types of the fruits are canned or dried and then reconstituted with water or sugar syrup respectively. They can also have added sugar or flavorings that will increase the calories and sugar content but they are still nutritious, containing Vitamin A and potassium.
These nutritional facts can be found in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference’s (USDA) website: https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/seasonal-produce-guide/pineapples
Pineapple is rich in Vitamin C
Pineapples are a healthy fruit that can be eaten in desserts, as a side to a meal, or even on its own. The fruit are rich in Vitamin C and contain the following vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- B1 (thiamin)
- B2 (riboflavin)
- Niacin
How Much Calories in a Serving of Pineapples?
In the US, a serving of pineapple is equal to approximately 95g. A typical serving of pineapple contains around 32g of sugar and 31g of fiber, which makes up for 193 calories. In order to calculate how many calories are in a serving, you need to know how much it weighs. The average American is not just eating the whole pineapple.
Conclusion: Is Eating a Pineapple Healthy?
Eating pineapples can be healthy, but only if you know that it is the right pineapple.
The fruit is often picked green and then ripened with ethylene gas on its way to supermarkets to get the customer’s attention. Green pineapples are not ripe and should not be eaten because they still have beta-carotene in them which your body cannot process.
