Sunday, December 9, 2012

JUICY PINEAPPLE



JUICY PINEAPPLE

Pineapple or "ananas" has an interesting history.  Ananas plant is actually native to Paraguay in South America.

Health Facts Of Pineapple Fruit
·         Low in calories.
o   100 g fruit provides just about 50 calories equivalent to that of apples.
o   It is rich source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber like pectin.
·         Contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain that digests food by breaking down protein.
o   Bromelain is a complex mixture of substances that can be extracted from the stem and core fruit of the pineapple.
o   Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that consumption of pineapple regularly helps fight against arthritis, indigestion and worm infestation.
o   Ability to prevent heart disease and its benefits in helping those with intestinal problems. It breaks down protein into small particles so that they are absorbed more easily by the intestines. It also seems to have a positive effect by destroying bacteria that can be harmful to the intestines.
·         Excellent source of antioxidant vitamin; vitamin C.
o   It is one of the top 50 foods with the highest anti-oxidant content.
o   100 g fruit contains 47.8 or 80% of this vitamin. Vitamin C is required for the collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body protect from scurvy; develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity) and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
o   Vitamin C promotes healthy gums, helps heal cuts, strengthens blood vessels, and aids in the creation of collagen, which is the connecting tissue that holds muscles, bones, and other tissues together.
·         Rich in B-complex group of vitamins
o   like folates, thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and minerals like copper, manganese and potassium.
o   Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure.
o   Copper is a helpful cofactor for red blood cell synthesis.
o   Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger.  Also important in helping form bone and connective tissue.

Benefits of Pineapples
1.       Lessens risk of hypertension
Hypertension occurs when too much force is exerted on the artery walls while the blood circulates. One of the best ways to combat this is to infuse a high amount of potassium plus a small amount of sodium in your diet to lower blood pressure. Pineapples are the perfect for hypertension because a cup of pineapple contains about 1 mg of sodium and 195 mg of potassium.
2.         Helps you lose weight
Eating pineapple can highly cut down your sweet cravings because of its natural sweetness, saving you from a lot of sugar-induced calories. Incorporating a lot of pineapple in your meals will also help a lot in weight loss because pineapples can make you feel full without giving you an ounce of fat.
3.       Maintains good eye health
Time and again, studies have found that pineapples protect against age-related eye problems because it is rich in antioxidants.
4.       Fights a lot of diseases, being rich in Vitamin C
Pineapples are known to be a very good source of vitamin C, which protects our bodies from free radicals that attack our healthy cells. Lots of free radicals in the body can lead to major diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and various cancers. Vitamin C is considered the most important water-soluble anti-oxidant that fights against disease-inducing substances within the body. It is also an excellent fighter against flu and a great enhancer of the immune system.
5.       Prevents plaque and keeps teeth healthy
Another benefit of the high amount of vitamin C in pineapples is that it prevents formation of plaque and gum diseases.
6.       Cures constipation and irregular bowel movement
Pineapple is rich in fiber, making it effective in curing constipation and irregular bowel movement.
7.       Keeps your skin beautiful
Pineapple contains enzymes that make skin elastic, improve skin hydration, and remove damaged and dead cells. Thus, it helps us achieve a clear and glowing complexion. The enzymes in pineapples also fight free-radical damage and can reduce age spots and fine lines.
8.       Strengthens weak bones
Pineapples are rich in manganese, a trace mineral that is needed for your body to build bone and connective tissues. Just one cup of pineapple provides 73% of the daily recommended amount of manganese. The benefits of pineapple can effect the growth of bones in young people and the strengthening of bones in older people.
9.       Helps Arthritis
Eating pineapples can reduce the pain of arthritis.

 
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