Nothing can beat the sweet and tangy taste of biting into a slice of pineapple. But what really separates this superfruit from the rest is its equal parts delicious taste and impressive health benefits. “When looking at pineapple’s nutritional profile, it offers a wide range of nutrients,” says Cheryl Mussatto, registered dietitian. “One cup contains around 82 calories, two grams of fiber, 169 milligrams of potassium, 74 milligrams of vitamin C, and 50% of the [recommended daily value of the] mineral manganese.” To help convince you to snag a pineapple (or two) during your next grocery run, we asked registered dietitians for seven healthy reasons to eat more pineapples.
- Cheryl Mussatto, MS, RD, registered dietitian and founder of Eat Well to Be Well
Reduces Age-Related Degeneration
Due to its high vitamin C content, pineapples play a vital role in reducing age-related macular degeneration, Mussatto says, which affects our central vision. A 2019 study found that vitamin C was one of the key nutrients for preventing this type of age-related degeneration, along with other eye-related diseases. Just one cup of pineapple is enough to do so much good for you!
Prevents Constipation
While it’s not glamorous to admit that constipation affects our digestive system from time to time, eating more pineapple can actually prevent the likelihood of experiencing constipation. “Because of its fiber and water content, pineapple can help to prevent constipation, promoting regularity and a healthy digestive tract,” Mussatto says.
Boosts Heart Health
“Heart health is improved due to pineapple’s fiber, potassium, and vitamin C content,” Mussatto says. Besides pineapple’s ability to lower blood sugar and prevent cardiovascular disease, it also boosts heart health as a whole. Rest assured your heart is protected with a daily intake of pineapple!
Helps Digest Protein
“There’s one more special ingredient found in pineapples you will want to know about: bromelain,” Mussatto says. “Bromelain helps digest protein and is one of the reasons why pineapple is often used to tenderize meat before cooking.” The next time you’re cooking meat, you may want to use pineapple juice as the base for a marinade.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/reasons-to-eat-more-pineapple-GettyImages-1453858198-35a54817d469458fb2b939b807810583.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1&description=6+Healthy+Reasons+to+Eat+More+Pineapple){kind=link}