The sweet pineapple is a popular tropical fruit. Beyond its deliciousness, pineapples also contain a variety of nutrients, antioxidants, and plant compounds beneficial to the human body. Today, we’ll introduce five health benefits of pineapples and teach you how to store leftover pineapples!

Pineapple Health Benefits

Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Immune Boosting

Pineapples are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and cellular damage caused by free radicals. Pineapples also have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Can Aid Digestion

Pineapples contain bromelain, a protease that is believed to aid digestion. Bromelain is a type of protease that helps break down proteins into smaller molecules, such as amino acids, for better absorption.

If pancreatic problems prevent the production of sufficient digestive enzymes, it’s especially important to consume foods rich in digestive enzymes, such as pineapples. However, everyone’s physical condition is different, so those with pancreatic issues are advised to discuss their diet with their doctor before deciding on a specific dietary option.

Can Help Boost Immunity

Pineapples are rich in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, all three of which can help boost immunity. In a related study, a control group that consumed approximately 150g of pineapple daily was compared with a control group that did not consume pineapple.

The experimental group was found to have a lower incidence of viral or bacterial infections and to have more active immune cells called granulocytes.

In another related study, children being treated for sinus infections were divided into two groups. The experimental group received a daily bromelain extract, while the control group did not. The experimental group recovered faster.

Helps maintain healthy bones and teeth

Scientists believe pineapples are a good source of manganese. Like calcium, manganese helps maintain healthy bones and teeth. One cup of pineapple provides approximately 76% of the recommended daily intake of manganese.

Manganese is believed to help increase bone density and thus help prevent osteoporosis. However, it’s not recommended to overindulge in pineapples for this reason. Excessive intake of any nutrient can cause side effects.

Can Help Protect the Heart

The dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C in pineapples are all beneficial for protecting the heart. For example, they help dilate blood vessels, promote blood circulation, and help prevent cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and stroke.

In addition, scientists believe that bromelain can prevent blood clots, thereby helping to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction.

Pineapple Storage: How to Store Pineapples

• Storing at Room Temperature: Whether whole or cut, it’s best to consume the pineapple within the same day or two. If the weather is hot, it’s best to consume it within the same day.
• Storing in the Refrigerator: For whole pineapples, it’s recommended to simply place them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for about 4-5 days. However, if you’re cutting them, place them in a vacuum-sealed container before refrigerating them. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days.
• Storing in the Freezer: Whole pineapples aren’t suitable for freezing. Therefore, it’s recommended to cut them into pieces, place them in a ziplock bag, squeeze out the air, and seal the bag before freezing.
• You can also squeeze pineapples into juice and freeze them. This will keep for about 6 months, but frozen pineapples or pineapple juice will inevitably lose some of their flavor.