Health Benefits of Pineapple | Recipes for Beauty Mask and Smoothie
Pineapple
Not only is pineapple a delicious tropical fruit, it is loaded with vitamins and minerals and offers many health benefits.
Nutrients include vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant), vitamin B1, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, and manganese. Pineapple is high in dietary fiber and low in fat and cholesterol.
Health Benefits of Pineapple
Bones
Promoting bone growth and strengthening bones are some benefits. Just 1 cup of pineapple has 73% of the daily recommended dose of manganese, a trace mineral responsible for healthy bones and connective tissues.
Dental
Pineapple is also good for oral health. If you are going to have dental work done, drink a cup of fresh pineapple juice everyday before visiting the dentist and for a few days after the work is completed. This will help reduce pain and help speed up the healing process.
Inflammation
Bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme in pineapple, has been reported to reduce inflammation and may help treat rheumatoid arthritis and speed up recovery from injuries and surgery. However, eating pineapple may not be enough. To get the benefits, bromelain capsules/tablets are most likely necessary.
Respiratory
Pineapple may help in the treatment of colds, sore throats, and acute sinusitis by suppressing coughs and reducing the thickness of mucus.
Skin
Other health benefits of pineapple is firming skin (by boosting the production of collagen), sloughing off dead skin cells, evening out skin tone, and making tiny wrinkles less noticeable.
Pineapple Beauty Mask
Do this once-a-week facial before you go to sleep when you don’t have to wear makeup for 6-8 hours:
Puree 1 cup of fresh pineapple and 1/2 cup of fresh papaya (slightly green). Add the pureed fruit and 2 tablespoons of honey in a bowl and mix.
After washing your face with warm water (to open your pores), apply the mixture to your face (do not get in your eyes), leave it on for 5 minutes (no longer), and rinse with cool water.
Pineapple and Banana Smoothie
Enjoy the health benefits of pineapple with this delicious recipe:
Puree 1/4 fresh pineapple, 1 large banana, 1 cup of pure apple juice, and 4 ice cubes until smooth. Serve immediately.
Photo Credit
Pineapple image in the public domain.
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This post is part of the series: Other Healthy Fruits
Health benefits of fruits.