Pineapple is more than just a delicious tropical fruit. It is quite hospitable to your immune system. One cup has more than 100% of your daily value of cell-protecting, collagen-making vitamin C.
# High in ManganeseThe mineral manganese plays an essential role in the way your body metabolizes food, clots blood, and keeps your bones healthy. One cup of pineapple has more than half of the manganese you need every day. This mineral is also present in whole grains, lentils, and black pepper.
# Loaded With Vitamins and MineralsIn addition to large amounts of vitamin C and manganese, pineapples add to your daily value of vitamin B6, copper, thiamin, folate, potassium, magnesium, niacin, riboflavin, and iron.
# Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic PropertiesBromelain,
the digestive enzyme in pineapple, has anti-inflammatory and
pain-relieving properties. This helps when you have an infection, like
sinusitis, or an injury, like a sprain or burn. It also offsets the
joint pain of osteoarthritis. The vitamin C in pineapple juice also
keeps inflammation levels low.
#
Good for DigestionPineapples are the only known food source of bromelain, a combination of enzymes that digest protein. That’s why pineapple works as a meat tenderizer: The bromelain breaks down the protein and softens the meat. In your body, bromelain makes it easier for you to digest food and absorb it.
# Post-Workout Recovery
Intense workout? The anti-inflammatory benefits of the bromelain in pineapple can help muscles recover quicker and keep you from feeling sore.