Benefits of Pineapple for Health, Skin and Hair 

Introduction

Pineapple is said to have originated from South America and is rich in nutrients and antioxidants that can fight inflammation. Also, known as Ananas comosus, this healthy fruit is said to have a lot of health benefits. It contains vitamin A, vitamin K, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc that can work wonders in fighting many diseases. It’s a rich source of vitamin C that helps in maintaining a healthy immune system while its content of manganese can help regulate the metabolic rate and aid digestion. This fruit may also have several benefits for your hair, skin, and bones. This blog will give you a detailed account of its proposed health benefits and any potential side effects. It will also cover some ways in which you can use pineapple to achieve healthy skin and hair. But before that’s have a look at some interesting facts about this fruit! 

Interesting Facts About Pineapple

Here are some interesting facts that you should know about pineapple. 

• It is derived from the Spanish word pina meaning pinecone that was used in 1398; 300 years later it was called pineapple in order to identify the fruit individually. However, pineapple in Spanish is called piña. 
• It was discovered on the island of Guadalupe in 1493 by Europeans. 
• It was treated as a luxurious fruit because of the sort of prestige that it had. 
• The skin of pineapple is used to make alcohol, animal food and vinegar. 
• Pineapple ​plants ​​belong to the bromeliad family and bear a single fruit each, taking up to two years to reach full maturity. 

Potential Health Benefits of Pineapple

Pineapple is a low-calorie fruit (83 kcal per 165 g) rich in essential nutrients. It provides 21.6 g of carbohydrates (including 16.3 g of natural sugars) and 2.3 g of dietary fiber. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (79 mg, 88% DV) and manganese (1.5 mg, 67% DV), and also contains vitamin B6, thiamin, copper, folate, and potassium in moderate amounts¹. This nutrient-dense profile makes pineapple a healthy and refreshing fruit choice. 

Here are some proposed health benefits of ​pineapple that you need to know. 

1. Helps Fight Cold and Cough

Pineapple may benefit if you are suffering from a bad cold and cough​. This is because this healthy fruit contains bromelain, which is an enzyme that has anti-inflammatory properties and can help fight infections². Eating it regularly can help build your immunity and avoid cough and cold.  

2. Supports Bone Health

Pineapple is rich in manganese, which helps in strengthening your bones³. Along with manganese, it also has other nutrients like zinc, copper and calcium which can support bone health. Thus, adding this fruit to your everyday diet can help you keep your bones strong and healthy.  

3. Good For Teeth and Gums

Pineapple is said to strengthen your gums and keep your teeth strong. Studies⁴ have shown that bromelain found in pineapple helps fight harmful bacteria that cause gum disease. Plus, pineapple ​also has ​​​a good calcium and manganese content that help in strengthening the teeth. Consuming pineapple regularly can help you achieve healthy gums and teeth. 

4. Avoids Cancer Risk

Pineapple is also proposed to keep cancer away. This fruit has loads of antioxidants in it that can protect you from a wide range of diseases and help avoid some types of cancers from occurring. Pineapple may also have the potential to damage cancer cells, although further research is needed in this regard⁵.  

5. Aids In Digestion

Pineapple is a rich source of bromelain, dietary fibre, and vitamin C that help in good digestion. Bromelain consists of proteolytic enzymes that help in proper break down and absorption of food, thereby aiding in digestion. Drinking some pineapple juice or eating it every day can thus help you get rid of stomach issues.  

6. Healthy for Eyes

Regular consumption of 100% pineapple juice may help reduce your risk of macular degeneration which is ​a condition that affects the eye as you get older⁶. As this healthy fruit is a good source of vitamin C and several antioxidants, it can aid in keeping your vision intact. 

7. Reduces Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis involves severe pain in the joints which is primarily caused due to inflammation⁷. Pineapple contains bromelain which is said to have a major anti-inflammatory property and all you need to do is to make pineapple juice and drink it. This will ease joint pain and prevent you from arthritis. 

8. Balances Cholesterol Levels

If you have potential risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease such as high cholesterol levels, then eating pineapples regularly can help. This fruit has high amounts of healthy nutrients and phytochemicals that can lower lipids and reduce inflammation⁸. This can be a good natural way to control your cholesterol levels. 

9. Reduces Risk of Blood Clots 

Bromelain being the major substance in pineapples may help reduce your risks of blood clots, which can avoid plaque from building in the arteries³. There, incorporating pineapple in your routine diet can be beneficial for your blood circulation and heart. 

10. Prevents Nausea

Pineapple contains enzymes that can soothe the feeling of vomitting⁹. This is because of its bromelain content particularly, which can help deal with nausea, motion sickness and morning sickness of pregnancy. However, it’s important to discuss with your gynaecologist before incorporating anything to your diet, especially pineapple, during pregnancy. 

11. Natural Energiser 

Pineapple contains valine and leucine which are two substances that are very important for the growth and repair of muscle tissue. Drinking one glass of pineapple juice may benefit in overcoming fatigue and boosts your stamina to keep you running the whole day. The best thing about this fruit is that it can keep you hydrated the entire day and provide all the energy you would need to run yourself. 

12. Stress Buster

Pineapple has tryptophan, which helps in the production of serotonin which is a natural stress buster that keeps your hormones and nerves relaxed¹⁰. Thus, including pineapple in your routine diet can help beat the stress and keep your mood elevated. 

13. Fights Inflammation

Pineapples are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that have the ability to prevent diseases that your body is prone to. Aging and oxidative damage to the body can cause chronic inflammation and weaken your immune system. Pineapple has antioxidants that can boost your immune system and protect you from many diseases³. 

14. Speeds Up Muscle Recovery

According to some studies¹¹, bromelain in pineapple has demonstrated positive effects on muscle fatigue due to exercise. It can help protect muscle from damage and inflammation and is, therefore, a great way to promote muscle recovery after a workout. 

15. Promotes Healing after Surgery

Similarly, the bromelain in pineapple has also been seen to be helpful to the body when it is recovering from surgical intervention¹². Bromelain is a potent anti-inflammatory compound and was also approved in some European countries for both internal and topical use on surgical wounds to facilitate faster healing. 

16. Helps with Weight Loss

A recent study¹³ on rats has proven that pineapple does have an anti-obesity effect. According to the results of this study, raw pineapple juice has been seen to prevent the deposition of fat in rats that were put on a specific diet. Thus, pineapple may have a promising role in supporting weight loss by providing a delicious and nutritious food option with low calorie content and presence of digestion-promoting enzymes. 

While studies¹³ have shown beneficial health effects of pineapple, further large-scale human trials are needed to confirm these. Nonetheless, studies of initial research seem promising and there is a good chance that consuming pineapple routinely can show several positive effects on health as discussed.  

Pineapple Benefits for Skin and Hair

As discussed, pineapple is good for your overall health and similarly, it is also good for your skin and hair too. Pineapple extracts can help rejuvenate your skin. It may be helpful for conditions like skin rashes or skin damage, and make you skin look clean and fresh. It also helps keep your hair and scalp healthy.  

Here are some potential benefits of pineapple for your skin and hair. 

1. Helps Fight Acne

Pineapple extracts may help fight acne and other skin infections. Studies¹⁴ have shown that application of bromelain extracted from pineapple skin can be beneficial in fighting microorganisms causing skin infections and manging acne.  

2. Anti-Ageing Properties

The older you get your skin begins to lose its glow and you will begin to develop wrinkles. Pineapple is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin C that are said to boost skin elasticity and hydrate your skin¹⁵. Alpha-hydroxy acid in pineapple helps delay the death of cells, thus aiding in anti-ageing capabilities.  

3. Gives a Radiant Skin 

Pineapple has loads of vitamin C and antioxidants that can help deal with sun damage and uneven skin toning. Pineapple extracts can help exfoliate dead skin and flush away the toxins from your face, thus making your skin look vibrant and clean. 

4. Reduces Black Spots 

Pineapple may help reduce black spots on your face by rubbing it over the spots. A study¹⁶ involving long term application of pineapple extract cream showed that it helped in reducing pigmentation and dealing with conditions like dermatitis and greasy skin.  

5. Improves Hair Quality 

Pineapple contains antioxidants that are responsible for softer and shinier hair. Its vitamin C content deal with brittle and dull hair and also aids in improving the thickness and elasticity of your hair. Thus, pineapple can help in promoting strong, healthy and lustrous hair.  

6. May Promote Hair Growth

Pineapple has vitamin C that helps build collagen and makes your hair strong, potentially avoiding hair fall. The enzymes present in this fruit can also help improve blood circulation and enrich the hair follicles, thereby helping in new hair growth.  

7. Soothe Scalp Inflammation

Pineapple extracts can help ease inflammation in your scalp. If you are suffering from severe itching on the scalp, applying this can give you instant relief. It may help deal with dandruff or inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis affecting the scalp and promote its health¹⁷. 

Although natural remedies like applying pineapple and its extracts can help promote skin and hair health, if you’re suffering from any skin conditions or have symptoms such as itchy scalp or extensive hair fall, it’s ideal to consult a dermatologist first. They can help diagnose the underlying cause of your condition and suggest appropriate management strategy.  

Pineapple ranks high in the list of foods rich in vitamin and mineral content. Vitamin C, that promotes the growth and repair of tissues, is present in pineapple in nearly one-third of the daily required quantity. Studies¹⁰ show people taking vitamin C regularly may be able to fight cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. Vitamin C is known to possibly strengthen your immune system as well. 

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Pineapple Preparations for Hair and Skin

Here are a few preparations that use pineapple to help you take care of your skin and hair.  

1. Hair Mask with Yoghurt 

Mash half a medium-sized pineapple with 2-3 tablespoons of yoghurt and olive oil until a smooth paste is achieved. Apply the mask by massaging it into your hair and leaving it in for about 20 minutes. The pineapple enzymes will help to nourish your follicles and give you with thick strong hair while the mix of olive oil and yoghurt can give your hair shine and help manage scalp irritation.  

2. Oil Regulation for Face 

In a blender, mix gram flour, pineapple, and oatmeal till it reaches a grainy consistency, then apply to your face gently while slowly massaging in a circular motion. Do not leave the face mask on for more than 10 minutes. The mixture of pineapple for skin is an all-round facial care scrub. Pineapple and gram flour have been known be great for complexion, helping reduce dark spots and evening out the skin tone. The gram flour and oatmeal also work together to absorb excess facial oils while cleansing the skin surface.  

3. A Quick Zit Remover 

Make a mash of pineapple and turmeric and apply to zits, pimples, and cuts on your skin. Due to Bromelain in pineapple, it helps in wound repair while turmeric helps reduce inflammation and aids in wound healing. Together ,these two ingredients can help your skin recover quickly while using natural ingredients. 

Researchers believe pineapple provides a healthy serving of the vitamin B complex including thiamin, niacin, B6, and folate. These vitamins and minerals may assist your body in converting food into usable energy. Additionally, they are essential for the production of new red blood ​cells that ​​carry oxygen to your organs and tissues³.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Side Effects of Pineapple

While pineapple has many potential health benefits, it may have some side effects too. These include: 

• Allergic Reactions: After consuming pineapple, some individuals may experience a pineapple allergy. Pineapple allergy symptoms can range from itching and swelling to more severe reactions such as difficulty breathing. If you have known allergies to latex, birch pollen, or other fruits, it’s advisable to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before consuming pineapple.  
• Oral Irritation: Pineapple side effects on the tongue is observed in many individuals. Bromelain in pineapple can cause oral irritation in some people. Consuming large amounts of pineapple may lead to a tingling or burning sensation in the mouth or on the lips. This effect is generally mild and temporary. 
• Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Bromelain, while beneficial for digestion in moderate amounts, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in excess. Overconsumption of pineapple may lead to nausea, diarrhoea, or stomach cramps. It’s recommended to enjoy pineapple in moderation to avoid these side effects. 
• Interference with Medications: Pineapple and its bromelain content may interact with certain medications. Individuals taking blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, or antibiotics should consult with their healthcare provider, as bromelain may enhance the effects of these medications. 
• Acidic Nature: Pineapple is naturally acidic, and excessive consumption may contribute to acid reflux or heartburn, particularly in individuals prone to digestive issues. Moderation is key, especially for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 
• Dental Concerns: The acidity of pineapple, combined with its natural sugars, can potentially contribute to dental issues such as enamel erosion and cavities. It’s advisable to rinse your mouth with water after consuming pineapple and maintain good oral hygiene. 
• Pregnancy Precaution: Pregnant women should be cautious with pineapple consumption due to the presence of bromelain. Pineapple side effects in pregnancy warrant caution, as excessive consumption may potentially soften the cervix and induce uterine contractions, posing an elevated risk of miscarriage, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. 

Also Read: Best Home Remedies for Hair Growth

Conclusion

Pineapple is a nutrient-dense, multipurpose fruit, full of essential nutrients and antioxidants. 
There are numerous proposed health advantages of pineapple, including improved digestion, increased immunity, and even lowering risks of certain cancers. It is found to be great for the skin and hair too! Although further studies are needed to confirm its health benefits, pineapple seems to show promising results and can be incorporated in routine diet. However, despite the benefits, consumption in moderation is key to prevent any side effects of pineapple. Also, if you have any medical conditions or are on certain medications, it’s best to discuss with your healthcare provider before including pineapple or any other food item in your routine diet.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

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