According to Ayurveda, the health of every person resides in his digestive system. The slightest upset to this prime system leaves the person dull, lethargic, and prone to various health disorders. An unhealthy digestive system is the playground of toxins and germs and fails to eliminate toxins. The immunity system is also affected. The inclusion of pineapples in your healthy diet is one of the best ways to maintain and improve the health of the digestive tract.
Pineapples are rich sources of various enzymes that could help the body digest the various nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the right way. These enzymes also give the extra boost essential for the proper elimination of wastes and toxins from the human body. Once considered as a symbol of prestige and luxury, this tropical fruit now has the reputation of owning countless benefits for mankind.
Read on to know how pineapples could help in easing and healing various digestive system disorders.
Are the Enzymes in Pineapple Safe for Digestive System?
Pineapples contain a wide array of enzymes, many of which were considered to have little effect on mankind. But studies proved that enzymes like bromelain has the potential to traverse through the digestive system while bestowing a positive impact on it. It reaches the colon without harming the digestive tract and even eases the inflammations affecting the intestinal tract such as ulcerative colitis.
Pineapple and Digestion
Pineapples contain two different ingredients that are known to be beneficial for the digestive system.
The Fiber
This tropical yellow fleshed fruit is packed with fiber in generous amounts. The fiber in this fruit is primarily soluble in nature and hence, it helps in attracting the water in the digestive system. This slows down the absorption process. This gives sufficient time for the digestive tract to absorb all the minerals and vitamins as well as other nutrients adequately. Pineapples also contain insoluble fiber in trace amounts that combines with the stools and soften the same, thereby enabling it easier passage.
You need at least 14 grams of fiber to ensure that your digestive system functions normally. 1 cup of pineapple yields about 2.2 grams.
Bromelain
Bromelain is a digestive enzyme that has various proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes work in a synchronized way that aid the digestive system to break down the proteins properly and absorb the same. Bromelain also works as a natural antidote for diarrhea, heartburn, bloating, and stomach aches.
How to Eat Pineapples for Your Digestive Problems?
Pineapple should be eaten raw or juiced without sugar to reap its benefits for the digestive system. Remove the outer rind and stem completely and eliminate the inner core also to ensure that the extremely fibrous portion does not upset your tummy. Avoid using pre-cut pineapples as well as canned ones as they generally lack the nutrients.
Eat the pineapples before your meals to promote digestion. You could use it as a snack in between your meals to ease various inflammatory conditions and alleviate the bloating. Pineapple is also a rich source of manganese, calcium, and potassium, all which are known to be good for your digestive tract.
A Word of Caution
Even though pineapple is good for the digestive system, it is also not free from side effects. Consuming this fruit in excessive amounts could cause bloating and diarrhea. There are studies that report allergic reactions to consuming pineapples such as tiny, itchy blisters in the mouth and an itchy throat.
Various studies suggest that this fruit could possible interfere with the functioning of certain drugs like warfarin, urokinase, alteplase, and salsalate. So, if you are on one or more of these medications, then please exercise a little caution.
Include pineapple as a part of your healthy diet and enjoy a stronger digestive system.