What Are the Pertinent Contents of a Pineapple?

Pineapple is native to Brazil and Paraguay, but is now grown in various parts of the world, particularly in Hawaii. The delicious fruit, which takes 18 months to grow, is low in calories and full of useful minerals, proteins, enzymes and vitamins, making it a healthy snack that helps to promote various bodily functions.

Minerals

• The pineapple fruit is rich in a variety of minerals that perform various functions in the body. Minerals found in pineapples include manganese, which is important for healthy bones, copper, which aids metabolic processes in the body and magnesium, which is required for more than 300 biochemical reactions. Pineapple also contains potassium, beta-carotene, folic acid and dietary fiber.

Dietary Contents

• Pineapples make for healthy snacks because of their nutritional content but they are also low in calories, making them good snacks for those watching their calorie intakes. Pineapples contain roughly only 50 calories per 100 g, and contain no saturated fats nor cholesterol.

Bromelain

• One of the most pertinent and desirable contents of a pineapple is bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme that can help balance the body's fluids from being too alkaline or too acidic. The enzyme also helps with digestion by stimulating hormonal secretions in the pancreas. Further, bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties that benefit those with skin conditions or rheumatism.

Vitamins

• Pineapples are excellent sources of the antioxidant vitamin C, which is known to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and ensure that blood in the body is properly dilated. Various B vitamins are also present in pineapples, particularly B1, B2, B3 and B6, all of which are important for mental well-being.