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12 Amazing Things You Never Knew About Pineapples
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Who doesn’t love the juicy taste of pineapples? So sweet, slightly tart, and loaded with so many health benefits, it’s hard to know where to start.
The word “pineapple” comes to us from the Spanish word pina and was first used back in 1398 in reference to a pinecone. These delicious fruits were discovered by the Europeans in 1493 on the Caribbean island Guadalupe. Europeans tried unsuccessfully for years to grow pineapples, but finally figured out that they must have a tropical climate to grow. Spanish and Portuguese explorers and sailors introduced pineapples to the African, Asian, and South Pacific colonies by the end of the 16th century.
Since pineapples were very perishable, American colonists only experienced glazed, sugar-coated pineapples, and even then, they were a luxurious treat for the wealthy. After eating canned pineapple one time, it has been said that the great Sioux leader, Sitting Bull, said that he would only talk about treaties if they brought him more.
Pineapples were first commercially cultivated in Hawaii in the 18th century, and it remains the only U.S. state to grow them. It takes almost three years for a pineapple to come to maturity, so we should appreciate the effort that goes into growing them!
Want to know more about these incredible fruits? Keep reading for 12 healthy benefits you never imagined possible from this sunny yellow fruit.
1. Divine Digestion
Pineapples soothe the lining of the stomach and the intestines, which makes them great for your digestion. Since they have both soluble and insoluble fiber, plus with the proteolytic enzyme bromelain that breaks down protein, this fruit seems to be made to improve the digestion. Pineapple can also help to treat infections in the intestinal tract and works as a natural laxative, helping the body detox itself naturally. Enjoy a slice or two of pineapple after a meal for a sweet treat that will keep things moving and improve your digestion.
2. Stops Cold Symptoms And Sinus Inflammation
Just two small three-inch pieces of pineapple contain about 50 percent of the vitamin C you need each day. This means that pineapple will support a healthy immune system. The bromelain in pineapple can reduce the amount of mucus in your throat and nose, according to studies from the University of Maryland Medical Center. Pineapple juice can also help to quell coughs. This fruit is also terrific at calming inflammation in the sinuses, so if you suffer from allergies, you might want to try adding some pineapple to your daily diet to control sinus mucus over the long run.
3. Relief From Morning Sickness
Several studies have shown that eating pineapple first thing in the morning can help to reduce the nausea and vomiting that comes with morning sickness. An old folk remedy says that pineapple juice alleviates morning sickness and studies appear to back this up. This works due to pineapple’s high vitamin and mineral content, as well as the vitamin B6 pineapple contains. Eat a slice of pineapple or drink pure pineapple juice first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, for best results.
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