With Jamaica’s rich tropical climate, many delicious and tasty fruits have been able to thrive on the island. Some of these fruits include papaya, jackfruit, Otaheite apple and orange, which can all be found all across the island.

Not only are these fruits delicious, tasty and enjoyed by many, but they also provide several health benefits. This is one in Our Today‘s series where we explore the health benefits that Jamaica-found fruits are able to provide, and, for today, the focus is on the Pineapple.

Pineapple is believed to have originated in Brazilian rainforests and was spread through South and Central America by native tribes.

The pineapple is not a single fruit, as it consists of many berries that have grown/fused together. The technical terms for such fruits is known as ‘multiple fruits’ or ‘collective fruits’.

Health Benefits

Fights Inflammation

Pineapple is the only fruit known to contain bromelain. Bromelain is proteolytic enzyme that causes the body to generate substances that fight swelling and pain.

Improves Tissue Healing

Bromelain found in pineapple can also help to improve tissue healing. It is said that bromelain can even help with skin healing after surgery.

Reports are that Native Americans would use pineapple to dress and treat wounds, as it slows down the build-up of kinins, a byproduct of inflammation.

Aids Digestion and Bowel Movement

Like many other fruits, pineapple contains significant amounts of fibre, a component in foods able to help with not only digestion but contribute to regular bowel movement.

We do not digest fibre, instead it is transferred to the intestine, and overtime becomes a ‘bulk’, performing the dual roles of water absorption and causing muscles in the intestine to push waste out the body.

Helps fight heart disease and cancer

Rich in the antioxidants flavonoids and phenolic acids, consuming pineapple is able to aid help in the fight against free radicals which tend to play a role in the generation of chronic diseases which include heart disease and cancer.

Bromelain can also help to fight the growth of tumors.

Helps with metabolism and bone formation

The pineapple is also rich in the chemical element manganese, known to assist with metabolism and bone formation. Although the body is able to store this chemical competent in organs such as the liver and kidney, it is important to include it in your diet.

Manganese helps to activate the enzymes needed to for metabolism and plays a role in several chemical processes in the body.

For bones, manganese is popular for helping with both its development and maintenance.

Helps with energy production

Pineapple consists of several B vitamins including thiamin, niacin, B6 and folate, which are nutrients that help the body to process energy from the food that you eat.