Pineapple: Helps Heal Aches And Pains?
That tropical fruit, the pineapple, is also an armamentarium for soothing aches and pains-most of them acquired from physical activity and sport. The underlying magic of pineapple as medication emanates from an enzyme with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, namely bromelain.
Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from the stem and juice of pineapples. It’s often studied for its anti-inflammatory properties, which help promote faster recovery from injuries, especially sports-related ones. From muscle aches to joint pains and bruising-one might well treat these with the incorporation of pineapple within the post-event routine.
This aspect of the anti-inflammatory activity of bromelain makes it extremely useful for athletes or anyone who systematically engages in any type of exercise. Intensive exercise is one that produces micro-tears in muscles, inflammation in the joints that may appear as an ache or stiffness. Bromelain precludes much of this by degrading proteins that trap fluid in swollen tissues, and consequently, swelling reduces, thereby hastening recovery faster. It also speeds up the body’s bruise-healing processes by breaking down the blood proteins that have contributed to the discoloration and swelling of bruised tissue.
Adding to the healing effects of pineapple, it is also substantial in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and manganese. Vitamin C encourages the production of collagen, a certain protein that the body needs to keep the tissues, muscles, and joints healthy. Manganese is highly useful in maintaining the health of bones and may also be used in reinforcing the connective tissues of the body as it heals from physical stress.
There are countless ways to introduce pineapple into your diet, easily and deliciously. Consumed fresh, in smoothies, or added in salads, this nutrient-rich fruit will provide the necessary extra kick for a quicker natural process of your body healing itself, making it the perfect option for any person who wants to eliminate pain, aches, and minor traumas as soon as possible.