It's the peak season for pineapples, and you definitely shouldn't miss out. Although the exterior of a pineapple may not be "smooth and glossy," it offers numerous health benefits. Pineapples are rich in polysaccharides, organic acids, vitamins, and elements such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and potassium. They also contain protein, fat, and dietary fiber. Li Shizhen, in his "Compendium of Materia Medica," also affirmed that pineapples can strengthen the spleen and stomach, and fortify vital energy.
Notably, when you've eaten too much and experience indigestion, eating some pineapple can aid digestion and also relieve constipation. The reason it aids digestion is primarily due to the action of bromelain, an enzyme it contains.
This enzyme can break down proteins in the stomach, supplementing the body's insufficient digestive enzymes and helping patients with indigestion to restore normal digestive function. The fiber content also provides a certain therapeutic effect for constipation.
In addition, pineapples are rich in vitamin B1, which can promote metabolism and eliminate fatigue. They are also rich in dietary fiber, which allows for smoother gastrointestinal motility. The protease in fresh pineapple can break down protein in food, so eating some pineapple after a meal can whet the appetite, aid digestion, and relieve greasiness. Because of these effects, pineapple is often used as a meat tenderizer in cooking; Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple and Pineapple Beef are two examples.
In daily life, some people may experience adverse reactions such as allergies from eating pineapple. As long as you soak the pineapple in light saltwater for about 10 minutes before eating, you can destroy the allergenic structure of the bromelain. Furthermore, while pineapples are good, you should not eat too much at once, and especially never eat them on an empty stomach, as the bromelain can damage the stomach lining. It's best to eat them after a meal, which not only helps digestion but also serves a dual purpose.