Pineapple is healthy for the liver
The liver is our central organ for ridding the body of harmful substances, such as the breakdown products of medications or alcohol. It ensures the smooth running of numerous metabolic processes, stores glycogen, and plays an important role in fat metabolism. Without a functioning liver, we feel unwell. It pays to support the liver with a suitable diet and keep it healthy. Foods that can help with this include fresh pineapple or pineapple juice, as scientific studies suggest.
- Pineapple is a water-rich fruit that contains only about 60 kilocalories per 100 grams, with 0.5 g of protein, 0.2 g of fat, and 12.4 g of sugar. It provides some valuable minerals and trace elements as well as vitamins.
- A very special substance makes it particularly valuable for our liver: bromelain. This is an enzyme that aids protein digestion in the intestine and is classified nutritionally as a peptidase.
- If the body’s own digestive enzyme production is weakened, for example because the pancreas is inflamed or impaired, bromelain extracted from pineapple can partially compensate for this deficiency.
- Bromelain can be absorbed in the intestine, where it also exhibits protein-splitting properties. The enzyme is believed to have antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Various studies have been conducted on this topic. This alone can provide relief for the liver, which can “overheat” due to its central metabolic activity.
- Decades ago, scientists conducting experiments on laboratory animals discovered that bromelain improves blood flow to the liver in critical situations. The antithrombotic effect could also play a role here. Recent scientific reviews provide an overview of the positive effects of bromelain.
- Another experiment on rats showed that consuming pineapple can have a beneficial effect on blood lipid levels. The researchers concluded that daily consumption of pineapple or its juice could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing cholesterol deposits in the arteries. A healthy balance of fat metabolism also relieves the liver.
These ingredients are found in pineapple
In addition to bromelain, which has health benefits, this tropical fruit contains other ingredients that can have an effect on your liver health. However, there are differences in the amounts of active ingredients contained in the fruit. Fruit processing also plays a role.
- Another advantage of pineapple: the fruit contains a good amount of fiber (1.4 g/100 g). A fiber-rich diet is one of the standard recommendations for a healthy liver.
- Pineapple also contains vitamin C (20 mg/10 g). A sufficient intake of ascorbic acid supports liver function and its role in sugar metabolism. According to research, the risk of developing fatty liver disease is reduced by consuming sufficient vitamin C in the diet.
- Analyses of the fruit show that unripe pineapples contain more bromelain than ripe ones. In addition, different versions of the enzyme mixture are found in the fruit. The slightly more effective form is found in the core of the fruit, which we usually do not eat due to its hardness and woody taste. Bromelain activity is lower in the outer flesh of the fruit.
- It is also important to note that heat destroys the beneficial enzymes, as they are proteins. It can therefore be assumed that pasteurized juice and canned fruit do not contain any significant amounts of these beneficial substances.
