Vitamin C, Bromelain, and Fiber Come Together to Keep Your Heart Strong
With benefits for your brain, immune system, and more, pineapple’s “Super Fruit” title is well-earned. Thanks to its diverse range of vitamins and minerals, pineapple packs in the nutrition with every bite. Unsurprisingly, that means this tropical fruit can also help your heart health. This is particularly important: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and is frequently correlated with a poor diet. Thankfully, pineapple’s natural sweetness and delicious flavor makes it easy to incorporate into your daily intake, all while keeping your heart strong. Read on to learn more.
The Impact of Vitamin C on Heart Health
Antioxidants like vitamin C are a crucial part of keeping our immune system strong, but they also play a significant role in heart health. In fact, one study found that taking a vitamin C supplement helped reduce LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, subsequently lowering risk of heart disease. Of course, you can also get your vitamin C from your diet, and with 78.9 mg per 1 cup, pineapple is a great option.
Bromelain for Blood Flow
Pineapple’s naturally occurring enzyme bromelain can also contribute to heart health. One research review found that the compound can help break down cholesterol plaques, allowing blood to flow more readily through the body and heart and preventing events like stroke or heart attack. Bromelain is also known to prevent blood platelet aggregation, or clotting. Pineapple is also the only natural source of bromelain, giving you the perfect excuse to enjoy a daily serving of our favorite fruit.
Fiber and Heart Health
Like vitamin C, studies have shown that a high-fiber diet can help lower LDL cholesterol levels. The plant-based nutrient can also help control blood sugar levels and can keep you feeling full for longer, staving off any cravings for unhealthy choices that may negatively impact heart health. Pineapple offers about 2.3 grams of fiber per serving, or roughly 10% of your daily intake recommendation, making them a good option for a healthy, filling snack.
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Resources
- Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review
- Vitamin C Benefits – Healthline
- Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet – MayoClinic
- Eat more fiber-rich foods to foster heart health – Harvard Health
- Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease – MayoClinic
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