Benefits of Zobo

7 Health Benefits of Zobo (Sorrel) Drink Will

Surprise You
Some of you who like to taste various traditional or local drinks from all around the
world would probably know or be familiar with what called Zobo drink. You can find
it at any international restaurant, Nigerian restaurant or even at the house of your
colleagues who like to have cooking experiment of any traditional recipes. At
general, consumers of Zobo drink would firstly impress that it is tasty and refreshing
and you may do so. However, those are not the things that make it special because
to make Zobo drink, anyone needs specific natural essence which is originally from
West Africa. Apart of it, Zobo drink also offers various health benefits which could
not be ignored and will be sorry to missed. You would not just get the better healthy
by consuming Zobo drink regularly, but also cure certain illnesses you may suffer.

Naming and Origin

Zobo drink is the original name from Nigeria, West Africa. It changes its name in
different countries, as Zobo drink is enjoyably consumed and drunk in various
places all around the world. At Carribean, people call it Sorrel, while in Sudan, it is
called Karkade. Mexicon people also like to consume this drink and call it Aguas
Fercas. However at general, as you mention Zobo drink, people would understand
that what you mean is that one, one of most popular local and traditional drinks in
the world coming from Nigeria. The major producer of this drink is from Yoruba, in
which its people are greatly creative in cooking ideas of Zobo as they make it soup,
jam, tea and others.

The basic essence of this drink is (dry) Roselle leaves or popularly known also as
Hibiscus Sabdariffa leaves coming from a species of Hibiscus plant, original and
native of West Africa. This shows that you can mix various secondarynatural
essences to your Zobo recipe, but the existence of the leaf is a must. Uniquely, it is
also known that no matter what secondary essences you mix into your Zobo drink,
the drink would still be tasty, thick, colorful and pleasant. People believe that the
Hibiscus leaf has its own certain strength so its taste would be well-kept and
strongly tasted although it is mixed with other essences.

If youd like, you can make home-made Zobo drink by yourself. You can simply find
the ingredient as well as recipe at some online or offline sources. It would be better
for you to make it at home especially if you have any favorite natural essences or
flavors such as ginger, garlic, pineapple and so on and so forth. Those three
materials are generally used as the combination in making Zobo drink, certainly
with water. Other than those, you can also use honey, orange, lemon, lime,
strawberry etc as you like. In the sense of flavor, you can choose either
organic/actual or flavor based on your choice of appetite. Some say that using
actual fruit would make the drink tastes soar.
However, if you are not a type of patient person who would like to be creatively slice
and make Zobo drink by yourself or at home, some ready-to-drink products are
available in the powder. You can buy it then mix it with hot or cold water as you
want then enjoyably drink it at your quality time.

Health Benefits. Because the Roselle leaf has already had sweet natural taste,
most of Zobo drink lovers do not put sugar in their drink and so do the restaurants.
A few of them still use low-cholesterol sugar for some reason, particularly because
they like sugar so much. This one factor is what makes Zobo special because it
offers natural sweet taste which is certainly safe and not endangering health.
Fortunately, health benefits of Zobo drink is not that one and even a sort of
immeasurable because if gives nothing but natural touch, organic essence and fresh
nutrients without any contamination. Anyway you should know as well about the
good nutrients that Zobo drink has. This applies to the Roselle leaf only and this
shows that the benefit can vary and increase when you put other essences to your
Zobo drink in addition to the main essence. Some of those nutrients are

Water soluble antioxidant

Huge amounts of vitamin C

Organic acids including citric acid, tartaric acid and maleic acid

Acidic polysaccharides and flavonoid glycosides as like delphinine and

cyanidin.

Anti-hypertensive properties

Anti-bacterial propertis

Enzyme inhibitor

High level of antioxidant

Those nutrients and good essence contained at Zobo drink, particularly at Roselle
leaf, work well to prevent and or cure some illnesses below;

1. High Blood Pressure, Constipation, Diabetes and Constipation. According

to a research conducted by United States Department of Agriculture, Zobo drink is
significantly effective for curing some disease and health disturbances ranging from
high blood pressure or hypertension, diabetes and constipation. Particularly to the
high blood pressure case, Zobo drink is effectively useful as it can lower the blood
stream by using its enzyme inhibitor which is able to block the production of
amlysea. Amlysea itself is an enzyme which can break down complex starches and
sugar.
This closely relates to natural essences contained at Zobo drink or its main basic
leaf which is naturally sweet and rich of good nutrients including anti-hypertensive
properties. Automatically, those all essences could work together to control sugar
level at the blood stream so that body metabolism as well as digestion system run
well and properly.

Others High blood pressure Info

2. Lost of Appetite. In addition the sense of mood, lost of appetite also closely
relates to digestive system. Zobo drink offers various nutrients needed and
nutritionally necessary ranging from iron, caffeine-free, niacin, carotene to calcium
so the consumers would get his/her appetite back as the digestive system returns
normal. Those nutrients work hand by hand to overcome any bacteria and worm in
digestive system supported by anti-bacterial properties which is also found at Zobo
drink.

3. Fever, Cold and Infection. The richness of vitamin C in Zobo drink is

naturally effective for curing as well as preventing fever, cold and infection. This
was stated by Abimbola Ajayi, a nutritionist and director of Family Health and
Nutrition.

4. Kidney Disease. People with kidney disease are advised to consume Zobo
drink as it contains 15 to 30 percent of organic acid as mentioned above. The
mechanism is all about the more ability of kidney to filter out some waste products
such as the uric and oxalic acid. Those two wastes can form a sort of stone at the
kidney and when it gets bigger, it would be excessively heavy.

However, it is advisable for them not put sugar in the liquid so that the natural
essences of Zobo could well-preserved and not contaminated with other non-natural
essences such as sugar as we find at regular market. A nutritionist say that the
main advantage of local and original drink is because it is made through
fermentation process producing microorganism that the good nutrients which
already exist would increase more and more.

5. Cancer, Zobo drink could prevent cancer as it is rich with anti-oxidant

essences. Consuming any food or raw materials rich with anti-oxidant would
significantly strengthen the immune system especially in fighting free radical. As a
consequence, body would be well-kept from various diseases, including cancer
which regularly occurs as an impact of free-radical contamination.

Harmfulness. Beyond all of its good nutrients and function, it is not advisable for
pregnant woman to drink Zobo drink as it can stimulate blood stream and make the
menstruation comes then lead to the abortion. Breastfeeing woman is also
suggested not to drink it as it can endanger the mother and her baby. Regular
consumers should also not drink Zobo too much as continual consumption can give
bad impact to their kidney (s).
11 Proven Health Benefits of
Ginger
By Joe Leech, Dietitian

| 2,061,397 views

Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet.

It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body
and brain.

Here are 11 health benefits of ginger that are supported by scientific research.

1. Ginger Contains Gingerol, a Substance With

Powerful Medicinal Properties
Ginger is a flowering plant that originated from China.

It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and is closely related to turmeric, cardomon and
galangal.

The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It is often
called ginger root, or simply ginger.

Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. It has
been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a
few.

This is what ground, fresh and sliced ginger looks like:

Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added
to processed foods and cosmetics. It is a very common ingredient in recipes.

The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which
is gingerol.

Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal
properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (1).
2. Ginger Can Treat Many Forms of Nausea, Especially
Morning Sickness
Ginger appears to be highly effective against nausea (2).

For example, it has a long history of use as a sea sickness remedy, and there is some evidence
that it may be as effective as prescription medication (3).

Ginger may also relieve nausea and vomiting after surgery, and in cancer patients undergoing
chemotherapy (4, 5).

But it may be the most effective when it comes to pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning
sickness.

According to a review of 12 studies that included a total of 1,278 pregnant women, 1.1-1.5
grams of ginger can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea (6).

However, ginger had no effect on vomiting episodes in this study.

Although ginger is considered safe, talk to your doctor before taking large amounts if you are
pregnant. Some believe that large amounts can raise the risk of miscarriage, but there are
currently no studies to support this.

Bottom Line: 1-1.5 grams of ginger can help prevent various types of nausea. This applies to
sea sickness, chemotherapy-related nausea, nausea after surgery and morning sickness.

3. Ginger May Reduce Muscle Pain and Soreness

Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain.

In one study, consuming 2 grams of ginger per day, for 11 days, significantly reduced muscle
pain in people performing elbow exercises (7).

Ginger does not have an immediate impact, but may be effective at reducing the day-to-day
progression of muscle pain (8).

These effects are believed to be mediated by the anti-inflammatory properties.

Bottom Line: Ginger appears to be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle
pain, and may reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness.

4. The Anti-Inflammatory Effects Can Help With

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common health problem.
It involves degeneration of the joints in the body, leading to symptoms like joint pain and
stiffness.

In a controlled trial of 247 people with osteoarthritis of the knee, those who took ginger extract
had less pain and required less pain medication (9).

Another study found that a combination of ginger, mastic, cinnamon and sesame oil, can reduce
pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients when applied topically (10).

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Bottom Line: There are some studies showing ginger to be effective at reducing symptoms of
osteoarthritis, which is a very common health problem.

5. Ginger May Drastically Lower Blood Sugars and

Improve Heart Disease Risk Factors
This area of research is relatively new, but ginger may have powerful anti-diabetic properties.

In a recent 2015 study of 41 participants with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of ginger powder per
day lowered fasting blood sugar by 12% (11).

It also dramatically improved HbA1c (a marker for long-term blood sugar levels), leading to a
10% reduction over a period of 12 weeks.

There was also a 28% reduction in the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio, and a 23% reduction in markers for
oxidized lipoproteins. These are both major risk factors for heart disease.

This graph shows what happened:

However, keep in mind that this was just one small study. The results are incredibly impressive,
but they need to be confirmed in larger studies before any recommendations can be made.

Bottom Line: Ginger has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve various heart
disease risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

6. Ginger Can Help Treat Chronic Indigestion

Chronic indigestion (dyspepsia) is characterized by recurrent pain and discomfort in the upper
part of the stomach.

It is believed that delayed emptying of the stomach is a major driver of indigestion.

Interestingly, ginger has been shown to speed up emptying of the stomach in people with this
condition.

After eating soup, ginger reduced the time it took for the stomach to empty from 16 to 12
minutes (12).
In a study of 24 healthy individuals, 1.2 grams of ginger powder before a meal accelerated
emptying of the stomach by 50% (13).

Bottom Line: Ginger appears to speed up emptying of the stomach, which can be beneficial for
people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort.

7. Ginger Powder May Significantly Reduce Menstrual

Pain
Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) refers to pain felt during a womans menstrual cycle.

One of the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief, including menstrual pain.

In one study, 150 women were instructed to take 1 gram of ginger powder per day, for the first 3
days of the menstrual period (14).

Ginger managed to reduce pain as effectively as the drugs mefenamic acid and ibuprofen.

Bottom Line: Ginger appears to be very effective against menstrual pain when taken at the
beginning of the menstrual period.

8. Ginger May Lower Cholesterol Levels

High levels of LDL lipoproteins (the bad cholesterol) are linked to an increased risk of heart
disease.

The foods you eat can have a strong influence on LDL levels.

In a 45-day study of 85 individuals with high cholesterol, 3 grams of ginger powder caused
significant reductions in most cholesterol markers (15).

This is supported by a study in hypothyroid rats, where ginger extract lowered LDL cholesterol
to a similar extent as the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin (16).

Both studies also showed reductions in total cholesterol and blood triglycerides.

Bottom Line: There is some evidence, in both animals and humans, that ginger can lead to
significant reductions in LDL cholesterol and blood triglyceride levels.

9. Ginger Contains a Substance That May Help Prevent

Cancer
Cancer is a very serious disease that is characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.

Ginger extract has been studied as an alternative treatment for several forms of cancer.
The anti-cancer properties are attributed to 6-gingerol, a substance that is found in large
amounts in raw ginger (17, 18).

In a study of 30 individuals, 2 grams of ginger extract per day significantly reduced pro-
inflammatory signalling molecules in the colon (19).

However, a follow-up study in individuals at a high risk of colon cancer did not confirm these
findings (20).

There is some, albeit limited, evidence that ginger may be effective against pancreatic cancer,
breast cancer and ovarian cancer. More research is needed (21, 22, 23).

Bottom Line: Ginger contains a substance called 6-gingerol, which may have protective effects
against cancer. However, this needs to be studied a lot more.

10. Ginger May Improve Brain Function and Protect

Against Alzheimers Disease
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process.

They are believed to be among the key drivers of Alzheimers disease and age-related cognitive
decline.

Some studies in animals suggest that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger can
inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain (24).

There is also some evidence that ginger can enhance brain function directly. In a study of 60
middle-aged women, ginger extract was shown to improve reaction time and working memory
(25).

There are also numerous studies in animals showing that ginger can protect against age-related
decline in brain function (26, 27, 28).

Bottom Line: Studies suggest that ginger can protect against age-related damage to the brain.
It can also improve brain function in elderly women.

11. The Active Ingredient in Ginger Can Help Fight

Infections
Gingerol, the bioactive substance in fresh ginger, can help lower the risk of infections.

In fact, ginger extract can inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria (29, 30).

It is very effective against the oral bacteria linked to inflammatory diseases in the gums, such as
gingivitis and periodontitis (31).

Fresh ginger may also be effective against the RSV virus, a common cause of respiratory
infections (32).
12. Anything Else?
Ginger is one of the very few superfoods actually worthy of that term.

6. Ginger Can Help Treat Chronic Indigestion

Chronic indigestion (dyspepsia) is characterized by recurrent pain and discomfort in the upper
part of the stomach.

It is believed that delayed emptying of the stomach is a major driver of indigestion.

Interestingly, ginger has been shown to speed up emptying of the stomach in people with this
condition.

After eating soup, ginger reduced the time it took for the stomach to empty from 16 to 12
minutes (12).

In a study of 24 healthy individuals, 1.2 grams of ginger powder before a meal accelerated
emptying of the stomach by 50% (13).

Bottom Line: Ginger appears to speed up emptying of the stomach, which can be beneficial for
people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort.

7. Ginger Powder May Significantly Reduce Menstrual

Pain
Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) refers to pain felt during a womans menstrual cycle.

One of the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief, including menstrual pain.

In one study, 150 women were instructed to take 1 gram of ginger powder per day, for the first 3
days of the menstrual period (14).

Ginger managed to reduce pain as effectively as the drugs mefenamic acid and ibuprofen.

Bottom Line: Ginger appears to be very effective against menstrual pain when taken at the
beginning of the menstrual period.

8. Ginger May Lower Cholesterol Levels

High levels of LDL lipoproteins (the bad cholesterol) are linked to an increased risk of heart
disease.

The foods you eat can have a strong influence on LDL levels.
In a 45-day study of 85 individuals with high cholesterol, 3 grams of ginger powder caused
significant reductions in most cholesterol markers (15).

This is supported by a study in hypothyroid rats, where ginger extract lowered LDL cholesterol
to a similar extent as the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin (16).

Both studies also showed reductions in total cholesterol and blood triglycerides.

Bottom Line: There is some evidence, in both animals and humans, that ginger can lead to
significant reductions in LDL cholesterol and blood triglyceride levels.

9. Ginger Contains a Substance That May Help Prevent

Cancer
Cancer is a very serious disease that is characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.

Ginger extract has been studied as an alternative treatment for several forms of cancer.

The anti-cancer properties are attributed to 6-gingerol, a substance that is found in large
amounts in raw ginger (17, 18).

In a study of 30 individuals, 2 grams of ginger extract per day significantly reduced pro-
inflammatory signalling molecules in the colon (19).

However, a follow-up study in individuals at a high risk of colon cancer did not confirm these
findings (20).

There is some, albeit limited, evidence that ginger may be effective against pancreatic cancer,
breast cancer and ovarian cancer. More research is needed (21, 22, 23).

Bottom Line: Ginger contains a substance called 6-gingerol, which may have protective effects
against cancer. However, this needs to be studied a lot more.

10. Ginger May Improve Brain Function and Protect

Against Alzheimers Disease
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process.

They are believed to be among the key drivers of Alzheimers disease and age-related cognitive
decline.

Some studies in animals suggest that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger can
inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain (24).

There is also some evidence that ginger can enhance brain function directly. In a study of 60
middle-aged women, ginger extract was shown to improve reaction time and working memory
(25).
There are also numerous studies in animals showing that ginger can protect against age-related
decline in brain function (26, 27, 28).

Bottom Line: Studies suggest that ginger can protect against age-related damage to the brain.
It can also improve brain function in elderly women.

11. The Active Ingredient in Ginger Can Help Fight

Infections
Gingerol, the bioactive substance in fresh ginger, can help lower the risk of infections.

In fact, ginger extract can inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria (29, 30).

It is very effective against the oral bacteria linked to inflammatory diseases in the gums, such as
gingivitis and periodontitis (31).

Fresh ginger may also be effective against the RSV virus, a common cause of respiratory
infections (32).

12. Anything Else?

Ginger is one of the very few superfoods actually worthy of that term.

Health Benefits Of Pineapples

Pineapples are a funny-looking fruit with a serious impact on health, and their health and
medicinal benefits include their ability to improve respiratory health, cure coughs and colds,
improve digestion, help you lose weight, strengthen bones, improve oral health, boost eye
health, reduce inflammation, prevent cancer, increase heart health, fight off infections and
parasites, improve the immune system, and increase circulation.

Pineapples are a delicious tropical fruit that have been celebrated for centuries not only for their
distinct and unique taste, but also for their seemingly miraculous health benefits. Pineapples are
eaten fresh, juiced, cooked, and preserved and their leaves are even used for wallpaper and
ceiling insulation. They belong to the Bromeliaceae family and are actual a composite fruit made
of coalesced berries that grow at the crown of a fruiting tree.

Historically, the most significant grower of pineapples was Hawaii, but they are now cultivated in
large quantities in Brazil, the Philippines, and Costa Rica. That being said, the fruit is actually
native to Paraguay and Brazil, and possibly parts of the Caribbean. The exact movement of
pineapples and the evolution of pineapples as a popular global fruit are still somewhat unknown.
It was first brought to Europe and Spain following Christopher Columbuss return there in 1493.
Its fruiting season run from March until June, and each tree can produce a number of fruits. The
name pineapple actually evolved in the 17th century due to its similar structure and appearance
to pine cones. Traditionally, they were known as ananas. The fruit itself is up to a foot long and
is surrounded by thorny spikes, topped with hard, waxy leaves, sometimes up to thirty per fruit.
Pineapples and their sweet juice are used and enjoyed around the world, even as a popular
flavor in alcoholic drinks, the most famous of which is the tropical drink, the pina colada!

Nutritional Value Of Pineapples

Aside from the interesting story and appearance of this fruit, it is also a storehouse of
huge health benefits due to its wealth of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals,
including potassium, copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, beta carotene,
thiamin, B6, and folate, as well as soluble and insoluble fiber, and bromelain.

Health Benefits Of Pineapples

Arthritis Management: One of the most celebrated uses of pineapple in terms of health is its
ability to reduce the inflammation of joints and muscles, particularly those associated with
arthritis, a truly debilitating disease that affects millions of people around the world. Pineapples
contain a relatively rare proteolytic enzyme called bromelain, which is primarily associated with
breaking down complex proteins, but it also has serious anti-inflammatory effects, and has been
positively correlated with reducing the signs and symptoms of arthritis in many test subjects.

Immune System: A single serving of pineapple has more than 130% of the daily requirement of
vitamin-C for human beings, making it one of the richest and most delicious sources of ascorbic
acid. Vitamin C is mainly associated with reducing illness and boosting the immune system by
stimulating the activity of white blood cells and acting as an antioxidant to defend against the
harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals are dangerous byproducts of
cellular metabolism that can damage various organ systems and disrupt function, as well as
cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous ones. The vitamin C content of pineapples defends
against this.

Tissue and Cellular Health: One of the commonly overlooked benefits of vitamin C is its
essential role in creating collagen. This is partly the reason why it is seen as a healing vitamin,
because collagen is the essential protein base of blood vessel walls, skin, organs, and bones.
High vitamin C content helps you heal wounds and injuries to the body quickly, along with
defending against infections and illness.

Cancer Prevention: In addition to the antioxidant potential of vitamin C in the battle against
cancer, pineapples are also rich in various other antioxidants, including vitamin A, beta carotene,
bromelain, various flavonoid compounds, and high levels of manganese, which is an important
co-factor of superoxide dismutase, an extremely potent free radical scavenger that has been
associated with a number of different cancers. Pineapple has directly been related to preventing
cancers of the mouth, throat, and breast.

Digestion: Like most fruits, pineapples are a rich source of fiber, but they are special in that they
contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. This means that eating a healthy amount of pineapples
can protect you from a vast amount of health conditions, including constipation, diarrhea, irritable
bowel syndrome, atherosclerosis and blood clotting, as well as blood pressure. Fiber can bulk up
stool, which promotes the passage of food through the digestive tract at a normal rate, and also
stimulates the release of gastric and digestive juices to help food dissolve. Furthermore, it bulks
up loose stool, which helps with diarrhea and IBS. Fiber also strips the blood vessels clean of
excess cholesterol and eliminates it from the body, thereby boosting cardiovascular health.
Coughs and Colds: The normal immune system boosting power of vitamin C is well known, but
that special enzyme, bromelain, is also connected with the reduction of phlegm and mucus build
up in the respiratory tracts and sinus cavities. It therefore prevents the illnesses that cause
phlegm and mucus build-up, while also treating them by loosening those materials and helping
you eliminate them from your body if youve already contracted an illness or infection.

Bone Health: Although pineapples are not famous for having a strong calcium content, which
most people immediately associate with bone health, it does have an impressive amount of
manganese, which is another trace mineral that is essential in the strengthening of bones, as
well as their growth and repair. Manganese is the most prominent mineral in pineapple, and a
single serving can deliver more than 70% of your daily requirement of this essential mineral.

Oral Health: Along with the antioxidant compounds that protect against oral cancer, pineapples
also have astringent properties, whichstrengthen gums and make sure that your teeth do not
become loose. Astringent agents help to tighten up tissues and tone the body so things like tooth
loss, hair loss, and muscle weakness or skin loosening does not occur. Pineapples are very
powerful astringents and are often prescribed as a natural remedy to fix loosening of teeth or the
the retraction of the gums.

Eye Health: Vision is one of the most important senses for human beings, and pineapples have
been directly connected to boosting eye health and preventing the age-related deficiencies that
so often occur. Macular degeneration affects many elderly people, andbeta carotene can help to
delay this vision problem. Keeping proper amounts of beta-carotene in your diet from fruits
and vegetablesis essential if you want to properly see the world well into your old age.

Blood Pressure: Pineapples are a valuable source of many minerals, and potassium is among
them. This is one of the most important minerals in our body, and potassium deficiency can result
in a wide array of health hazards. One of the most important functions of potassium is as a
vasodilator, meaning that it eases the tension and stress of the blood vessels and promotes
blood circulation to various parts of the body. When your blood vessels relax, your blood
pressure is reduced and the flow of blood is less restricted. This can prevent clots from blocking
the flow of blood and reduces the accumulation of plaque in the arteries and vessels. This helps
people prevent conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. So eat your pineapples
for a healthy heart!

Blood Circulation: In a related benefit to the vasodilating potential of potassium, pineapples

also provide the body with copper, another essential mineral that functions in a number of
enzymatic reactions and compounds in the body. Most notably, copper is a necessary element
for the formation of healthy red blood cells. High red blood cell count increases oxygenation to
the various organ systems and makes them function at optimal levels. It also increases cognitive
abilities and can maintain neural pathways to prevent neural disorders like dementia and
Alzheimers disease!

A Few Words of Warning: The benefits of eating pineapple are clear from the impressive list of
qualities that you just read, but there is always something about foods that should be cautioned
against, and pineapples are no exception. The bromelain in pineapples is primarily a meat-
tenderizing enzyme, which is why it is so helpful in the digestion of tough foods. This can result in
the softening or tenderness of your meat as well, meaning that your lips, gums, and tongue
might experience some tenderness or sensitivity if you eat too much pineapple. Bromelain is a
powerful chemical, as is vitamin C, if taken in excess. Both of these are in high proportions in
pineapple, and an overdose can lead to vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and nausea.
Also, bromelain has been known to stimulate menstruation, so pregnant women should avoid
excessive pineapple, as the high levels of bromelain can actually lead to a miscarriage in rare
cases.
Other than those health concerns, grab one of these spiky tropical fruits and dig in. Your body will
thank you for it!