Pineapples, Nature’s Flu Fighter!

Australia’s awareness of natural immunity-boosting whole foods is low, particularly when it comes to fighting colds and flu, according to new research from Pure Gold Pineapples.

A national survey of over 1000 adults[1] found just 20% of the nation reported having heard of the enzyme, bromelain – a nutrient-rich, immunity-boosting property only available in pineapples.

Bromelain promotes a healthy digestive system by working to break down proteins. It also provides an anti-inflammatory benefit, which aids in reducing inflammation – and has been shown to relieve symptoms of arthritis, sinusitis and sore throats[2].

The survey also found only six per cent viewed pineapples as nutrient-rich, instead turning to go-to leafy greens (42%) and coined “superfoods” like blueberries (22.5%), goji berries (14.5%) and acai berries (12%) instead.

Nutritionist and dietitian Joanna Shinewell said the key to keeping a strong immune system, particularly during the cooler months, is through vitamin C, dietary bromelain and antioxidants.

“To encourage a healthy immune system, the body needs a daily intake of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. While to many it is surprising that pineapples could be a hidden gem, they are truly the golden fruit that protects you from the harshness of winter from the inside, out,” said Shinewell.

Also investigated was how Aussies choose to protect their immunity during winter, with the majority citing taking natural supplements, including vitamin C, olive leaf and echinacea (29%), followed closely by the intake of garlic, ginger and onions (18%), getting more sleep (16%), eating fresh orange (16%) – or signing up for the flu jab (approx. 10%). Of those polled, surprisingly only two per cent cited eating fresh pineapples.

When it comes to nourishing themselves post-exercise, Australians overwhelmingly opt for fluids – noting water, hydration supplements or a protein drink (72%) as their go-to. About 10% listed post-workout smoothies or freshly cut fruit.

The report also went on to reveal that of Australia’s iconic sports – AFL, rugby, netball and cricket – more than 70% of respondents cited oranges as being synonymous with the outdoor games. A further 15 per cent listed bananas, with only three per cent recognising pineapples.

“Half-time fruit goes hand-in-hand with Australian sport, no matter whether professional or in a backyard cricket match. Nutritionally speaking, it’s a sporting tradition that stems from providing vitality for the remainder of the game – but while pineapples aren’t the most popular, they certainly are the better fatigue fighter.

“Pineapples boast energy-boosting nutrients, manganese, vitamins and sugars – all of which claim back vitality and produce a long and slow energy release. On top of this, one serve of pineapple[3] also contains your daily intake of vitamin C,” said Shinewell.

Furthermore, when asked when pineapples were consumed most during the year, 50 per cent of Aussies responded with only the summer months (Dec–Feb), 28 per cent all year-round, and only three per cent during winter (Jun–Aug).

Pure Gold Pineapples are based in Central and Southern Queensland – and grow fresh, sweet and nutritious pineapples all year round. Pure Gold Pineapples are available across Australian food retailers and fruit shops nationally. For more information visit puregoldpineapples.com.au. To follow on social, visit Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

More Pineapple Nutrition Facts

Immunity

Keeping your immune system strong is aided by vitamin C, manganese, bromelain and anti-oxidants.

Support your immune system when your body needs it. Eat pineapple over these winter months.

Plant nutrients, phyto-nutrients, have been researched in their ability to help the immune system. Phyto-nutrients, known as antioxidants, fight free radicals. These products are produced by the body in response to internal and external pollutants such as stress, infection, pollution and a poor diet.

Vitamin C helps boost iron and zinc absorption from foods consumed. These minerals play a vital role in strengthening the immune system and increasing resistance to infection.

Inflammation is an immune response to injury and even chronic disease. Bromelain is an anti- inflammatory and therefore aids with reducing inflammation and aiding the immune system. It has been shown to relieve symptoms of arthritis, sinusitis and a sore throat.

Gut Health

Beginning a gut boosting regime starts with the unique nutrient Bromelain, only found in pineapple, and is continued with additional benefits of fibre, prebiotics and water.

Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme that aids the digestion process of breaking down proteins. Thus, helping with absorption of proteins into the body. Also eliciting anti-inflammatory effects it can reduce inflammation in the bowel for those individuals who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive health issues.

Research has undoubtedly shown that fibre plays a very vital role in many areas of health, but particularly the digestive health. It is clear that a low intake of fibre can be correlated to an increased incidence of bowel cancer. A high fibre intake will support the functioning of the digestive system by supporting regular bowel movements. A portion of the fibre that pineapples contain is prebiotics in the form of fructans. These pass through the small intestine undigested. In the large intestine, they stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial probiotic bacteria. Rapidly emerging science has linked gut bacteria to many areas of good health

Healthy Skin

Pineapples contain vitamin C, bromelain, polyphenols and water which all support healthy and protected skin.

There is growing evidence that vitamin C and polyphenols can protect the skin from sun damage and help reduce skin damage and ageing caused by harmful free radicals. Vitamin C helps keep the skin healthy, and youthful, through its essential role in collagen synthesis, the major protein that provides support and elasticity to the skin.

Bromelain being an anti-inflammatory agent can help reduce inflammation caused by sun damage or general abrasion or damage to the skin. Reducing the inflammation aids the healing process.

Consuming water ensures the bodies efficiency of removing toxins is met. Removing toxins is part of the process to clear skin. The skin being a large organ is also prone to dryness and potentially flakiness when dehydrated. A long-term effect of dehydration can be wrinkles.

Vitality

Pineapple is a fatigue fighter, its energy boosting nutrients, vitamin C, manganese and sugars can claim back vitality.

Pineapple contains sugar. Many people today are uncertain about sugar consumption, however this fruit has a low glycaemic index load, indicating it raises blood glucose levels only slightly without major disruption to an individual’s glucose. Eating pineapple produces a slow and long energy release.

Manganese is a mineral involved in energy production in the body.

Vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron, a mineral important for transporting oxygen around the body to help the cells including muscles function and therefore aiding with energy andvitality.