Most people don’t know that pineapple leaves are beneficial to health. Pineapple leaves are rough and silky and are disposed of after peeling the fruit. Pineapple leaves are long, slender, and spiky, with a length ranging from 50 to 180 cm.
They are waxy and succulent, and arranged in a rosette around the stem. The leaves bear sharp upcurved spines on the edges, which can cause injury if not handled carefully.
The color of the leaves varies from light green to dark green, depending on their age and the amount of sunlight they receive.
Pineapple leaves are an integral part of the pineapple plant, and play an important role in the photosynthesis and water regulation of the plant.Â
Although, the leaves are usually discarded after harvesting the fruit, pineapple leaves are now gaining recognition for their potential health benefits and are being used in a variety of ways.
What are the nutritional composition of pineapple leaves? What are the health benefits of pineapple leaves? Are you wondering how you will consume the leaves?Â
In this article, we will answer all these questions.
Nutritional Composition Of Pineapple Leaves
Pineapple leaf extracts have been found to be rich in phenols, which are compounds that have been shown to have potent health benefits in animal studies, according to numerous scientific studies. Apart from phenols, pineapple leaves also contain other compounds of medicinal interest such as p-coumaric acid (CA), flavonoids, tannins, bromelain, glycosides, proteins, and ascorbic acid.
5 Potential Health Benefits Of Pineapple Leaves
Here are the five most significant health benefits of pineapple leaves.
1. May improve digestion
One of the major health benefits of pineapple leaves is that it aids digestion. The pineapple leaves are rich in a digestive enzyme, bromelain, which helps to break down protein into amino acids and peptides to speed up digestion.
Also, Bromelain is extracted from the pineapple leaf and sold as a dietary supplement, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers it safe for consumption.
2. May reduce blood cholesterol
The livers help to regulate cholesterol in the body. When this function is disrupted by a metabolic change, such as in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it causes fats to accumulate in the liver. This birth a disease called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
A major health benefit of pineapple leaves is helping to regulate the cholesterol level, which slows down the growth of NAFLD.
Also, the leaves prevent the spread of triglycerides, fatty acids built up in the body after eating fatty food.
3. Possesses anti-Inflammatory propertiesÂ
A study on mice found that pineapple leaves are rich in certain compounds, such as flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, tannins, and bromelain, that possess inflammatory properties.
These inflammatory properties help to stop the activities and action of inflammatory substances, such as macrophages produced by white blood cells. Additionally, pineapple leaves boost immunity.
4. Rich in antioxidant properties
Pineapple leaves are an excellent source of antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, phenols, tannins, and flavonoids. These antioxidants reduce the impact of oxidative stress on your body, which can birth neurological and heart diseases. Â
This oxidative stress is caused by excess free radicals, which damage cells, increase disease risk, and cause chronic inflammation.
5. May help with blood sugar control
Pineapple leaves contain phenols which help to lower blood sugar activity in the body.
The phenols content of pineapple leaves is effective in managing diabetes in the future. However, human clinical trials are required to confirm the claim. Â
Also, there have been claims that pineapple leaves contain healing properties – that they can cure, heal or treat wounds and ailments. Some of these claims include the following:
- treat hemorrhoids
- enhance vein dislocation
- stop nosebleeds
- prevent tuberculosis
- heal burn wounds faster.
However, these claims are unverified and require further research.
Are There Side Effects To The Consumption Of Pineapple Leaves?
To be safe, it is advised that you avoid consuming pineapple leaves when you are pregnant because they have been used in traditional medicine to induce labor.
Also, a study identified the presence of certain compounds in pineapple leaves that may cause contractions in the uterus. However, further studies are needed to prove this particular study.
If you are allergic to pineapple fruits, stay away from the leaves as well. If you notice swellings or redness in your face after consuming it, please avoid it and seek immediate medical attention.
How to consume pineapple leaves
There are several ways to consume pineapple leaves, depending on the intended purpose. Here are a few examples:
1. Pineapple leaf tea: Pineapple leaf tea is made by steeping fresh or dried pineapple leaves in hot water. This tea is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may help improve digestion and boost the immune system.
2. Pineapple leaf extract: Pineapple leaf extract can be found in supplement form, and is often used to promote digestive health and reduce inflammation.
3. Pineapple leaf juice: Pineapple leaf juice can be made by blending fresh pineapple leaves with water or other fruits and vegetables. This juice is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and may help support overall health.
4. Pineapple leaf powder: Pineapple leaf powder can be made by drying and grinding pineapple leaves. This powder can be added to smoothies, juices, or other recipes to boost the nutritional content.
Conclusion
Pineapple leaves can be beneficial to the body. The health benefits of pineapple leaves are impressive as you have read. However, they should be taken in moderation, as excess might be harmful to the body. Avoid pineapple leaves if you are pregnant or allergic to the fruit.
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
