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. Are you wondering how you will consume the leaves? The best way is to boil the leaves and make them into tea or juice. Also, you can use it as an additive to recipes.
In this article, we will explore the amazing health benefits of pineapple leaves.
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 properties
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.
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.
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.
Conclusion
Pineapple leaves may be beneficial to the body. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using pineapple leaves for medicinal purposes.
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