10 Incredible Ways Pineapple Can Benefit Your Skin & Health

Sure, it's great in a pina colada, but did you know that your favourite crowned fruit works wonders for your body, too?

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benefits of pineapple
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Improves the look of skin

Looking for a healthier and more rejuvenated complexion? Pineapple contains a powerful enzyme called bromelain which can break down and help sweep away dead skin cells. This makes it the ideal ingredient for a face mask. To try it out, simply rub a cube of freshly sliced pineapple on your face and neck, avoiding more sensitive areas (especially nicks and pimples!). Let the juice sit for about 5 minutes, then rinse. After a few applications, you’ll begin to notice your skin look younger and brighter.

Psst! We recommend limiting this treatment to once a week as the acidic properties of pineapple can also irritate skin. Find out which buzzy new facial is the winter treatment your skin needs.

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pineapple. details of fresh pineapple on woodenbackground;
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Fades scars and acne marks

Buh-bye, sun damage and scars! When paired with super-enzyme bromelain, the ascorbic acid in pineapple helps to reduce the look of dark marks and even out skin tone. Simply apply pineapple juice to the intended area using a Q-tip, let sit for 5 minutes and rinse. Don’t miss the daily habits of people who never get acne.

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Flat lay composition with fresh sliced pineapple on wooden background;
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Helps give lips a lift

Use pineapple to plump and smooth lips with a pina colada-inspired lip scrub. Best, part? You only need three simple ingredients. Mix 1/2 tablespoon of pineapple juice (or pineapple puree) with 1/2 tablespoon slightly melted coconut oil, then add to 2 tablespoons of white sugar. Massage a small dab over lips, remove using a damp cloth and pucker up! We recommend avoiding this scrub if you have cracked or split lips as it can sting. (DIY this gorgeous lip tint in a matter of minutes.)

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Supports your immune system

Pineapple contains a whopping amount of vitamin C, an essential nutrient for immune health. A single cup of chopped pineapple will give you over 125 percent of your recommended daily dose. Work the power of antioxidants into your diet by stirring up our fave Tropical Pineapple-Strawberry Smoothie recipe for breakfast.

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pineapple on the wood texture background
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Builds strong bones

A cup of cubed pineapple will also help you reach 75 percent of your daily manganese intake. Manganese is recognized as a major player for bone health—and it’s been proven to aid in more complex bone issues like osteoporosis. Here’s 6 other things you can do to boost your bone health.

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Grilled pineapple with dip
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Fights an upset stomach

The bromelain enzyme in pineapple assists with poor digestion, too, as it helps break down proteins and can reduce inflammation. It’s also a good source of dietary fibre. 

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closeup of pineapple skin;
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Softens and smooths cracked feet

Been hard on your tootsies recently? Give yourself a DIY spa day with some help from pineapple. Create an exfoliating foot scrub by combining 1/2 cup brown sugar with 1/4 cup pineapple juice. Let your feet soak, then use the scrub to focus on rough or dry spots. 

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pineapple smoothies

Supports eye health

The beta carotene and vitamin A found in pineapple supports eyesight and can help prevent vision loss. Here are more foods you should be eating for stronger, healthier eyes.

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Opened tin can of canned pineapple pieces.
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Reduces wrinkles

As a natural astringent, you can feel pineapple’s tightening effect on your skin in seconds. However, the vitamin C in this delicious fruit is what’ll help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles—leaving you with smooth skin that lasts. Simply massage pineapple juice on skin, avoiding any sensitive areas. Don’t miss out on knowing what your face wrinkles are trying to tell you.

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The guy chooses pineapples in the supermarket.
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Packs in nutrients

This superfruit is a great healthy alternative for when you’re craving something sweet. Here are approximate nutritional specs per 1 cup, pineapple chunks (165g):

  • Calories: 82.5
  • Total Carbohydrate: 21.6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2.3g
  • Starch: 0.0g
  • Sugars: 16.3g
  • Total Fat: 0.2g
  • Protein: 0.9g
  • Vitamin C: 78.9mg
  • Calcium: 21.5mg
  • Iron: 0.5mg
  • Magnesium: 19.8mg
  • Phosphorus: 13.2mg
  • Potassium: 180mg
  • Sodium: 1.7mg
  • Zinc: 0.2mg
  • Manganese: 1.5 mg

Next, check out our fave low-cal smoothie recipes that will supercharge your morning.

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Originally Published on Taste of Home

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