Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit that is very tasty and healthy. Pineapple can weigh up to eight kilograms and has a sweet and sour taste, and contains pectin like fiber which gives the fruit a chewy texture.
The pineapple tree is native to Paraguay and its name comes from the Spanish piña, which means pinecone. It is considered the most economically significant plant in the Bromeliaceae plant family.

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Much of the fruit's healing power comes from a protein digesting enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain is an enzyme, specifically the protease enzyme, which is found in the stems and fruit of pineapples. Additionally, pineapples are a great source of phytochemicals, including bioflavonoids and tannins. Here are the benefits of pineapple that you must know for your health:
Rich in nutrients, pineapples are also loaded with healthy antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that help your body fight oxidative stress.

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Oxidative stress is a state in which there are too many free radicals in the body. These free radicals interact with body cells and cause damage associated with chronic inflammation, a weakened immune system and many dangerous diseases.
Pineapple is very rich in antioxidants known as flavonoids and phenolic acids.

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The important benefits of pineapple are being able to control digestive health. Pineapple contains a group of digestive enzymes known as bromelain. These compounds function as proteases, which break down protein molecules into amino acids and peptides.
After protein molecules are broken down, they are more easily absorbed in the small intestine. This can be especially helpful for people with pancreatic deficiency, a condition in which the pancreas can't make enough digestive enzymes.

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For example, one study showed that participants with pancreatic deficiencies had better digestion after taking a bromelain-containing digestive enzyme supplement, compared to taking the same digestive enzyme supplement without bromelain.
Bromelain is also widely used as a commercial meat tenderizer because of its ability to break down tough meat proteins.