Pick the pineapples and papayas

Eating fresh fruits help to improve health and increase longevity sincefruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, fibre, minerals and enzymes. Papaya and pineapple are two fruits, which are delicious and have abundant health benefits and medicinal value.

Eating fresh fruits help to improve health and increase longevity sincefruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, fibre, minerals and enzymes.

Papaya and pineapple are two such fruits, which are not only delicious to eat, but also have abundant health benefits and medicinal value. They are the best sources of digestive enzymes. Papaya contains papain and pineapple contains bromelain, both being proteolytic enzymes which break down and digest proteins and suppress cancerous activity. Here are a few benefits of these fruits.

Papaya:
If you wish to lose weight naturally or if you’re suffering from indigestion, heart burn, or gas, papaya is the best fruit for you. It’s low in calories and is loaded with vitamin A and C.

Anti-inflammatory: The papain in papaya reduces inflammation in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout and asthma.

Builds immunity: Its vitamin C and A strengthen the immune system, making it good for those who frequently suffer from cold, cough or flu.

Prevents cancer: Its rich fiber attaches itself to cancer-causing toxins in the colon and eliminates it from the body.
Digestive aid: It has a natural laxative effect.

Menstrual irregularity: Raw papaya juice helps in reducing menstrual irregularities.

Intestinal disorders: Its papain is useful for people suffering from unhealthy mucus conditions, dyspepsia and intestinal irritation.

Skin diseases: Unripe papaya juice is beneficial in treating skin disorders like acne and psoriasis. It also helps reduce dark patches on face.

Throat disorders: Raw papaya juice with honey is known to improve thyroid function and its seeds eliminates intestinal worms.

Pineapple:
It’s a good source of vitamin C, B1, B6, copper, magnesium and fiber.

Keeps bone health: It helps to build healthy bones as it’s a rich in manganese.

Good for Gums: Its vitamin C content helps reduce risk of gingivitis and periodontal.

Anti inflammatory: Its bromelain makes it a natural anti-inflammatory. Intake of half cup of pineapple daily provides relief from joint pains.

Improves digestion: Eating a slice of pineapple after every meal reduces gas, bloat, nausea and constipation.

Cure for injuries: Its bromelain is known to reduce exercise induced pain in the muscle and joints.
(Dr Anjali Mukerjee is a nutritionist and founder of Health Total, a nutrition counselling centre)