What is the benefit of celery and pineapple?
Celery and pineapple are two healthy and nutritious foods that offer a variety of health benefits. In this article, we will explore the key nutrients and compounds found in celery and pineapple and explain how they can boost your health.
Nutrients in Celery
Celery is packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Here are some of the top nutrients found in celery:
| Nutrient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Vitamin K | Supports bone health and blood clotting |
| Vitamin C | Boosts immune system and acts as antioxidant |
| Folate | Important for cell growth and DNA production |
| Potassium | Regulates fluid balance and blood pressure |
| Manganese | Involved in metabolism and bone health |
In addition to vitamins and minerals, celery contains antioxidants like luteolin and polyphenols that provide protection against inflammation and oxidative stress.
Health Benefits of Celery
Research shows that adding more celery to your diet can provide the following health benefits:
- Lower inflammation – Certain antioxidants in celery, like luteolin, have anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- Reduce blood pressure – Celery contains electrolytes like potassium that help relax blood vessel walls and lower high blood pressure.
- Protect liver health – Celery supports detoxification by increasing bile production and activity of liver enzymes.
- Prevent ulcers – Certain compounds in celery can reduce the growth of H. pylori bacteria, which is linked to stomach ulcers.
- Support brain health – The luteolin in celery has neuroprotective effects that may improve memory and reduce age-related cognitive decline.
Nutrients in Pineapple
Like celery, pineapple is also rich in a variety of important vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds such as:
| Nutrient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Antioxidant that boosts immunity and supports collagen production |
| Manganese | Involved in metabolizing nutrients like carbohydrates and amino acids |
| Bromelain | Anti-inflammatory enzyme that aids digestion |
| Copper | Helps form red blood cells and maintains nerve cells |
| Folate | Plays key role in cell growth and DNA formation |
Health Benefits of Pineapple
Here are some of the top evidence-based ways that eating pineapple can improve health:
- Reduce inflammation – Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties that can decrease swelling, joint pain, soreness and nasal congestion.
- Improve digestion – Compounds like bromelain help break down protein and reduce bloating, cramping and diarrhea.
- Boost immunity – Pineapple is high in vitamin C, which stimulates the production of white blood cells to fight infection.
- Build strong bones – Manganese supports bone structure by aiding in collagen production and bone mineralization.
- Speed recovery – The anti-inflammatory effects of bromelain can decrease recovery time after surgery or intense exercise.
Celery and Pineapple Combination Benefits
By combining celery and pineapple together, you can maximize the unique health benefits of each ingredient for an even greater nutritional punch. Here are some of the key benefits of eating celery and pineapple together:
- Reduces inflammation – The powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients in both pineapple and celery can provide greater anti-inflammatory effects.
- Supports digestion – The fiber in celery paired with the digestive enzymes in pineapple improves digestion and gut health.
- Detoxification – Celery supports liver detox while pineapple provides antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress caused by toxins.
- Immunity boost – The vitamin C in both ingredients can help give your immune system an extra lift.
- Bone strengthening – The manganese in pineapple along with the vitamin K in celery promotes building and maintaining strong, healthy bones.
Nutrient Profile of Celery and Pineapple
Together, celery and pineapple provide an impressive lineup of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Here is how these nutrients compare in a 1 cup serving of chopped celery and pineapple:
| Nutrient | Celery (1 cup chopped) | Pineapple (1 cup chunks) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 16 | 82 |
| Carbs | 3 g | 21 g |
| Fiber | 1 g | 2 g |
| Protein | 1 g | 1 g |
| Vitamin C | 5% DV | 131% DV |
| Vitamin K | 28% DV | 7% DV |
| Folate | 7% DV | 7% DV |
| Manganese | 5% DV | 76% DV |
| Potassium | 11% DV | 5% DV |
As you can see, celery and pineapple each contribute important vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, manganese and potassium.
Celery and Pineapple Recipe Ideas
There are many creative ways you can use celery and pineapple together in recipes. Here are a few recipe ideas to enjoy the health benefits of this dynamic duo:
- Pineapple celery green smoothie – Blend celery, pineapple, spinach, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, ginger and lime for a nutrient-packed breakfast or snack.
- Pineapple celery salsa – Dice celery and pineapple, then mix with red onion, jalapeno, cilantro and lime juice for a unique salsa to top tacos or grilled fish.
- Chicken pineapple celery stir fry – Saute celery, pineapple, chicken strips, snap peas, carrots, ginger and soy sauce over rice for a fast dinner.
- Tropical celery salad – Top diced celery with chunks of pineapple, shredded coconut, walnuts and a dressing of Greek yogurt, lime juice and honey.
- Pineapple celery overnight oats – Combine oats, pineapple, celery, chia seeds, vanilla and milk then refrigerate overnight for a creamy and refreshing breakfast.
Tips for Buying and Preparing Celery and Pineapple
Follow these simple tips to select, store and prepare celery and pineapple to maximize freshness and nutrition:
- Look for celery ribs that are tightly formed and have crisp, rigid stalks.
- Avoid pineapples with brown spots or a fermented odor.
- Store celery wrapped in aluminum foil in the refrigerator crisper drawer.
- Keep pineapple at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate cut pineapple.
- Wash celery well since it grows close to the ground.
- Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple, then slice off the outer skin.
- Chop only the amount of celery and pineapple you plan to use to avoid spoilage.
- Drink the juice from canned pineapple for an extra vitamin C boost.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Celery and pineapple are safe for most people when consumed in normal food amounts. However, there are some precautions to consider:
- Celery contains trace amounts of oxalate so very high intakes could potentially cause kidney stones in predisposed individuals.
- Pineapple is high in vitamin C so excess intake may cause diarrhea or gastrointestinal distress.
- The bromelain in pineapple may interact with certain medications like blood thinners and ACE inhibitors.
- Pineapple may cause reactions in those allergic to latex due to cross-reactive allergies.
- Celery, like other raw fruits and vegetables, can increase pesticide exposure when not washed properly.
Speak with your healthcare provider about how to safely incorporate pineapple and celery into your diet if you have any specific food allergies or medical conditions.
Conclusion
Celery and pineapple are two nutritional powerhouses that can provide many impressive health benefits. Celery delivers essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and support detoxification. Pineapple contains digestive enzymes, anti-inflammatory compounds and immune-boosting vitamins to improve digestion, immunity and bone strength.
Enjoy celery and pineapple together to get an even bigger nutrient and antioxidant boost thanks to their complementary effects on inflammation, immunity, digestion and bone health. Simply adding more celery and pineapple to your diet through smoothies, salads, stir fries and other recipes can help improve your overall health and nutrition.