Pineapple for beauty and health

"Be like a pineapple – stand tall, wear a crown and be sweet on the inside" says an old adage. Pineapple, the tropical fruit is regarded among the best fruit that can benefit an individual. In fact, this unassuming fruit is ideal for getting super clean and soft skin, promote hair elasticity and thickness, promote soft cuticles and nails, cleanse and help in the functioning of the digestive tract.

It also boasts an impressive cocktail of Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and C, manganese, copper, potassium, beta-carotene, folic acid and dietary fibres.

This wonder fruit is rich with Vitamin C, antioxidants and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which can fight skin-damaging free radicals and boost the production of collagen, which slowdowns your skin's ageing process in a natural way and gives you clear, radiant and youthful skin. The ascorbic acid in pineapples actually helps get rid of acne and acne marks by using this as a toner or applying for five minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Drinking, eating, and topically applying pineapple juice regularly is a powerful, proven way for you to achieve; clear, radiant skin. Hair loss is something that millions of people battle every day. Vitamin C and antioxidants in pineapple promote healthy, long and luscious hair, strengthen the hair shaft and improves hair elasticity and thickness.

Rub fresh pineapple chunk on your lips and voila and wash after few minutes. Please avoid it if your lips are cracked and bleeding. Pineapple is acidic and will sting on broken skin. Repeat this treatment twice a week so you don't overkill your skin.

Nails are usually brittle due to vitamin deficiency. The vitamins and minerals found in pineapples help promote soft cuticles and nails.

Thanks to its rich fibre content, pineapples cleanse and help in the functioning of the digestive tract due to rich fibre content and aids in keeping a tab on the health of your kidney – the organ responsible for flushing out toxins from your body. Pineapple contains enzymes, which help to protect the digestive system and discourage the retention of wastes. This helps to keep the skin clear.

With vitamin-packed fruits like pineapple on the shelves, you can ditch those costly Vitamin C serums that you may have been tossing your hard-earned money towards.

Pineapple is also low in fat and cholesterol and makes a nutritious low-calorie food. One can substitute rich desserts with pineapple and thus avoid high-calorie desserts. Since it is also rich in Vitamin C, pineapple strengthens the immune system. Being rich in antioxidants, it protects against age-related eye problems.

We can make pineapple a part of our beauty care regime. Apply pineapple pulp on the face and wash off after a few minutes with plain water. It can also be added to fruit packs along with grated apple, ripe papaya pulp, banana pulp, etc.

To make a face pack, take two slices of pineapple, two teaspoons honey, egg yolk and 2 tablespoons oats. Put all this in a blender/food processor. Blend into a smooth paste. Increase ingredients to get the right consistency. Apply on face and neck and wash off with plain water after few minutes. Pineapple may be added to fruit packs for the hair too, for a cleansing and hydrating effect.

Here are some fruit juices with pineapple (please consult your doctor before making changes in your diet):

Fruit punch: Use pineapple juice and mango juice in equal quantities. Mango pulp can be added with the juice. Add a pinch of salt and crushed ice. Pineapple & orange juice: These two fruits make a delicious drink when used together. You can use freshly extracted juices of fresh pineapple and orange. Remember to dilute with water. Fresh strawberries can be added to this combination. Pineapple contains enzymes and helps digestion. Orange juice is rich in Vitamin C.