Pineapple is a delicious, fragrant, tropical fruit with extremely high nutritional values.
The list of vitamins and minerals it contains is very long and there you can find all the vitamins from the B family- thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, folate, and the Vitamin C as well.
The list of minerals is not a short one either- magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous, sodium, calcium and zinc. Worth mentioning are the carbohydrates- natural sugars and dietary fiber, proteins, and fat.
The most important compound found in pineapple is bromelain, a mix of enzymes, responsible for the sore mouth feeling experienced when eating pineapple.
Bromelain has significantly beneficial to our health because of its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it improves various digestive disorders. Bromelain is also beneficial for asthma, allergies and sinus infections, and accelerates the recovery from injuries and surgeries.
Besides the health benefits it provides, pineapple can also be used for cosmetic and beauty treatments.
Pineapple acts as an all in one skin exfoliator, and natural organic peel. Bromelain is good for skin care as well since it is effective for breaking down dead cells.
When purchasing pineapple make sure that it is ripe. If the pineapple has no scent, it probably isn’t ripe.
Try smelling the fruit from every side and you should smell its sweet, distinguishable aroma. The scent should be strongest at the stem end. If the pineapple smells fermented, avoid it.
Here is a recipe for a facial mask, which should exfoliate your skin and provide protection from acne and reduce inflammation. The richness of vitamins and minerals is beneficial for the skin too.
You will need:
- 1 cup of sliced fresh pineapple (canned pineapple won’t work)
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- brush or cosmetic sponge
First, make sure that all the skin and shell parts of the pineapple are removed. Put it in a blender and mix for about 20 seconds. The result should be a yellow puree. Pour it into a container with a lid so if you don’t use it whole, and you won’t, you will be able to keep it in the refrigerator or eat it. It is really up to you. This pineapple mask is recommended to be used 2- 3 times a week, depending on your skin type, but the best thing to do is to first try in once a week, then see if you’ll need to use it more often.
Make sure you don’t have any makeup left on your face, that your skin is clean and dry. Apply the pineapple puree with the brush or a sponge evenly throughout your face, but be careful to avoid the eyes.
Since the pineapple is very acidic, do not leave the mask on for more than 10 minutes. Rinse your face with cold water. Pat dry gently with a towel and then apply the Greek yogurt and leave it for additional 10 minutes. The fat in the yogurt will soothe the skin from the acidic exfoliation of the pineapple. Rinse again with cold water and gently dry the skin. Later you can put coconut butter or any other desired moisturizer, and enjoy the clean and radiant skin.