As a member of the Bromeliaceae family of plants, pineapple is not only a sweet and delicious tropical treat, but has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can aid the human body in healing and is quite effective in recovery from bruising, treating sprains and msucle strain, reduce post-operative swelling and may even help sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis. These properties come from the existence of the compound Bromelain which, although present in the fruit in small amounts, is mostly concentrated in the stem. So if you are looking for an alternative to anti-inflammatory medication you would have to eat quite a bit of the fruit to have any effect. Although it may not taste good like the fruit, to get a beneficial amount of Bromelain, the stems are edible or the compound can be extracted by peeling and pressing the stems. (Try buying your pineapples with the stems attached, press the stems and add the juice to a pineapple and banana smoothie after a workout.)

Pineapples are, however, also loaded with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant which is not normally produced by the human body. Vitamin C is great for boosting the immune system, helps the body absorb Iron and is necessary in the growth and repair of tissue throughout the body. Vitamin C is essential to maintaining bones and teeth and also necessary to make collagen which is the protein used to form skin, scar tissue, blood vessels, tendons and ligaments.

To get the most benefit from pineapple (and all fruits and vegetables), always buy them fresh. The canning process can destroy many of the beneficial properties of fruits and vegetables.