For a natural and tasty way to improve your health and boost your healing capacity, add fresh pineapple and pineapple juice to your diet. Pineapples are nutritionally packed members of bromeliad family. This delightful tropical fruit is high in enzyme bromelain and antioxidant vitamin C, both of which plays a major role in body's healing process. Bromelain, a natural anti-inflammatory with analgesic properties, encourages healing, promotes well-being and has many other health benefits. Bromelain is very effective in treating bruises, sprains and strains by reducing swelling, tenderness and pain. This powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect can also help relieve osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and reduce postoperative swelling. Additionally, bromelain can relieve indigestion. The enzyme contained in fresh pineapple helps break down amino acid bonds in proteins, which promotes good digestion. Pineapples also provide an ample supply of vitamin C, a commonly known antioxidant that protects body from free radical damage and boosts immune system. Vitamin C helps build and repair bodily tissue and promotes wound healing. The body uses vitamin C to help metabolize fats and cholesterol, absorb iron, and synthesize amino acids and collagen. Collagen is one of primary building blocks of skin, cartilage and bones. Vitamin C also decreases severity of colds and infections. Furthermore, due to its high vitamin C content, pineapples are good for your oral health as well. Recent studies have found that vitamin C can reduce your risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Besides increasing ability of connective tissue to repair itself, vitamin C also increases body's ability to fight invading bacteria and other toxins that contribute to gum disease. Periodontal disease, which destroys gum tissue and underlying jaw bones, has been linked to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. So if you are searching for a natural way to enhance your body's healing mechanisms, promote overall good health and tantalize your taste buds, pineapples are way to go. Choose fresh fruit because it has most healing properties. Unfortunately, most of bromelain in canned pineapple is destroyed due to heat used in canning process. When choosing a fresh pineapple, do not judge ripeness solely based upon color. There are several varieties on market that range from green to golden yellow. The most important factor in determining ripeness is smell, let your nose help you decide. Ripe pineapples give off a sweet, fresh tropical smell. Avoid pineapples that give off an unpleasant odor or have any soft spots or areas of dark discoloration. Once home, let pineapple sit on your counter at room temperature until ready to use. This will preserve its sweet and tangy flavor.