Pineapple—a tropical fruit known for its refreshing taste and nutritional value—is often praised for improving digestion and boosting immunity. However, for pregnant women, the safety of consuming pineapple can trigger confusion. While some believe it is completely safe, others (particularly people in Asia and Southeast Asia) strongly advise against it. In countries like India and across Asia, pineapple is classified as a "hot" and "sour" food, thought to induce uterine contractions, preterm labour, or even miscarriage. Notably, this has led to cultural taboos surrounding pineapple consumption, particularly during the first trimester.

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with the ability to thin blood, dissolve clots, and break down proteins. It is known to elicit uterine contractions as a means of shortening labour. While it could pose a potential risk to pregnant women, research shows that bromelain is primarily found in the core of the pineapple. Canned pineapple and pasteurized juice do not contain active bromelain as it is destroyed during processing. Therefore, consumption of pineapple minus its core or its canned version in moderation.

How Much Pineapple Is Safe?

Pregnant women require 80 to 85 mg of vitamin C daily, and a single cup of pineapple provides approximately 78.9 mg. Moreover, a typical serving of 165 grams contains only 75 calories. This makes pineapple, a healthy and nutritious snack.

Potential Benefits of Eating Pineapple During Pregnancy

Pineapple offers a range of benefits that can support pregnancy health:

• Vitamin C: Promotes a stronger immune system and aids in collagen production, essential for the baby's growth, including the development of skin, bones, and cartilage.
• Vitamin B6: Alleviates morning sickness and supports vital body functions.
• Dietary Fiber: Helps reduce constipation, a common issue during pregnancy.
• Folic Acid: Contributes to the prevention of neural tube defects.
• Bromelain: Though controversial, it may help treat oedema, a common complaint among pregnant women.
• Pineapple is also rich in phytonutrients such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant properties. These compounds contribute to the fruit’s overall health benefits.

Excessive Consumption Of Pineapple Could Threaten Pregnancy

While pineapple is unlikely to cause complications when eaten in moderation, excessive consumption may pose risks to your pregnancy. High amounts of pineapple might lead to:

Uterine contractions: Though not scientifically proven, some believe bromelain can soften the cervix and induce labour.

Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience adverse reactions, such as rashes or gastric discomfort.

Diarrhea: Overeating pineapple could cause digestive issues due to its high acidity.

Black or forbidden rice, especially from Manipur, Assam and Meghalaya, has long been PM Narendra Modi's favorite superfood and experts say it has even more antioxidants than blueberries!

Registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, noted: "Black rice has been slow to cross over to places outside of Asia, but we are finally starting to understand its benefits as a healthy, appetizing and beautiful food."

Belonging to the species Oryza sativa, the rice refers to a type of heirloom rice that is used in traditional Chinese medicine and was once reserved only for the wealthy and powerful, which is why it's known as 'forbidden'.

Black rice may be long-grain, medium or short-grain. Grown on a small scale, this rice is not as common as white, brown and red rice and is primarily grown in India's Northeastern states, as well as West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand.

Here are some of its health benefits:

1. Improves Eye Health

Research shows that black rice contains high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, two types of carotenoids that work as antioxidants to help protect your eyes from potentially damaging free radicals.

In particular, lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to help protect the retina by filtering out harmful blue light waves, which are transmitted from all electronic devices as well as LED lamps. While it helps with alertness and mood during the day, excessive blue light exposure at night can suppress melatonin and disrupt sleep-wake cycles.

Previous research also suggests that black rice's high antioxidants may play an important role in protecting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. It may also decrease the risk of cataracts and diabetic retinopathy (a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes).

2. Helps With Blood Sugar Management

Black rice is especially beneficial for those suffering from Type 2 diabetes as antioxidants and phytochemicals can improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin. This helps the body to better use glucose, slows the rate at which the body absorbs sugar and lowers overall sugar levels in your blood.

3. Rich Source of Essential Nutrients

Black rice stands out among rice varieties due to its high protein content. In comparison to brown rice, which contains 7 grams of protein per 100 grams, black rice offers 9 grams. It is also a valuable source of iron, a mineral crucial for oxygen transport in the body.

A quarter cup (45 grams) of uncooked black rice provides:

Calories: 160

Fat: 1.5 grams

Protein: 4 grams

Carbohydrates: 34 grams

Fiber: 1 gram

Iron: 6% of the Daily Value (DV)

4. Reduces Oxidative Stress

High levels of oxidative stress have previously has been associated with an increased risk of several chronic conditions, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and certain forms of cancer.

5. Boots Heart Health

While research on black rice and heart health is ongoing, its high flavonoid has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Certain studies suggest that anthocyanins can improve cholesterol levels by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. While further research is needed, early findings suggest black rice may help reduce plaque buildup in arteries, which can help prevent atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of heart attack.

Bread is a daily food for many households. Although it can be part of a balanced diet, not all breads support health in the same way, especially when it comes to blood pressure.

Healthiest Bread For Blood Pressure Patients

Sprouted whole grain bread emerged as the top choice for blood pressure support, according to dietitians, as per Healthline. Its advantage lies in its rich nutrient profile, particularly its fiber content and key minerals that play a role in blood pressure control.

Sprouted Whole Grain Bread: Why Is It Healthy?

Sprouted whole-grain bread is made using whole, intact grains. “The fiber present in these grains is linked to lower blood pressure, likely because it supports healthier blood vessels, helps regulate appetite, and aids in maintaining a healthy weight,” said Alexander LeRitz, MSc, RDN, CDN, CNSC, CPT, a registered dietitian at JM Nutrition, in an interview with Health.

Research shows that boosting fiber intake can be an effective way to bring down blood pressure. Studies suggest that women with high blood pressure may benefit from consuming around 28 grams of fiber daily, while men may need closer to 38 grams.

“As a general guideline, aim for bread that provides at least 3 to 5 grams of fiber per slice,” Vickie Klimantiris, RD, LDN, told Health.

Sprouted whole-grain bread also contains higher amounts of minerals that help regulate blood pressure, particularly magnesium, compared to bread made with refined white flour. For instance, two slices of Ezekiel Sprouted Whole Grain Bread provide about 12% of the Daily Value (DV) for magnesium, while the same serving of white bread offers only about 3%.

In addition, sprouted whole-grain breads such as Ezekiel bread tend to be much lower in sodium than white bread. Two slices of Ezekiel bread contain roughly 150 milligrams of sodium, compared to 268 milligrams in an equivalent serving of white bread.

“Sprouted whole grain bread also has a lower glycemic effect than white bread, so it doesn’t cause sharp spikes in blood sugar after meals,” said Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD, a dietitian, writer, and founder of Nutrimental, speaking to Health.

Sprouted Whole Grain Bread: Nutrition Breakdown

Here is the nutritional profile for one slice of bread:

• Calories: 80
• Carbohydrates: 15 grams (g)
• Fiber: 3–5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 75 milligrams (mg)
• Magnesium: 26 mg

Although sprouted whole grain bread ranked highest, dietitians also highlight sourdough as a blood pressure-friendly choice.

“I often recommend sourdough for people with high blood pressure because the fermentation process creates peptides that may help lower blood pressure by allowing blood vessels to relax,” Klimantiris explained.

For added benefits, it’s best to choose sourdough made with whole-grain flour. Whole-grain versions provide more fiber and minerals that support healthy blood pressure, including magnesium, compared to sourdough made with refined flour.

What Makes This Bread ‘The Best’ For Blood Pressure Patients?

The best bread for blood pressure is one that delivers higher amounts of nutrients known to support healthy blood pressure levels, especially fiber and magnesium.

When choosing a bread that supports blood pressure health, keep the following in mind:

• Look for bread that provides at least 3 grams of fiber per slice
• Choose options made with whole grains
• Select breads with 140 milligrams of sodium or less per slice

To support better blood pressure control, pair bread with nutrient-dense toppings such as avocado, hummus, low-sodium turkey, nut butters, or a variety of vegetables to build filling, heart-healthy meals.

A vitamin found in everyday foods may be quietly influencing how often people go to the bathroom. A large new study suggests that vitamin B1, also called thiamine, could play a role in gut movement, the process that pushes food through the digestive system.

Gut motility is more important than many people realize. When it slows down, constipation can become a problem. When it speeds up too much, people may find themselves rushing to the toilet more often than usual. Researchers wanted to understand what controls this pace and their findings pointed to an unexpected nutrient.

What the Study Looked At

An international team of researchers analyzed genetic and health data from more than 268,000 people of European and East Asian ancestry. Participants were asked how frequently they had bowel movements, which researchers used as a practical indicator of gut motility.

By examining millions of genetic markers, the team identified 21 genetic regions linked to how often people passed stools. Some of these were already known to play a role in digestion, while others had never before been connected to gut function.

Using genetics allowed the researchers to map the biological systems that influence how fast the gut works. Many expected pathways appeared, including those related to nerve signaling and bile acid metabolism. But one result stood out clearly.

The Unexpected Role of Vitamin B1

The strongest surprise came from genes involved in vitamin B1 metabolism. Two specific genes that help transport and regulate thiamine in the body showed a strong link to stool frequency.

Vitamin B1 is essential for energy production and nerve health. This includes the nerves and muscles that coordinate movement in the intestines. These rhythmic contractions are what push food through the digestive tract, making thiamine a plausible player in gut function.

To see whether this genetic connection translated into everyday habits, researchers analyzed dietary data from nearly 100,000 participants in the UK Biobank.

Does Diet Make a Difference?

The data showed that people who consumed higher amounts of vitamin B1 tended to have more frequent bowel movements. This suggested that diet could influence gut movement, at least to some extent.

However, the effect was not seen equally in everyone. The relationship varied depending on a person’s genetic makeup. This suggests that some people may process or respond to vitamin B1 differently than others.

In simple terms, vitamin B1 may help regulate how fast the gut moves, but genes help decide how noticeable that effect is.

Important Limits to Understand

The researchers stressed that the findings have limits. Stool frequency alone does not capture the full picture of digestive health. It does not reflect stool consistency, abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort, all of which are important symptoms.

The study also relied on self reported dietary information, which can be inaccurate. In addition, genetic associations do not prove direct cause and effect.

Crucially, the findings do not mean that taking vitamin B1 supplements will fix constipation or digestive issues. The exact biological pathway is still unclear.

What This Means Going Forward

This research adds to growing evidence that digestion is shaped by both diet and genetics. While vitamin B1 appears to be involved in gut movement, digestive problems are complex and highly individual.

People experiencing ongoing bowel issues should consult a doctor rather than turning to supplements on their own. What helps one person may not help another.

For now, the study opens an interesting door into how everyday nutrients may influence basic digestive functions.