The pineapple is not a pine nor an apple. the fruit has acquired few vernacular names. It is widely called pina in Spanish, abacaxi in the Portuguese, pineapples by the Dutch and French; nanas in southern Asia and the East Indies. In China, it is po-lo-mah; sometimes in sweet pine ,Jamaica, in Guatemala often merely "pine".
Native to southern Brazil and Paraguay where wild relatives occur, the pineapple was apparently domesticated by the Indians and carried by them up through South and Central America to Mexico and the West Indies long before the arrival of Europeans.
Botanical Name: Ananas comosus
Pineapple Varieties are Cayenne, Smooth Cayenne, Sarawak, Hilo, Cayenne Hilo, St. Michael, Bumanguesa, Kona Sugarloaf, Giant Kew, Charlotte Rothschild, Santa Marta, Perolera, Monte Lirio, Spanish, Hybrid 36, Maspine, Red Spanish Singapore Red, Selangor Green, Queen, MacGregor, James Queen, Ripley, Mauritius, Natal Queen, Pernambuco, Mordilona, Pernambuco etc.
The world pineapple demand has been expanding rapidly. Pineapple contains good amount of various vitamins, carbohydrates, crude fibre, water and different minerals that is good for health. Pineapple contains considerable amount of calcium, potassium, fiber, and vitamin C etc. Raw pineapples are rich in bromelain that used as anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling in inflammatory conditions such as acute sinusitis, sore throat, arthritis, gout.
Nutritional Profile
Health Benefits
Relieves Osteoarthritis
Pineapples are rich in manganese, a trace mineral that is needed for the body to build bone and connective tissues which creates strong bones and muscular body.
The advantages of pineapple can affect the growth of bones in young people and the strengthening of bones in older people.
Bromelain found in Pineapple that have been used with success to treat rheumatoid arthritis Several studies show that Bromelain is a food supplement that may provide an alternative treatment to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It plays an important role in the pathogenesis of arthritis.
A review shows that Bromelain has analgesic properties which direct influence on pain mediators such as bradykinin. The earliest reported studies investigating bromelain were a series of case reports on 28 patients, with moderate or severe rheumatoid or osteoarthritis.
MAIN THING: Manganese and Bromelain presence in pineapple helps to treat rheumatoid or osteoarthritis that provides you healthy bones.
Digestion
Pineapple's bromelain stimulates digestion and the proper performance of the small intestine and kidneys; it helps in detoxification, normalizes colonic flora, helps in hemorrhoid alleviation, and prevents and corrects constipation.
Pineapple is rich in fibre, which makes bowel movements regular and easy. Fibre helps to maintain the health of gastrointestinal tract, but in excess it may bind some trace elements
MAIN THING: Pineapple is very effective in curing constipation and irregular bowel movements and promote digestion.
Reduce inflammation
Bromelain has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling in inflammatory conditions such as acute sinusitis, sore throat, arthritis and gout and speeding recovery from injuries and surgery.
Pineapple enzyme, Bromelain has been used to speed tissue repair as a result of injuries, diabetic ulcers and general surgery. High vitamin C content in pineapple helps you heal wounds and injuries quickly and also defends you against infections and illnesses.
MAIN THING: Pineapple helps to reduce inflammatory process which Speeds up Wound Healing process due to Vitamin C and Bromelain presence in it.
Cancer
Uncontrolled cell proliferation is called cancer which progression is commonly linked to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
Vitamin C is the body's primary water soluble antioxidant, against free radicals that attack and damage normal cells.
Pineapple is rich source of Vitamin C that reduces the risk of certain cancers, esophagus including colon and stomach.
Digestive enzymes found in Pineapple called bromelain. “Test-tube” studies have shown that bromelain may also help fight cancer.
Recent studies have shown that bromelain has the capacity to modify key pathways that support malignancy.
Most of the in vitro and in vivo studies on anticancer activity of bromelain are concentrated on mouse and human cells, chemically induced mouse skin papillomas were treated with bromelain and they observed that it reduced tumor formation, tumor volume and caused apoptotic cell death.
In one study related to bromelain treatment of gastric carcinoma, significant reduction of cell growth was observed.
MAIN THING: The abundance of antioxidants in pineapples and bromelain that helps to be beneficial against all type of cancers.
As discussed Vitamin C found in Pineapple act as Antioxidants that help your body combat oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a state in which there are too many free radicals in the body. These free radicals interact with the body's cells and cause damage that is linked to chronic inflammation, a weakened immune system and many harmful diseases.
An Enzyme Bromelain presence in Pineapple, has been recommended as an adjuvant therapeutic approach in the treatment of chronic inflammatory, malignant, and autoimmune diseases.
Many studies prove that oral therapy with bromelain produces certain anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, which is one of the most common autoimmune diseases.
MAIN THING: Pineapples are a good source of Vitamin C, antioxidants and Bromelain, which may reduce radical damage and treat the chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease.
Protects heart health
A Bromelain found in Pineapple that prevents the severity of angina pectoris and transient ischemic attack (TIA). It is useful in the prevention and treatment of thrombophlebitis. It may also impart cholesterol plaques and exerts a potent fibrinolytic activity.
A study shows that Bromelain supplement could reduce any of risk factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.
In another study, Bromelain was proved to exhibit the ability of inducing cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury through Akt/Foxo pathway in rat myocardium.
MAIN THING: Bromelain in pineapple, has been effective in the treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases as it is an inhibitor of blood platelet aggregation, thus minimizing the risk of arterial thrombosis and embolism.
Pineapple fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants and beta carotene which can help reduce the risk of age related macular degeneration. It prevent vision problems and other age-related eye diseases which improve your eye health.
MAIN THING: Drinking pineapple juice can help to build healthy eyes.
Common cold and sinusitis
A lot of vitamin C, pineapple’s bromelain may help reduce mucus in the throat and nose, So if your cold has you coughing, try some pineapple chunks.
Those with allergies may want to consider incorporating pineapple into their diets more regularly to cutdown sinus mucus long term.
Many studies on pineapple’s bromelain that its effect on health and found that bromelain is beneficial for sinus inflammation (Sinusitis).
MAIN THING: Pineapples rich in both bromelain and vitamin C which are used to help cure bronchitis and throat infections also help to cure sinusitis, throat problem and Cure different diseases like asthma.
Pineapples strongly linked to improved fertility because of their antioxidant properties.
Pineapple is a good source of Vitamins, Minerals and Phytochemicals like vitamin B1, vitamin B6, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, copper, zinc, and folate, all are essential for enhancement of fertility in male as well as female.
A study shows that Pineapple juice's high manganese content means it is a good choice for boosting fertility through sperm quality.
Many studies found that flesh of very young (toxic) pineapple fruits is deliberately ingested to achieve and as a drastic treatment for venereal diseases.
MAIN THING: Vitamins, Minerals, Phytochemicals and Antioxidant content in Pineapple has beneficial effects on Male and female Fertility.
Pineapple is high in fiber and low in calories, which promotes your digestion and also help ward off cravings and hunger, ability to keep you feeling full which can aid in weight maintenance.
A study indicates that fiber is essential to promote a healthy weight. Furthermore, there is evidence of appetite reducer.
MAIN THING: Fiber in Pineapple helps you feel fuller longer and contributes to better weight maintenance.
Pineapple contains vitamin C and beta carotene which are essential for healthy skin.
Pineapple protects your skin both internally and externally which gives your skin glowing and youthful appearance. Collagen, a protein found in skin, can break down and make the skin look dry and dull and contribute to wrinkles.
Scientists are reported that Vitamin C found in Pineapple helps to collagen production in the body and repair skin. Beta carotene is helpful in protecting the skin from ultraviolet light, which can also damage the skin.
MAIN THING: Consumption of Pineapple juice that keeps the skin tissues healthy by helping to Moisturizes Skin, Clears Pigmentation and Reduces Wrinkles.
Pineapple is a very powerful astringent and is often prescribed as a natural remedy to fix the loosening of teeth or the retraction of gums. It helps prevent gum disease and also prevents the formation of plaque. It cures the damaged teeth and makes them strong and healthy.
MAIN THING: Pineapple has astringent properties, which strengthen gums and teeth.
Healthy urinary system
One of the best known properties of pineapple is as a diuretic. A bromelain in pineapples help in dissolving kidney stones.
A study suggested that Eat the bromelain-rich fruit or drink its juice protect your kidneys and eliminates the stones.
MAIN THING: Pineapple helps to eliminate toxins through the urine, helping patients with ailments of kidneys, bladder and prostate.
Other uses
Leaves: Ananas comosus leaves have antihyperglycemic and analgesic properties. That can be use as a cheaper and alternative source of medicine for reducing high blood sugar level of diabetic patients. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins in the pineapple leaf extract, which components can be responsible for the observed blood glucose lowering and analgesic effects.
Root: The root and fruit are either eaten or applied topically as an antiinflammatory and as a proteolytic agent. It is traditionally used as an anthelmintic agent in Tripura, India. A root decoction is used to treat diarrhea.
Pineapple is Safe in food amounts.
Warnings & precautions
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: No information available. Avoid use for safety.
Allergies: If you are allergic to vegetable and fruits, avoid to use the pineapple
Surgery: It might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using Pineapple at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Moderate Interaction with Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox), Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics), Medications that slow blood clotting.
Selection and Storage
Select fresh and ripe fruits with dark green leaves, heavy for size. Avoid soft or dark spots and dry-looking leaves. Its color may vary between yellow-gold and green as this depends on the kind of pineapple you are buying.
Storage
Consume it as soon as possible. Keep in a clean plastic bag with perforations and store it in the fridge. Pineapple is trimmed and cut, refrigerated, it should be used within seven days.
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