Pineapple has its origin in South America. It is loaded with multiple beneficial nutrients and anti-oxidants and several enzymes that fight inflammation, boost immunity, and aid digestion. Hence, it is a fruit for all ages and its delicious taste makes it a favorable and popular food item. Not only for the body, it is also good for the hair, skin, and bones.
Pineapple: the plant
European explorers discovered this fruit on the island of Guadalupe in 1493. At that time, it was listed as a luxurious fruit. Even now in some countries such as Pakistan, it is relatively an expensive fruit. Not only the fruit, but its hard and spiky skin is also useful. Itis used to make vinegar and alcohol and can also be used as an animal food.
The main producers of this fruit are China, the Philippines, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Brazil, India, and Indonesia. There are some lab-created varieties that has extra sweetness and also different shape and skin type.
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| Pineapple (Source: Wikipedia) |
The plantation is a small shrub grown from offset at top of fruit or from a side shoot. It takes a year to mature and bear fruits. The fruit is formed by fusion of the individual flowers of the unpollinated plant.
Pineapple: the fruit and nutritional value
This tropical fruit has a long list of nutrients. These include vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, B6, E, and K and folic acid. Vitamin A is good for vision. The vitamin C boosts immunity and helps the consumer to fight diseases and common cold. Claims of its use for fighting Covid-19 also did rounds at the peak of the pandemic which, by the way, is not yet over!!! It has hoards of calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and zinc that keeps bones and teeth in a good condition.
It has bromelain that possesses anti-inflammatory and bacteria-killing properties. It is rich in anti-oxidants, dietary fiber, valine, leucine, serotonin, and potassium.
Also, read Systemic enzymes in medicine!
Ways of consumption and health benefits
The fruit can be peeled (takes some efforts) and sliced or cubed and eaten whole as a side dish. One can add it to salad to enrich the latter's nutritive value. It can be juiced and consumed. One can add it to desserts or make some sweet dishes with it. It can be jammed and used as a bread or roti spread. One can dip it in liquid chocolate for a fun treat. It can be made into a pineapple fried rice. You can add it to oats and consume at breakfast time. One can make curry with it either alone or with other vegetables. For this, the more tart and less sweet fruit is better. One can also cook it with chicken and other non-vegetarian food items for the different taste, sourness, and increase on minerals and vitamins of the protein-rich dish. One can make it into a salsa or chutney form.
It can be used to prevent or treat a cold. It can be used as a supplement for weak bones along with vitamin D, calcium, and exercises. Manganese, calcium, zinc, and copper is present in pineapple and is good for bones and teeth. It also makes your gums strong due to the ascorbic (vitamin C) content.
It decreases cell damage and can prevent cancer. It is anti-aging and prolongs youth. The bromelain, fiber, and vitamin C aids digestion and prevents stomach aches. It cuts down on nausea. It is good for the eye and prevents macular degeneration. Its anti-inflammatory enzymes are good for patients of arthritis.
Its high potassium and low sodium content makes it a good choice for people with high blood pressure. Bromelain lessens the risk of blood clots and strokes. Its valine and leucine content repairs damaged tissues and can energise you. It also hydrates and prevents dehydration and is good for summer months in a juice form.
Its serotonin can reduce stress. It is good for skin and can decrease acne, skin damage, and skin rashes. Its vitamin C gives your hair silkiness and shininess. It prevents gout and is good for bronchitis and sinus infections. Bromelain extracted from the fruit is used to make anti-inflammatory enzyme capsules.
Some people might be allergic to pineapple. They have other fruit and food allergies as well usually and to pollens and latex.
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