Pineapple is a tropical, refreshing fruit, much appreciated worldwide. Its flavor is markedly sour and is getting sweeter as the fruit matures.
This fruit has its origin in Brazil and Paraguay. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the pineapple was taken to Europe and, after that, spread throughout the world.
The pulp of the pineapple is fleshy. It has a crown made of prickly and hard leaves. Its bark is rough and hard, with a scaly appearance. The color of the bark varies from yellow, orange, green, and also reddish-yellow.
Because of its beauty and the shape of the crown, the pineapple is known as the king of fruits.
It has a low amount of calories and the presence of fiber, which is a positive factor for those who are dieting. One slice of medium size (about 100 g) has an average of 50 calories. Most of these calories come from carbohydrates.
Being a fruit that has a lot of water in its composition. The pineapple consists of a great way to hydrate the body, besides being rich in minerals, vitamins, and fibers, components that are fundamental for our health.
When talking about pineapple, important nutritional properties should not be overlooked. There is a presence of enzymes with anti-inflammatory action, as well as beta-carotene, high amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, Potassium, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, and Vitamins of the complex B.
Properties of pineapple
The pineapple has several properties that can be very positive for the health of those who consume it. This is because pineapple is quite nutritious, carrying many important elements to the immune system. To give you an idea, every 100 grams of pineapple comes with the following substances:
| Calories | 48 kcal | Carbohydrate | 12.3 g |
| Proteins | 0.9 g | Fats | 0.1g |
| Fibers | 1g | Potassium | 131 mg |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | Magnesium | 12 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.17 mg | Vitamin C | 34.6 mg |
| Calcium | 22 mg | ||
Check out more details about the nutrients found in pineapple:
Betacarotene: It is an antioxidant that acts very beneficial in the prevention of cancer, in addition to macular degeneration and other diseases.
Copper: Copper helps to fix iron in hemoglobin, facilitating the transport of oxygen to the body.
This reduces the feeling of fatigue, headaches, and also prevents anemia.
Zinc: Zinc contributes to healing and also activates the functioning of enzymes in our body.
Vitamin A: It improves skin health, protects eyes, and has antioxidant action.
Vitamin C: Improves immunity, preventing flu and colds, and helps reduce stress.
Vitamins the B complex: are essential vitamins the neurological system, being used to metabolize proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
Benefits of Pineapple for Health
Strengthens the immune system
A 100g serving of fresh pineapple has a good percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, an essential component for the immune system. Vitamin C stimulates the action of white blood cells and acts as an antioxidant, fighting free radicals.
This vitamin is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. It helps in preventing colds, heart diseases, and aiding in the functioning of white blood cells. Blood cells are the main defense cells of our body.
Helps in weight loss:
This fruit has a high amount of water and it is also rich in fiber. The consumption of pineapple decreases the desire to eat sweets, so it is very suitable for those who want to lose weight. As it presents a low amount of calories per serving, this is also a beneficial factor for your diet.
Aids digestion
The benefits of pineapple for digestion are related to its ability to break down proteins, which become amino acids and peptides. Consumption of pineapple helps to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of some bad conditions such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, atherosclerosis, clotting problems, and blood pressure. Fibers also help eliminate excess bad cholesterol present in blood vessels.
Protects against cardiovascular disease
The pineapple is a source rich in fiber and Potassium and can take care of your heart health.
Studies on the properties of pineapple have revealed that the fruit acts against blood clotting, decreasing the chances of a heart attack and stroke.
Relieves muscle aches
Potassium plays a key role in the body’s electrolyte balance, in muscle and heart contraction, improving performance and avoiding the fatigue of athletes. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory effects that reduce recurrent muscle pain and swelling after training, optimizing muscle recovery time. Pineapple consumption is perfect for people doing physical activity, reducing pain after exercise, as well as injury and traumas. When consumed after the workouts, it helps to recover the health of the muscles quickly.
Contributes to the gain of muscle mass
Anyone who wants to acquire lean mass should include protein in their diet. Because of this, pineapple is more than recommended. The presence of bromelain acts in the digestion of these proteins. Bromelain breaks down the proteins into amino acids helping the absorption into the intestine more easily and then used to build muscle tissues.
Prevents arthritis
One of the important benefits of the pineapple is that it can reduce joint and muscle inflammation, especially in cases associated with arthritis. In addition to breaking down complex proteins, the bromelain present in pineapple also has a large anti-inflammatory effect, which has been positively related to the reduction of symptoms of arthritis.
Improves skin and hair health
By being extremely rich in vitamin C, eating pineapple, and even using it, externally can bring many benefits to the skin. This vitamin stimulates the production of collagen and eliminates free radicals, both related to firmness, hydration, and signs of age. It also fights against acne. For external use just apply the freshly made juice to the skin and leave to act for 10 minutes, rinsing afterward. To avoid irritation ‘don’t apply it in the eye region.
Problems related to the scalp and sunburn also undergo an improvement. This is because of the bromelain, which acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Prevents cancer
The anti-inflammatory action of bromelain, found in the pineapple has even more benefits. It acts by killing the harmful cells, leaving the healthy ones unharmed. This is because bromelain has selective cytotoxicity and therefore, only attacks the cancer cells. Also, the presence of fiber in pineapple helps prevent the onset of colorectal cancer.
Improves tissue and cell health
This is another benefit of the pineapple. Vitamin C also plays an essential role in the creation of collagen, which is a necessary protein in the constitution of the blood vessel wall, skin, organs, and bones. The high concentration of vitamin C present in pineapple helps heal injuries and wounds faster, as well as being a defense against the body against diseases and infections.
Oral health help
Along with the antioxidants that prevent oral cancers, pineapple also has astringent properties, which strengthen the gums. Astringents help maintain firmness and muscle tone, preventing small parts such as teeth and hair from loosening. Pineapple is very indicated as a natural remedy to combat the loss of teeth and the retraction of the gums.
Strengthens eye health
The beta carotene in pineapples acts in the prevention of ocular conditions, especially those related to age. Maintaining proper intake of beta-carotene is one of the best ways to prevent vision problems in old age.
Blood pressure regulator
Among the many mineral salts present in pineapple is Potassium. It relieves blood vessel tension and promotes good circulation to all parts of the body. Good circulation reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Helps good blood circulation
In addition to the benefits of pineapple derived from potassium consumption, the fruit also contains copper. Copper is another essential component for the proper functioning of the human body. It acts in the production of healthy red blood cells. A high number of red blood cells improves oxygenation of the organs, causing them to function at higher levels. It also improves cognitive abilities and helps prevent neurological disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
It has substances that can prevent asthma
The presence of beta-carotene is essential for the prevention of asthma. Regular consumption of pineapple can help slow the development of this disease.
Contraindications
Now that we already know the benefits of the pineapple, let me share you some contraindications related to the consumption of pineapple that we must be attentive. Patients with Gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and peptic ulcers should consult their physician or nutritionist before consuming the fruit. They should be advised of the amount that can be ingested without health risks. Also, people who use anticoagulant medications should avoid pineapple overconsumption. They should also follow up with a doctor.
Contrary to popular belief, people who suffer from gastritis can consume the fruit, as long as they avoid overeating. Nutritionists recommend consuming the fruit with foods such as nuts, seeds, or vegetables, as these minimize the effects of acidity in the digestive system.
Some alerts!
The bromelain and acidity present in pineapple can cause softening and increase of sensitivity in the lips, gums, and tongue if the consumption is exaggerated. This kind of reaction usually improves in a few hours.
Excessive doses of bromelain and vitamin C can also cause skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive menstrual bleeding. Pregnant women should also moderate consumption of pineapple. Some medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, anticoagulants, and antibiotics may interact with bromelain. If you are taking any of these substances, it is best to talk to your doctor before eating pineapple.
Green pineapple is dangerous and toxic to humans, which can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Always wait for the fruit to ripen before consuming it. The acidity of the pineapple also not appropriate for people with stomatitis or some mouth injuries. The pineapple can also cause some type of problem to teeth, cases of hypersensitivity to heat or cold. If this occurs, see a dentist.
Because it contains an essential amount of carbohydrates, this can increase the level of sugar in the blood, being harmful to those who have diabetes.
If you have any of the conditions in which pineapple acts as an ally, never discontinue medical treatment. Talk to your doctor about adding this fruit to the treatment.
Recipe with pineapple
Pineapple offers different recipes for those who appreciate this delicious tropical fruit. There are several desserts, as well as juices and teas that are fundamental for those who want to potentiate the weight loss, reducing the torment before the scale and leading a healthier life.
An example is the consumption of pineapple with ginger. This combination is essential to accelerate the action of metabolism and cause the body to eliminate the toxins that disrupt our health. A recipe for pineapple juice with ginger may include other types of fruit. An example is given below:
Pineapple juice with ginger
Ingredients:
1 pineapple;
5 g ginger;
5 g mint;
1 tablespoon of lemon zest;
1 liter of water.
How to prepare:
First, peel the pineapple, then cut it into small cubes. Shred the fruit along with the ginger and mint. Finally, add all the ingredients in the blender and beat until you achieve a consistency satisfying your taste. Consume up to two cups of this juice per day. This combination will help burn the fats faster. But, of course, it is essential to have a balanced diet and exercise, as this will potentiate the action of pineapple with ginger.
