PINEAPPLE (ANANAS COMOSAS)

Pineapple: Medicinal Health Benefits

Traditional uses include the brewing of pineapple wine, production of fiber, and medicinal use to induce menstruation, induce abortion, kill parasitic amoebas, and expel worms.

PINEAPPLE: BENEFITS, USES AND SIDE EFFECTS

It has properties that help to fight against various illness and sicknesses such as sinusitis, arthritis, indigestion, infections of the stomach and intestines. It helps to ease indigestion because it is filled with proteolytic enzyme that breaks down protein thereby promoting digestion. Pineapples are a rich source of antioxidants. They fight against free radicals in the body, preventing cell damage. These antioxidants help protect you from diseases like atherosclerosis, heart diseases, arthritis, various cancers etc.

Pineapple is rich in manganese that is necessary to build strong bones and connective tissues. Eating pineapple benefits in strengthening your gums, keeping your teeth healthy and strong. It also has anti–inflammatory properties which when taken regularly, helps to reduce the pain (mild relief) associated with arthritis in elderly.

Another benefit of consuming pineapple is that it helps to prevent blood clots. It is a rich source of anti-coagulant. So, people who suffer from bleeding disorders are advised to consume a bowl of pineapples daily.

Adding on to the benefits is the ability to get a healthy oral cavity. Pineapples are acidic in nature; this helps them to prevent any bacterial growth in the mouth thus discouraging plaque growth in the buccal mucosa (the mucous membranes lining the inside of the mouth).

The good news for pregnant women is that consuming pineapple helps reduce morning sickness. Those suffering from terrible morning sickness can consume a bowl of pineapple on empty stomach to help ease this problem.

Macular degeneration is a condition in which adults lose their vision, making difficult for them to read and recognize things properly. Beta-carotene present in pineapples empowers vision and should be consumed regularly for eye health.

Pineapple fruit is very much known for its anti-inflammatory properties which prevent inflammation in arthritis patients and gives strength to the bones. It helps in reducing inflammation in bronchial tubes which generally arises due to bronchitis. Bromelain also decreases osteoarthritic pain, so is relevant in gout, joint pain and chronic inflammation. Bromelain is also used for reducing swelling (inflammation), especially of the nose and sinuses. Bromelain also contains chemicals that interfere with the growth of tumour cells and slow blood clotting.

The abundance of antioxidants in pineapples helps fight against free radicals. This halts the process of cell damage, preventing several types of cancers. Free radicals cause atherosclerosis which can be easily prevented by antioxidants in pineapples. Powerful antioxidants keep free radicals away and lower the cholesterol levels, preventing heart diseases. Include other heart healthy foods too for a healthy heart.

Vitamin C in pineapple boosts your immune system due to its strong antioxidant effect. Bromelain, vitamin C and dietary fiber are abundantly present in pineapples which promote digestion.

Catarrh is a disorder of inflammation of the mucous membranes in one of the airways or cavities of the body. This disorder can be prevented by eating pineapples regularly.

If you’re suffering from high blood pressure and trying to prevent it, you might want to consider the pineapple diet for hypertension. Higher amounts of potassium and lower amounts of sodium in pineapples help maintain normal blood pressure levels.

Pineapple contains the digestive enzyme bromelain. A diet rich in pineapple helps clear certain intestinal parasites such as tapeworms.

The presence of Vitamin C enables this fruit to be used, internally as well as externally, as a cure for acne and other inflammatory skin condition. Bromelain, the anti-inflammatory enzyme in this fruit, boosts up the healing power of Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is an important element that aids in preventing hair loss. It is a powerful antioxidant that combats the free radical damages. Pineapple is a rich source of this water soluble vitamin. Bromelain is an anti-oxidative enzyme that possesses anti-inflammatory power. It also offers relief from infections of the scalp, preventing unwanted hair fall. The enzymes present in this golden-yellow fruit enriches the hair follicles by rendering necessary vital nutrients. This, in turn, improves the elasticity and thickness of the hair.

Pineapples are packed with Vitamin C. High concentration of vitamin C is known to boost immune system and acts as an antioxidant. Pineapples are also loaded with vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, manganese, copper, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, dietary fiber, folate calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.

This disease is the most common cause of vision loss for older adults and is caused by damage to the retina. Including pineapple in your diet can lower the risk of this disease because pineapples contain beta-carotene, which is important for healthy eyes.

This remarkable compound, concentrated primarily within the stem (i.e. fibrous core), which is often wastefully discarded, has been researched for the following potential medicinal applications:

·       Allergic Airway Disease

·       Asthma

·       Breast Cancer

·       Breastfeeding Problems: Poor Milk Production/Quality

·       Colitis

·       Colon Cancer

·       Constipation: Post-operative

·       Debriding Agent

·       Dyspepsia

·       Edema

·       Glioma (Brain Cancer)

·       Immune Disorders: Low Function

·       Inflammation

·       Irritable Bowel Disease

·       Influenza

·       Liver Damage

·       Lung Cancer

·       Melanoma

·       Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

·       Osteoarthritis of the Knee

·       Sinusitis

·       Skin Cancer

·       Tendon Injury

·       Thrombophlebitis

·       Thrombosis (pathological clot)

Tips: You can take the help of freshly crushed pineapple wedges to exfoliate your skin. It eliminates the dead skin and accentuates blood flow. This, in turn, helps in safeguarding your skin from looking dull. It helps in sloughing off the flaky, calloused skin of the feet, leaving them smooth, soft, and radiant. The inflammation and swelling, triggered by the cracks also get a soothing relief. Topical application as well as internal consumption could help strengthening and softening the nails. Mix about 3 tablespoon of freshly crushed pineapples with an egg yolk and a little milk. Apply it topically on the dry skin and leave it for few minutes. Wash off with tepid water for a moisturized skin. Pineapple, when used along with coconut oil, offers relief from chapped lips.

Drinking a glass of pineapple juice regularly helps to prevent mucous accumulation in the throat. It brings out the mucous during a productive cough and clears the lungs because of its high vitamin C content. Pineapples are abundant in vitamin C and bromelain, which fight against microbial infections. Eating pineapples with the prescribed medicines can help cure cold and cough effectively. Pineapples are a great source of bromelain which help prevent sinusitis. Pineapples are also effective in curing sore throat, gout and swellings.

Pineapple (Raw)
Carbohydrate Factor: 3.6, Fat Factor: 8.37, Protein Factor: 3.36, Nitrogen to Protein Conversion Factor: 6.25
Refuse: 49% Refuse Description: 8% core, 16% crown, 26% paring
Varieties		All Varieties	Extra Sweet	Traditional Variety
Nutrient (Approximates)	Unit	per100g	per100g	per100g
Water	g	86	85.66	87.24
Energy	kcal	50	51	45
Protein	g	0.54	0.53	0.55
Total lipid (fat)	g	0.12	0.11	0.13
Ash	g	0.22	0.2	0.27
Carbohydrate, by difference	g	13.12	13.5	11.82
Fiber, total dietary	g	1.4	1.4	-
Sugars, total	g	9.85	10.32	8.29
Sucrose	g	5.99	6.47	4.59
Glucose (dextrose)	g	1.73	1.7	1.76
Fructose	g	2.12	2.15	1.94
Lactose	g	0	0	0
Maltose	g	0	0	0
Galactose	g	0	0	0
Starch	g	0	0	-
Minerals
Calcium, Ca	mg	13	13	13
Iron, Fe	mg	0.29	0.28	0.25
Magnesium, Mg	mg	12	12	12
Phosphorus, P	mg	8	8	9
Potassium, K	mg	109	108	125
Sodium, Na	mg	1	1	1
Zinc, Zn	mg	0.12	0.12	0.08
Copper, Cu	mg	0.11	0.113	0.081
Manganese, Mn	mg	0.927	0.818	1.593
Selenium, Se	µg	0.1	0.1	0
Vitamins
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid	mg	47.8	56.4	16.9
Thiamin	mg	0.079	0.08	0.078
Riboflavin	mg	0.032	0.033	0.029
Niacin	mg	0.5	0.507	0.47
Pantothenic acid	mg	0.213	0.217	0.193
Vitamin B-6	mg	0.112	0.114	0.106
Folate, total	µg	18	19	11
Folic acid	µg	0	0	-
Folate, food	µg	18	19	11
Folate, DFE	µg	18	19	-
Choline, total	mg	5.5	5.4	5.6
Betaine	mg	0.1	0.1	0.1
Vitamin B-12	µg	0	-	-
Vitamin B-12, added	µg	0	-	-
Vitamin A, RAE	µg	3	3	3
Retinol	µg	0	-	-
Carotene, beta	µg	35	34	31
Carotene, alpha	µg	0	0	0
Cryptoxanthin, beta	µg	0	0	0
Vitamin A, IU	IU	58	57	52
Lycopene	µg	0	0	0
Lutein + zeaxanthin	µg	0	0	0
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)	mg	0.02	0.02	-
Vitamin E, added	mg	0	-	-
Tocopherol, beta	mg	0	0	-
Tocopherol, gamma	mg	0	0	-
Tocopherol, delta	mg	0	0	-
Vitamin D (D2 + D3)	µg	0	0	0
Vitamin D	IU	0	0	0
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)	µg	0.7	0.7	0.7
Lipids
Fatty acids, total saturated	g	0.009	-	-
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	g	0.013	-	-
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	g	0.04	-	-
Cholesterol	mg	0	-	-
Phytosterols	mg	6	-	-
Amino Acids
Tryptophan	g	0.005	-	-
Threonine	g	0.019	-	-
Isoleucine	g	0.019	-	-
Leucine	g	0.024	-	-
Lysine	g	0.026	-	-
Methionine	g	0.012	-	-
Cystine	g	0.014	-	-
Phenylalanine	g	0.021	-	-
Tyrosine	g	0.019	-	-
Valine	g	0.024	-	-
Arginine	g	0.019	-	-
Histidine	g	0.01	-	-
Alanine	g	0.033	-	-
Aspartic acid	g	0.121	-	-
Glutamic acid	g	0.079	-	-
Glycine	g	0.024	-	-
Proline	g	0.017	-	-
Serine	g	0.035	-	-
Alcohol, ethyl	g	0	0	0
Caffeine	mg	0	0	0
Theobromine	mg	0	0	0
Flavonoids
Anthocyanidins	mg	0	0	0
Flavan-3-ols	mg	0	0	0
Flavanones	mg	0	0	0
Flavones	mg	0	0	0
Flavonols	mg	0.1	0	0
Isoflavones	mg	0	0	0
Proanthocyanidin	mg	0	0	0