Fruit - Pineapple

Pineapple

Principle	Nutrient Value(100g)	Percentage ofRDA
Energy	50 Kcal	2.5%
Carbohydrates	13.52 g	10%
Protein	0.54 g	1%
Total Fat	0.12 g	<1%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Dietary Fiber	1.40 g	4%
Vitamins
Folates	18 µg	4.5%
Niacin	0.500 mg	4%
Pyridoxine	0.112 mg	9%
Riboflavin	0.018 mg	1.5%
Thiamin	0.079 mg	6.5%
Vitamin A	58 IU	2%
Vitamin C	47.8 mg	80%
Vitamin E	0.02 mg	<1%
Vitamin K	0.07 µg	0.5%
Electrolytes
Sodium	1 mg	0%
Potassium	109 mg	2.5%
Minerals
Calcium	13 mg	1.3%
Copper	0.110 mg	12%
Iron	0.29 mg	3.5%
Magnesium	12 mg	3%
Manganese	0.927 mg	40%
Phosphorus	8 mg	1%
Selenium	0.1 µg	<1%
Zinc	0.12 mg	1%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-ß	35 µg	--
Crypto-xanthin-ß	0 mcg	--

1. Digetsion:Contains a natural enzyme called bromelain,which breaks down proteein and helps aid digestion,
2. Cancer: Bromelain may also help prevent blood clots,inhibit growth of cancer cells and speed wound healing.
3. Blocks diarrahea:
4. Anti Infrections:Pineapple fruit contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain that digests food by breaking down protein. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that consumption of pineapple regularly helps fight against arthritis, indigestion and worm infestation.
   Fresh pineapple is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin; vitamin C. 100 g fruit contains 47.8 or 80% of this vitamin. Vitamin C is required for the collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body protect from scurvy; develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity) and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
5. Combat cancer:It also contains small amount Vitamin A (provides 58 IU per 100 g) and beta-carotene levels. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A is also required maintaining healthy mucus membranes, skin and essential for vision. Studies have suggested that consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps the human body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
6. Improves Red Blood Cells:This fruit is rich in B-complex group of vitamins like folates, thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and minerals like copper, manganese and potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Copper is a helpful cofactor for red blood cell synthesis. Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger.
7. Prevents Free Radical Damage: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.
8. Thwarts Off Cold: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.
9. Strong Bones:Rich amount of manganese present in pineapples helps in strengthening bones and connective tissues. A cup of pineapple juice gives you roughly 73% of the required manganese for a day.
10. Healthy teeth & Gums:Eating pineapple benefits in strengthening your gums, keeping your teeth healthy and strong.
11. Macular Degeneration:Macular degeneration is a condition in which adults lose their vision, making difficult for them to read and recognize things properly.
12. Eye Vision:Beta-carotene present in pineapples empowers vision and should be consumed regularly for eye health.
13. Bone Health:Pineapple fruit is very much known for its anti-inflammatory properties which prevent inflammation in arthritis patients and gives strength to the bones.
14. Cures Sinusitis, Sore Throat, Gout, Swellings:Pineapples are a great source of bromelain which help prevent sinusitis. Pineapples are also effective in curing sore throat, gout and swellings.
15. Atherosclerosis:Free radicals cause atherosclerosis which can be easily prevented by antioxidants in pineapples.
16. Heart Health:Powerful antioxidants keep free radicals away and lower the cholesterol levels, preventing heart diseases. Include other heart healthy foods too for a healthy heart.
17. Immunity:Vitamin C in pineapple boosts your immune system due to its strong antioxidant effect. Here is another excellent post to know more about vitamin C rich foods.
18. Bronchitis:Pineapple is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing inflammation in bronchial tubes which generally arises due to bronchitis.
19. Catarrh:It 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.
20. Prevents Hypertension: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.
21. Treats Intestinal Worms:Pineapple contains the digestive enzyme bromelain. A diet rich in pineapple helps clear certain intestinal parasites such as tapeworms.
22. Relieves Nausea:A key benefit from pineapple juice intake is that it averts nausea or morning sickness. This is quite useful for pregnant women who usually experience nausea. It also helps people who are looking to go on airplane trips that usually cause motion sickness.
23. It cures constipation and irregular bowel movement:Pineapple is rich in fiber, making it effective in curing constipation and irregular bowel movement.

1. Hair:
   • Effective Solution for Acne: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.
   • Prevents Hair Loss: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. Eat them as wedges or just juice them fresh and drink it to reap the benefits of Vitamin C and prevent hair loss.
   • Good for Inflammatory Scalp Conditions:Bromelain is an anti-oxidative enzyme that possesses anti-inflammatory power. Ingestion of pineapple every day prevents and eases inflammatory conditions, which affect the scalp. It also offers relief from infections of the scalp, preventing unwanted hair fall.
   • For Thicker Hair:Pineapple extracts are known to possess hair thickening properties. The enzymes present in this golden-yellow fruit enriche the hair follicles by rendering necessary vital nutrients. This, in turn, improves the elasticity and thickness of the hair.
2. Skin:
   • Helps Your Skin Look Younger:This fruit gives the collagen synthesis in your body a boost. The higher the collagen synthesis is, the firmer and flexible your skin will be. Plus, the added nourishment comes from the presence of amino acids and Vitamin C, which ensures that the damaged cells and tissues are repaired quickly. Apply freshly prepared pineapple juice on the face, leaving aside the eye region. Wash off using tepid water after 10 minutes.
   • Natural Exfoliating Agent: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.
3. Get Rid of Those Cracks on Your Feet:The exfoliating property along with collagen synthesizing nature of pineapple makes it a natural scrub for your feet. 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.
4. Softens and Strengthens the Nails:Dry skin looks dull and unattractive. You can now make use of the pineapple to give your skin that hydration effect. 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
5. Natural Cure for Chapped Lips:Pineapple, when used along with coconut oil, offers relief from chapped lips. Pineapple as well as coconut oil possesses skin hydrating and nourishing properties. Heal your chapped lips, soften them, and gift them with that ever nourished glow with a pineapple and coconut oil mixture.

1. Bleeding in pregnancy:Pineapple fruit contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain that may cause excessive uterine bleeding if consumed in large quantities during pregnancy.
   Excess consumption may also lead to miscarriages in pregnant women
2. Contraindications:Hypersensitivity to any of the components in pineapple. Cross-reaction with honeybee venom, olive tree pollen, celery, cypress pollen, bromelain, and papain have been reported.
3. Vomiting:The juice from unripe pineapples can cause severe vomiting. Unripe pineapple may irritate the throat and act as a drastic purgative.
4. Bromelain ingestion is associated with a low incidence of adverse reactions, including diarrhea, excess menstrual flow, nausea, skin rash, and vomiting. Swelling of the mouth and cheeks can result from eating large amounts of the fruit.
5. Digetive System:Excessive consumption of cores may be the cause of formation of fiber balls in the digestive track.

1. Season Available:Pineapple or ananas season lasts from March until June when fresh fruits available in the markets at their best.
2. Selection:choose that are heavy for their size. While larger fruits will have a greater proportion of edible flesh, there is usually no difference in quality between a small and large-size pineapple.
   Choose fruit that should be free of soft spots, mold, bruises and darkened "eyes," all of which may indicate that the fruit is past its prime. Some people judge freshness, ripeness and quality by tapping a finger against the side of the fruit. A good, ripe pineapple has a dull, solid sound while immaturity and poor quality are indicated by a hollow thud. It stops ripening as soon as it is picked; therefore, choose fruit with a fragrant sweet smell at the stem end. Avoid those that smell musty, sour or fermented.
3. Storing:Ripe fruits perish quickly if left at room temperature and should be eaten rather early. Moreover, since they are chill sensitive and therefore, cannot be stored in the refrigerator for long periods. However, if not readily eaten; you may prepare the fruit and place the whole or cut sections wrapped inside a thin plastic cover in the refrigerator for 1-2 days for later use.
4. Serving:Pineapple can be cut and peeled in many ways. Usually, the crown and the base of the fruit are chopped off with a knife. Then, to peel the fruit, place its base side down and carefully slice off the skin, carving out any remaining "eyes" with the tip of your knife. Once the rind is removed, cut the fruit into your desirable sizes.
5. Safety:
6. Dosage:Two slices of pineapple contain approximately 100 mg of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). The usual dosage of bromelain is 40 mg taken 3 or 4 times daily. Pineapple products are available commercially in liquid, tablet, and capsule doseforms. Most products contain bromelain 500 mg; manufacturers suggest a dose of 500 to 1,000 mg daily.
7. Cooking Tips:
   1. Fresh ananas sections are a great addition to fruit salads and in toppings.
   2. Fresh pineapple juice can be a refreshing intra-day drink.
   3. It also used in the preparation of desserts, jams, and jellies.
   4. The fruit is used in a variety of delicious pineapple recipes, mainly as a flavoring ingredient.