Pineapples are a composite of many flowers whose individual fruitlets fuse together around a central core. Each fruitlet can be identified by an "eye," the rough spiny marking on the pineapple's surface. Pineapples have a wide cylindrical shape, a scaly green, brown or yellow skin and a regal crown of spiny, blue-green leaves and fibrous yellow flesh. The area closer to the base of the fruit has more sugar content and therefore a sweeter taste and more tender texture.
Pineapples are tropical fruit that are rich in vitamins, enzymes and antioxidents. They may help boost the immune system, build strong bones and aid indigestion. Also, despite their sweetness, pineapples are low in calories.
Pineapples are members of the bromeliad family, and one of the few bromeliads to produce edible fruit, according to the biology department at Union County College . The fruit is actually made of many individual berries that fuse together around a central core. Each pineapple scale is an individual berry.
Pineapples’ nutritional benefits are as fascinating as their anatomy. “Pineapples contain high amounts of vitamin C and manganese,” said San Diego-based nutritionist Laura Flores. These tropical treats are also a good way to get important dietary fiber and bromelain (an enzyme).
“As well as having high amounts of manganese, which is important for antioxidant defenses, pineapples also contain high amounts of thiamin, a B vitamin that is involved in energy production,” Flores said.
For all its sweetness, one cup of pineapple chunks contains only 82 calories. Pineapples are also fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in sodium. Not surprisingly, they do contain sugar, with 16 grams per cup.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS
Pineapples are cholesterol-free and fat-free. One cup of cubed pineapple contains 80 calories, 2 rams of fiber and 1 gram of protein. This serving of nutrient-rich fruit also provides you with 40 percent of the daily value for vitamin C, 10 percent of your thiamine needs, 8 percent of your vitamin B-6 requirement, 6 percent of the daily value for magnesium, and 4 percent of the recommendations for riboflavin, folate, niacin and iron.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS
Pineapples are cholesterol-free and fat-free. One cup of cubed pineapple contains 80 calories, 2 rams of fiber and 1 gram of protein. This serving of nutrient-rich fruit also provides you with 40 percent of the daily value for vitamin C, 10 percent of your thiamine needs, 8 percent of your vitamin B-6 requirement, 6 percent of the daily value for magnesium, and 4 percent of the recommendations for riboflavin, folate, niacin and iron.
Here are the nutrition facts for raw pineapple, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which regulates food labeling through the National Labeling and Education Act:
Serving size : 1 cup chunks (165 g)
Amount per Serving (%DV*)
*Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Calories 82 Calories from Fat 0
Amt per Serving %DV*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Potassium 120mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 15g 5%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 11g
Protein 1g
Vitamin A 2%
Vitamin C 131%
Calcium 2%
Iron 2%
The nutritional profile for canned pineapple is different from raw pineapple.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, canned pineapple in light syrup has 131 calories per cup and 31.88 grams of sugar. It also contains fewer vitamins and minerals.
If you do opt for canned pineapple, try to get it with no added sugar or look for a variety that is canned in fruit juice instead of syrup.
You know pineapples are good for you, but did you know this tropical fruit is used to make wallpaper?
HEALTH BENEFITS
You know pineapples are good for you, but did you know this tropical fruit is used to make wallpaper?
HEALTH BENEFITS
IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT
Pineapple contains all of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, according to the FDA. Vitamin C is a primary water-soluble antioxidant that fights cell damage, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University . This makes vitamin C a helpful fighter against problems such as heart disease and joint pain.
Pineapple's Manganese and Thiamin (Vitamin B1) for Energy Production and Antioxidant Defenses
Pineapple is an excellent source the trace mineral manganese, which is an essential cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses. For example, the key oxidative enzyme superoxide dismutase, which disarms free radicals produced within the mitochondria (the energy production factories within our cells), requires manganese. In addition to manganese, pineapple is a good source of thiamin, a B vitamin that acts as a cofactor in enzymatic reactions central to energy production.
BONE STRENGTH
Pineapple may help you keep standing tall and strong. The fruit contains nearly 75 percent of the daily-recommended value of the mineral manganese, which is essential in developing strong bones and connective tissue, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. One 1994 study suggested that manganese, along with other trace minerals, may be helpful in preventing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.
Pineapple may help you keep standing tall and strong. The fruit contains nearly 75 percent of the daily-recommended value of the mineral manganese, which is essential in developing strong bones and connective tissue, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. One 1994 study suggested that manganese, along with other trace minerals, may be helpful in preventing osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.
EYE HEALTH
“ Pineapples can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a disease that affects the eyes as people age, due in part to its high amount of vitamin C and the antioxidants it contains,” Flores said.
“ Pineapples can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a disease that affects the eyes as people age, due in part to its high amount of vitamin C and the antioxidants it contains,” Flores said.
DIGESTION
Like many other fruits and vegetables, pineapple contains dietary fiber, which is essential in keeping you regular and in keeping your intestines healthy, according to the Mayo Clinic . But unlike many other fruits and veggies, pineapple contains significant amounts of bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein, possibly helping digestion, according to the American Cancer Society.
ANTI-INFLAMATORY BENEFITS
Like many other fruits and vegetables, pineapple contains dietary fiber, which is essential in keeping you regular and in keeping your intestines healthy, according to the Mayo Clinic . But unlike many other fruits and veggies, pineapple contains significant amounts of bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein, possibly helping digestion, according to the American Cancer Society.
ANTI-INFLAMATORY BENEFITS
“ Due to a complex mixture of substances that can be extracted from the core of the pineapple, well known as bromelain, pineapples can help reduce severe inflammation ... and can reduce tumor growth,” Flores said. A variety of studies have indicated that bromelain may be helpful in treating osteoarthritis, though more research is needed.
Excessive inflammation is often associated with cancer, and according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , bromelain and other proteolytic enzymes have been shown to increase the survival rates of animals with various tumors. There is not yet, however, clinical evidence to show that such results will happen in humans.
BLOOD CLOT REDUCTION
Flores noted that because of their bromelain levels, pineapples can help reduce excessive coagulation of the blood. This makes pineapple a good snack for frequent fliers and others at risk for blood clots.
Flores noted that because of their bromelain levels, pineapples can help reduce excessive coagulation of the blood. This makes pineapple a good snack for frequent fliers and others at risk for blood clots.
COMMON COLD AND SINUS INFLAMMATION
In addition to having lots of vitamin C, pineapple’s bromelain may help reduce mucus in the throat and nose, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center . 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 reduce sinus mucus long term.
In addition to having lots of vitamin C, pineapple’s bromelain may help reduce mucus in the throat and nose, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center . 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 reduce sinus mucus long term.
HEALTH RISKS
“Because pineapple is a great meat tenderizer, eating too much can result in tenderness of the mouth, including the lips, tongue and cheeks,” Flores said. “But, [it] should resolve itself within a few hours.” If it does not, or if you experience a rash, hives or breathing difficulties, you should seek a medical help immediately. You could have a pineapple allergy.
“Because pineapple is a great meat tenderizer, eating too much can result in tenderness of the mouth, including the lips, tongue and cheeks,” Flores said. “But, [it] should resolve itself within a few hours.” If it does not, or if you experience a rash, hives or breathing difficulties, you should seek a medical help immediately. You could have a pineapple allergy.
Flores pointed out a possible negative to pineapple’s high levels of vitamin C. “Because of the high amount of vitamin C that pineapples contain, consuming large quantities may induce diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or heart burn,” she said.
Additionally, extremely high amounts of bromelain can cause skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive menstrual bleeding, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Bromelain can also interact with some medications. Those taking antibiotics, anticoagulants, blood thinners, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, insomnia drugs and tricyclic antidepressants should be careful not to eat too much pineapple.
Eating unripe pineapple or drinking unripe pineapple juice is dangerous, reports the horticulture department at Purdue University . In this state, it is toxic to humans and can lead to severe diarrhea and vomiting. Eating a great deal of pineapple cores can also cause fiber balls to form in the digestive tract.
Eating unripe pineapple or drinking unripe pineapple juice is dangerous, reports the horticulture department at Purdue University . In this state, it is toxic to humans and can lead to severe diarrhea and vomiting. Eating a great deal of pineapple cores can also cause fiber balls to form in the digestive tract.
ORIGIN OF PINEAPPLE
*The word "pineapple," derived from the Spanish word piña , was first used in 1398 to refer to a pinecone. This changed about 300 years later, with the word "pinecone" being introduced so pineapple could be used exclusively for the fruit.
*Pineapples were discovered by Europeans in 1493 on the Caribbean island of Guadalupe.
*Early attempts by Europeans to cultivate the fruit failed until they realized that the fruit needs a tropical climate to flourish. By the end of the 16th century, Portuguese and Spanish explorers introduced pineapples into their Asian, African and South Pacific colonies.
*Because pineapples are very perishable, fresh pineapples were a rarity for early American colonists. Glazed, sugar-coated pineapples were a luxurious treat, and fresh pineapple itself became a symbol of prestige and social class.
*Pineapples were first cultivated in Hawaii in the 18th century. Hawaii is the only U.S. state in which they are still grown.
Other countries that commercially grow pineapples include Thailand, the Philippines, China, Brazil and Mexico.
*Pineapple canneries use every bit of the pineapple. The skins, core and end portions are used to make a variety of products, including vinegar, alcohol and animal food.
*The word "pineapple," derived from the Spanish word piña , was first used in 1398 to refer to a pinecone. This changed about 300 years later, with the word "pinecone" being introduced so pineapple could be used exclusively for the fruit.
*Pineapples were discovered by Europeans in 1493 on the Caribbean island of Guadalupe.
*Early attempts by Europeans to cultivate the fruit failed until they realized that the fruit needs a tropical climate to flourish. By the end of the 16th century, Portuguese and Spanish explorers introduced pineapples into their Asian, African and South Pacific colonies.
*Because pineapples are very perishable, fresh pineapples were a rarity for early American colonists. Glazed, sugar-coated pineapples were a luxurious treat, and fresh pineapple itself became a symbol of prestige and social class.
*Pineapples were first cultivated in Hawaii in the 18th century. Hawaii is the only U.S. state in which they are still grown.
Other countries that commercially grow pineapples include Thailand, the Philippines, China, Brazil and Mexico.
*Pineapple canneries use every bit of the pineapple. The skins, core and end portions are used to make a variety of products, including vinegar, alcohol and animal food.
10 UNBELIEVABLE PINEAPPLE FACTS – DID YOU KNOW?
- Pineapple juice mixed with sand is said to be effective for cleaning stubborn surfaces.
- In Australian slang, “to get the wrong (or rough) end of the pineapple,” means to get a bad deal. In the 1930s in Britain, “being on the pineapple” became a slang phrase for being unemployed.
- Pineapple juice is one of the best foods for constipation. Unprocessed plant foods generally have a lot of fiber. Pineapple juice is a natural laxative that can also help you to have better bowel movements.
- Eating pineapple hurts your tongue because the enzyme bromelain attacks your tongue, cheeks, and lips on contact. However, both saliva and stomach acids overpower the sensation once you swallow or chew the pineapple.
- According to research, drinking a glass of pineapple juice hours before sex can help bodily fluids, such as seminal and vaginal fluids, smell and taste better.
- It’s a myth that you will face serious health problems if you drink milk after eating pineapple.
- Pineapple is commonly used as a material in men’s barong Tagalog and women’s baro’t saya formal wear in the Philippines.
- The fiber within a pineapple is used as a component for wallpaper.
- The popular fictional children’s character, Spongebob Squarepants, lives in a pineapple house with his pets, Gary the Snail and his scallop, Shelley.
- When you cut up your pineapple, you normally chuck the skin, core, and ends in the bin. The pineapple canning industry doesn’t though – these bits are used for making alcohol, vinegar, and animal feed.
- Combine diced pineapple with chopped shrimp, grated ginger and a little olive oil. Season to taste and serve this fragrant shrimp salad on a bed of romaine lettuce.
- Mix diced pineapple and chili peppers for an easy to prepare salsa that's an exceptional complement to fish such as halibut, tuna and salmon.
- Drizzle maple syrup on pineapple slices and broil until brown. Serve plain or with yogurt.
- Chopped pineapple, grated fennel and cashews go well together and are especially delicious as a side dish to chicken.
- Pineapple is a wonderful addition to fruit salads, especially those containing other tropical fruits such as papaya, kiwi and mango.
No comments:
Post a Comment