Pineapple Nutrition Facts

Pineapple is one of the most popular tropical fruits in the world owing to its great taste and nutritional benefits. It is native to Paraguay and South of Brazil and was introduced to Europe by Christopher Colombus.

• Pineapples are grown in Thailand, Phillippines, China, Brazil and Mexico and they take about 18 months to grow.

• One third of world’s pineapple comes from Hawaii- 31,000 acres of pineapple plantations in Hawaii.

• Pineapples don’t grow on trees as many believe. They are the only edible bromeliads: Fruit of bromeliad, rising from the centre on a single spike surrounded by sword-like leaves.

• They weigh four to nine pounds, but some pineapples can reach 20 pounds.

Pineapple Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits:

 

• Pineapples have a low GI of 46 to 51, they don’t cause an instant spike in your blood sugar.

• Acids and bromelain enzyme found in pineapples aid in digestion as they resemble natural gastric juices.

• Bromelain is a mix of enzymes which has been shown to lessen inflammation and reduce certain types of swelling. To maximize bromelain’s anti-inflammatory effects, pineapple should be eaten alone between meals or its enzymes will be used up digesting food.

• Pineapples are an excellent source of manganese, which is an active player in energy production and antioxidant defenses.

• Vitamin B1 in pineapples helps with blood circulation and the supply of oxygen to the blood.

• You may try pineapples when you have a cold, they offer similar benefits as orange juice in relieving cold symptoms.

• They may help with macular degeneration- important in maintaining good eye health.

• In addition to manganese, pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin B1, copper, dietary fiber and vitamin B6.

• Stems of pineapples have beneficial molecules to act as a defence against certain types of cancer.

• Sore throats and bronchitis can be relieved by sipping the pineapple juice.

• Pineapples can also help with reducing risks of gingivitis and periodontal disease and they are good for your gums and oral health due to high vitamin C content.

Pineapples Selection and Storage:

• They should feel heavy for their size; look, feel and smell clean and not have bad marks on the surface.

• Fresh ripe pineapples should have green, fresh-looking leaves in a small, compact crown, and a leaf should be easy to remove if fully ripe.

• They are quite perishable despite the thick and strong exterior and store the unused pieces in an airtight container and use asap to maintain and benefit from pineapple nutrition.

• Storing at room temperature will increase the acidity level of the pineapple, but will not improve sweetness.

• Freezing pineapples is fine but it may change the flavour.

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