Do you know the properties of pineapple? Discover why this tropical fruit is among the great favorites

Pineapple It is the fruit that is an ally of digestion par excellence and it is perfect for relieving stomach heaviness. Its properties have a large number of benefits for our health. Below, we tell you all about them.

Origin of pineapple

The tropical pineapple It is originally from South America, more specifically from the area around Paraguay. Its origins date back to November 1943, when Columbus on his second voyage found this fruit on the island of Guadeloupe. From that moment on, pineapple production has spread throughout the world. At the moment, It is grown in Polynesia, Africa and Southeast Asia. Originally, the pineapple was a symbol of hospitality in various South American tribes, which was offered to visitors. It was also an important element in the festivals of those communities. Thus, the pineapple has gone from being a luxury product to a simple common fruit.

Why is pineapple called that?

There are different theories. The first is that The pineapple is named for its resemblance to pine cones.. Its scientific name ‘Ananas comosus’ is also believed to derive from the word ‘nana’ which means “delicious fruit” or “fruit flower” in Guaraní.

Where does pineapple grow?

Due to its shape, we could think that pineapple grows on a palm tree, but it is not like that. The pineapple grows on a bush that barely reaches a meter in height, belonging to the bromeliaceae family. The pineapple is not actually a single fruit, but multiple fruits joined together and arranged in a spiral. When the plant is one year old, it emits a woody spike from which one hundred or more violet flowers grow, each of which produces a fruit that merges with the rest forming scales or “eyes.”

Harm Jakob Tolsma/Pexels

In fact, there is also the possibility of plant pineapple at home. As with other tropical fruits such as mango, the pineapple does not need much care, but we inform you that temperate climates are preferable for its good development. You will see that planting it is easier than you think!

How many varieties of pineapple are there?

There are more than one hundred varieties of pineapple, although the vast majority belongs to the Smooth Cayenne variety. This variety is identified by its cylindrical shape, its flat scales, its reddish color and its yellow pulp. Another very popular variety is the African or Queen, which is characterized by being the sweetest and having a little whiter pulp.

When is a pineapple at its peak?

First we have to look at its color. We will know that a pineapple is ripe when it has a golden color on its rind and a brown color on the tips of its scales. Some varieties may have a slight green color on their bark. The leaves must be green and stiff.. The inner sheets should be able to come off when pulled. The aroma of a pineapple mature is intense and pleasant. The bark The pressure on your fingers should give way slightly.

Pineapple properties

To get all the benefits of pineapple It must be consumed very ripe and fresh. When it is not, it is less nutritious and digestive and produces a sensation of irritation on the tongue due to the presence of very fine needles of calcium oxalate in the pulp.

Pineapple It contains very valuable enzymes. The enzymes contained in pineapple have the virtue of breaking down proteins into peptides (chain of amino acids) that can be assimilated effortlessly by the body. Therefore, pineapple is a great ally for abundant meals.

RBA

Besides, contains other very beneficial properties for our health: it is anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Pineapple inhibits the flow of prostaglandins, normalizes the microbial flora of the colon, reduces the possibility of blood clots forming that can cause serious heart problems, and also helps combat nasal congestion and urinary tract infections.

Benefits of pineapple

Facilitates digestion and promotes recovery from muscle injuries, the enzymes contained in pineapple protect the muscles. In colds helps eliminate mucus. Is beneficial for the liver and skin.

Nutritional information for pineapple (per 100 grams)

60 calories20% vitamin C8% vitamin B66% magnesium5% potassium4% zinc3% iron

Now that you know all the properties of pineapple, we leave you this video with another fruit that also contains many benefits and that you will want to include in your daily life: the Kiwi. Do not miss it!

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