Pineapple (ananás): properties and health benefits

The juicy pulp of the pineapple, with an exotic aroma and refreshing flavor between sweet and sour, is a good source of vitamin C and a great ally against stomach heaviness. On a festive table it shines with its own light. Discover its properties and health benefits!

Origin of the pineapple

Pineapple, Ananas comosusis named for its similarity to pine cones, although the term “ananás” derives from the Tupi language, from Brazil, where they call it nanás, which means “delicious fruit” or “flower of fruits”.

The pineapple plant is as peculiar as its fruit, since only produce three pineapples on average throughout his life, being (usually) the first of them larger. Fortunately, you can get several cuttings of a main stem to increase its production.

The pineapple was a symbol of hospitality in indigenous tribes and was offered to visitors as a sign of friendship. Christopher Columbus, on his second voyage in November 1493, he found her on the island of Guadalupe.

Spanish sailors soon discovered that consuming pineapples on their voyages could prevent scurvy. Since then the production of this tropical fruit has spread throughout the world.

Nutritional values ​​of pineapple

How many calories does pineapple have?

calories: 48 caloriesproteins: 0.5gfats: 0.12gcarbohydrates: 12.6gFiber: 1.4g

Pineapple properties

The main nutritional component of pineapple, like most fruits, is water (85%), hence it is a food very low in calories. This dismantles the popular belief that pineapple makes you fatRather the complete opposite.

Fresh pineapple is rich in vitamins, mainly in vitamin C (12mg/100g). It also contains vitamins A, B1 and folic acid, but in lower percentages than vitamin C.

Regarding the mineral content, it should be noted its rich in potassium, and at a distance, in magnesium and iron.

Pineapple has an enzyme, bromelain, which is found in the stem and in the fruit, which facilitates digestion. Specifically, it has the virtue of break down proteins and convert them into amino acids, which favors the digestive process.

Health benefits of pineapple

Pineapple it is considered a “medicine” for its richness in vitamins, but above all for the properties of the enzyme it contains. Below we detail its incredible health benefits:

1. It is the digestive fruit par excellence

The inclusion of pineapple in the first dishes is especially beneficial because stimulates the production of gastric juices. It is especially indicated for digesting proteins.

People with dyspepsia, either due to hypochlorhydria -lack of gastric juices- or gastric atony -difficulty emptying stomach contents- have pineapple an ally if taken fresh, because with the heat the action of bromelain is annulled.

However, the consumption of pineapple is contraindicated in people suffering from gastroduodenal ulcer and gastritis due to its acid content and its ability to increase the production of gastric juices.

2. Antidiarrheal

It has been indicated in cases of diarrhea, since it seems inhibit the growth of intestinal microbes (antiputrid action) and improves intestinal receptors. Both the fruit and the root decoction are traditionally recommended in the treatment of intestinal parasites.

3. Purifying

Pineapple is an excellent liver remedy and its regular consumption is known to increase circulation in this vital organ.

4. Anti-inflammatory

It exerts a notable anti-inflammatory action, useful in cases of tendonitis and rheumatic affections with edema of the limbs.

5. Protective against cancer

It interferes with the development of malignant cells (reducing the risk of metastasis of some types of cancer) and appears to potentiate the effects of chemotherapy.

6. Heart healthy

Inhibits platelet aggregation and exerts a fibrinolytic activity, which reduces the risk of embolism.

7. Catarrhal

In case of cold, catarrh or sinusitis, especially if it is accompanied by mucus, pineapple is an excellent food supplement, since by exerting a proteolytic action dissolves mucus, It makes them more liquid and helps enormously to eliminate them.

His vitamin C content He is also no stranger to this beneficial action against colds and coughs.

8. Good for the skin

Another of the benefits of pineapple for health is that it helps clean and heal skin ulcers, and improve the healing of burns.

pineapple in the kitchen

Taken naturally, it allows you to fully enjoy all its aperitif and digestive properties. However, its original texture and flavor, between sweet and sour, make it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.

It can both serve to prepare sweet recipes and desserts like being used in an endless number of salty dishes, as it has been done in oriental cuisine, especially in spicy recipes and curries.

Its aromatic fleshy and consistent pulp makes it ideal to prepare on the grill, on the grill or in countless stews. This exotic fruit can be used to enrich rice dishes or as a delicious garnish, which also takes advantage of its proteolytic effect.

For that same reason, pineapple is a very interesting in seitan recipes or others rich in protein, but also filled with vegetables and other vegetarian delicacies, to which it brings light and joy.

Purchase and conservation of pineapple

To know if a pineapple is ripe, neither green nor overripe, the following aspects must be observed:

Color: to facilitate its conservation, the pineapple is usually collected before ripening. However, if it is collected very green, it does not develop its flavor and fragrance. When ripe it takes on a nice golden colour, but some varieties have a green rind even when ripe. The tip of the scales then offers a brownish hue.Leaves: they must be green and rigid. By gently pulling on the inner ones they come off easily.Scent: if the pineapple is ripe, its base gives off an intense and pleasant aroma.Weight: It should have a good weight to size ratio.Consistency: the crust should give slightly under the pressure of your fingers.

Pineapple should be consumed as soon as possible once purchased, although it can be kept for a few days in a dry and cool place, and on a soft base. It should never be stored in the refrigerator. unless it’s already peeled and cut.