Pineapple: discover the antioxidant powers of this fruit

Also known as custard apple, the pine cone has a sweet flavor and can be consumed in its natural form. Its pulp can still be used in the preparation of creams, juices and ice creams, giving its remarkable flavor to the most varied options.

According to biologist Jean Henrique da Silva Rodrigues, PhD in Biological Sciences and professor of Plant Biology at the State University of Paraná (UNESPAR), the pine cone is one of the most widely known species in Brazil. Native to the Antilles, the plant was introduced in Brazil in the 17th century, being cultivated commercially or even in urban areas, such as squares and backyards.

According to nutritionist Andrea Marim, the pine cone is rich in carbohydrates, in addition to being a great source of vitamins, including vitamin B1, B2, B5, A and C. Containing minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and iron, it also has proteins and carbohydrates, being very suitable for cases of malnutrition and anemia, in addition to having numerous health benefits.

Pine cone, atemoya, araticum and soursop: do you know the difference?

Despite being species of the same family, these fruits have characteristics that differ from each other. According to Jean, the consumption of these fruits has been increasing due to the aroma, texture and bittersweet taste of these specimens, in addition to their “high nutritional value and beneficial properties”. Check out the characteristics and differences between them below, according to the biologist:

1. Pinha: also known as custard apple, the pinha (Annona squamosa L.) consists of a small, rounded fruit with a rougher skin. The professional also reveals that this fruit is mainly consumed in natura, since the numerous seeds adhered to the pulp can make its processing difficult.

2. Soursop: also considered an exotic plant, soursop (Annona muricata L.) is originally from Central America and the Caribbean, being widely cultivated in the equatorial belt of the planet, including the north and northeast of Brazil. “Its rounded fruits have a smooth and greenish rind, which can reach eight kilos, being rich in a fleshy and particularly acidic pulp, widely used industrially in the preparation of juices, sweets and creams”, he adds.

3. Araticum: the araticum or marolo (Annona crassiflora) is a species widely spread in the Brazilian cerrado, growing naturally and being consumed in natura by the native populations, being, however, little commercialized. The biologist describes them as fruits of varying sizes, with a thick and hard skin, but white pulp, rich in adhered seeds, viscous and soft when ripe.

4. Atemoya: the atemoya, in turn, originated from the cross between the pine cone and the cherimoya (Annona cherimola), an Annonaceae with a mild climate native to the Andes. This hybrid was introduced in Brazil in 1980, having adapted to the climates in the south and southeast of the country. “The green fruit, even when ripe, presents itself in the shape of a heart, with a rough and pointed skin and, when compared to the pinecone, the atemoya is bigger, sweeter and has fewer seeds, which are free from the pulp”, he explains.

In nutritional terms, these fruits share several characteristics in common, having fleshy pulp, with high water content, rich in proteins, carbohydrates, unsaturated fatty acids and mineral salts, being an excellent source of replacement of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium electrolytes. “It is worth mentioning that the atemoya, due to its characteristic sweetness, is a major source of carbohydrates, displaying about 100kcal per 100g portion”, concludes the professional.

7 health benefits of pineapple

As the biologist explains, these fruits are considered functional foods because they are a natural source of important bioactive substances, which help to prevent and fight various diseases.

“Because they are rich in phenolic compounds and tocopherol (vitamin E), these fruits have a potent antioxidant action, which can help fight free radicals, responsible for premature aging and degenerative diseases”, reveals Jean.

Check out below some of the benefits provided by the regular consumption of the pine cone according to nutritionist Andrea Marim:

1. Fight against anemia: having large amounts of iron and the presence of vitamin C, this combination increases the absorption power of this mineral by the body.

2. Improves the digestive system: as this fruit is rich in fiber, it helps to fight constipation and constipation, in addition to improving the digestion process and intestinal transit.

3. Source of vitamin C: great for fighting the action of free radicals and preventing premature aging of cells, this vitamin also helps to strengthen the immune system.

4. Health for the eyes: through the combination of vitamin C with vitamin B2, known as riboflavin, there is a potentiating action in the fight against free radicals, providing good vision.

5. Healthier skin and hair: another effect of the combination of vitamins C and A, by regularly consuming this fruit it is possible to maintain more beautiful and healthy skin and hair.

6. Promotes satiety and energy: as it has large doses of carbohydrates, it provides more energy for daily activities. Fiber makes you feel fuller for a longer period of time.

7. It has medicinal properties: its leaves can be used to prepare medicinal teas, which can help relieve cramps, spasms and colitis.

The biologist reveals that the infusions of the leaves, in the form of teas, as well as the oil from the seeds are used by traditional populations in the treatment of various diseases and have been widely studied by scientists regarding their antimutagenic, antitumor, metabolism regulating and antimicrobial.

“It is worth noting, however, that studies are still inconclusive and that, like other fruits, atemoya, soursop, pinecone and araticum do not have miraculous effects, but if included in a balanced diet, they are a tasty source of macronutrients and potent antioxidants” , concludes the professional.

Amazing recipes with pinecone

It can be consumed in its natural form, or even used its pulp to prepare delicious recipes, it is possible to prepare delicious options with this fruit. Check out some suggestions below:

1. Pinecone sorbet

With a light texture and very fragrant, to make this sorbet it is recommended that the fruit is very ripe, giving it a sweet flavor and a striking aroma. In addition, the author of the recipe reveals that if the fruit is ripe, the process of removing the pits is much easier.

2. Pine cone mousse

To ensure the creaminess of the candy, ingredients such as unflavored powdered gelatin, sour cream and condensed milk are necessary. Again, the very ripe fruit is the most recommended for the preparation of the dish, and it should be “breaking down in the hands”, as the author of the recipe quotes.

3. Pineapple pudding

Beautiful to look at and very tasty to those who taste it, this mini pine cone pudding has condensed milk, colorless gelatin, ice and processed fruit pulp in its preparation. A vanilla syrup accompanies the candy and, for an even more beautiful look, sliced ​​star fruit are used to decorate.

4. Pinecone frappe

Again counting on more mature fruits, it is possible to loosen the buds of the skin with your own hand. The author also teaches a trick that makes it easier to remove the seeds from the buds: just pulse the buds quickly in the blender with a little milk, then strain the mixture.

5. Pine cone ceviche with coconut milk

Instead of preparing a ceviche with fish in pieces, how about choosing a tasty fruit and using the fish only to flavor the dish? To ensure even more flavor, ingredients such as girl’s finger pepper, coconut milk, lemons, cilantro, red onion and chopped ginger are used. Giving a more beautiful look, sweet potato chips to accompany.

6. Pineapple cream with passion fruit

To facilitate the process of preparing the cream, the author of the recipe uses the pulp purchased frozen, eliminating the need to remove the seeds from the fruit. This is blended in a blender with cream ice cream, giving the candy a creamy texture. To accompany it, passion fruit syrup prepared with fruit juice, condensed milk and cream. For a more beautiful look, add sliced ​​strawberries and mint leaves at the end of the dish.

Contraindications and warnings about consumption

According to nutritionist Andrea, the maximum amount for daily consumption of this fruit would be a portion with 70grs, which is equivalent to approximately 70kcal. Also according to the professional, the fruit should be consumed ripe, avoiding ingesting its seeds. “It is also rich in sugar, so it should be consumed moderately by diabetic patients, as it can raise the level of glucose in the blood”, she warns.

Possessing high levels of mineral salts, fibers, carbohydrates and vitamins, the pine cone becomes a great ally of health, bringing benefits and greater nutritional wealth to the daily menu. Add this food to your routine now!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.