Amazing Health Benefits of Pineapple and Nutritional Value

What is a Pineapple?

The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a well-known tropical fruit that resembles a large, green pine-cone, hence its name. The oval- to cylindrical-shaped fruit has a tough, waxy rind that may be dark green, yellow, orange-yellow, or reddish when the fruit is ripe.

The flesh ranges from nearly white to yellow. In size, pineapples measure up to 12 inches/30 cm long and weigh l to 10 pounds/1/2 to 4‘/2 kilograms or more. The edible flesh of the pineapple has a characteristics flavor often described as a mixture of apple, strawberry, and peach all mixed together.

Pineapple History

The pineapple is native to South America. When Columbus and other explorers brought pineapples back to Europe, attempts were made to cultivate the sweet, prized fruit until it was realized that the fruit’s need for a tropical climate inhibited its ability to flourish in that region. By the end of the sixteenth century, Portuguese and Spanish explorers introduced pineapples into many of their African, Asian, and South Pacific colonies.

The United States ranks as one of the world’s leading suppliers of pineapples, although pineapples are produced only in Hawaii, to which they were introduced in the eighteenth century. Other countries that grow pineapples commercially include Thailand, the Philippines, China, Brazil, and Mexico. Nutritional Highlights Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. It is also a very good source of vitamin B 1. In addition, it is a good and glucose).

Pineapple facts

• 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.

Pineapple Nutrition

Pineapples are a storehouse of several health benefits due to their nutrients. They contain bromelain, protein, carbohydrates, sugar, and soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. The vitamins in these fruits include vitamin A, vitamin C, beta-carotene, thiamin, vitamin B 5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B 6, and folate. Minerals like potassium, copper, manganese, calcium, sodium, and magnesium are also found in pineapples. These tropical fruits are low in calories and are, therefore, a major part of weight loss diets.

Amount per 100 grams
• Calories 50
• Potassium 109 mg – 3% RDA
• Carbohydrate 13 g – 4% RDA
• Dietary fiber 1.4 g – 5% RDA
• Sugar 10 g
• Protein 0.5 g – 1% RDA
• Vitamin A – 1% RDA
• Vitamin C – 79% RDA
• Calcium – 1% RDA
• Iron – 1% RDA
• Vitamin B-6 – 5% RDA
• Magnesium – 3% RDA

Fresh pineapple is the only known source of an enzyme called bromelain, which may alleviate joint pain and arthritis, reduce inflammation, inhibit tumor growth, and shorten recovery time following surgery.

Manganese uses in Pineapple

Pineapple is rich in manganese. (Just one cup contains more than 75% of the amount recommended for one day). This mineral, along with vitamin C, is required for building collagen—a structural component of skin that prevents sagging and wrinkles.

Manganese also functions as an antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage against UV light, making pineapple especially crucial in the summertime.

Vitamin C uses in Pineapple

One cup of pineapple provides more than 100% of your recommended daily amount of vitamin C. And while you’re probably well aware that this nutrient helps support immunity, it does so much more. Vitamin C is involved in the growth and repair of tissues throughout the body. Plus it acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against premature aging and illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. The vitamin may also have an effect on your waistline: One study found that exercisers who weren’t getting enough vitamin C burned about 25% fewer calories during their workouts. And too little vitamin C in the bloodstream has been linked to higher body fat and waist size.

Health Benefits of Pineapple

Fresh pineapple is rich in bromelain, which is made up of a group of sulphur-containing pro-teolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes that not only aid digestion but can effectively reduce inflammation and swelling, as in carpal tunnel syndrome; break down mucus in respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia and bronchitis; and have even been used experimentally as an anticancer agent. A variety of inflammatory agents is inhibited by the action of bromelain.

In clinical human trials, bromelain has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling in inflammatory conditions such as acute sinusitis, sore throat, arthritis, and gout and speeding recovery from injuries and surgery. To maximize bromelain’s anti-inflammatory effects, pineapple should be eaten alone between meals or its enzymes will be used up in digesting food.

Pineapple is also an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese, an essential cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses. For example, the key antioxidant enzyme super-oxide dismutase requires manganese. Just one cup of fresh pineapple supplies 73.1 percent of the daily value of manganese.

1. Treats Arthritis

Pineapples contain proteolytic enzyme called bromelain which helps in breaking down complex proteins and has serious anti-inflammatory effects. Bromelain is also positively correlated with reducing the signs and symptoms of arthritis in many.

2. Boosts Immunity

Pineapples contain Vitamin C in abundance which helps in reducing illnesses and boosting the immune system by stimulating the activity of white blood cells and acting as an antioxidant to defend against the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals are dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism that can damage various organ systems and disrupt function, as well as cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous ones.

3.Prevents Cancer

Pineapples has antioxidants which includes vitamin A, beta carotene, bromelain, various flavonoid compounds, and high levels of manganese. Manganese is an important co-factor of superoxide dismutase, an extremely potent free radical scavenger that has been associated with a number of different cancers.

4. Speeds up Wound Healing

Vitamin C present in pineapples plays an essential role in creating collagen, collagen is the essential protein base of blood vessel walls, skin, organs, and bones. Vitamin C also defends the body against infections and illnesses.

5. Aids in Digestion

Pineapples are rich in fiber which helps promotes the passage of
food through the digestive tract at a normal rate and stimulates the release of gastric and digestive juices to help food dissolve. It also bulks up the loose stool, which helps in treating diarrhea and IBS.

6. Treats Cough and Cold

Pineapple is rich in both bromelain and vitamin C, therefore eating pineapple helps in preventing and treating respiratory illnesses, while eliminating phlegm and mucus from your body if you’ve already contracted an illness or infection.

7. Improves Bone Health

Pineapple has manganese which help in the strengthening of bones, as well as their growth and repair. A single serving of pineapple can provide more than 70% of your daily requirement of this mineral.

8. Oral Health

The antioxidants in pineapple help protect against oral cancer. Pineapple also have astringent properties, which strengthen gums and teeth. Astringent agents help tighten up tissues and tone the body so that tooth loss, hair loss, muscle weakness and skin loosening do not occur. Pineapple is a very powerful astringent and is often prescribed as a natural remedy to fix the loosening of teeth or for the retraction of gums.

9. Eye Health

Pineapple has beta carotene which helps with eye health and prevent other age-related eye diseases.

10. Regulates Blood Pressure

Pineapples has potassium which help eases the tension and stress of the blood vessels and increases blood circulation to various parts of the body. When your blood vessels relax, the blood pressure is reduced and the flow of blood is less restricted. This can prevent clots from blocking the flow of blood and reduce the accumulation of plaque in the arteries and vessels which, in turn, help prevent conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Pineapple Juice

If you drank your pineapple juice as a tropical treat without expecting any benefits other than to your taste buds, rejoice! Multiple studies find that the health benefits of pineapple juice are diverse – it improves your digestion, bone health, and eyesight; heals wounds; reduces arthritis and period pain; boosts immunity; prevents signs of aging on the skin; and kills cancer cells. Most of these benefits are by courtesy of a unique enzyme called bromelain that is found exclusively in the pineapple fruit and stem.

A real cocktail of beneficial enzymes, minerals, and vitamins, a pineapple is a health freak’s dream come true. It is low in calories and rich in vitamin C. It has both soluble and insoluble fibers and minerals like potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and manganese.

Here’s a look at what just 8 oz (250 g or 1 cup) of unsweetened canned pineapple juice contains:

Nutrient	Value	RDA (Men)	RDA (Women)
Energy	132 Cal	NA	NA
Calcium	32 mg	0.32%	0.32%
Iron	0.78 mg	9.75%	4.33%
Magnesium	30 mg	7.5%	9.67%
Manganese	1.26 mg	54%	70%
Phosphorus	20 mg	2.8%	2.8%
Potassium	325 mg	8.55%	11.6%
Sodium	5 mg	0.2%	0.2%
Vitamin A*	12 IU	2.5%	2.5%
Folate (B9)	45 mcg	11.25%	11.25%
Vitamin C**	25 mg	27%	33%

Health Benefits of Pineapple Juice

1. Helps Digestion And Treats Diarrhea

Ever wondered why restaurants serve a big, juicy slice of pineapple with your pork spare ribs? To help you digest better. The South and Central Americans have been eating pineapples for ages to cure indigestion.

Pineapples (the flesh and the stem) contain a unique mixture of proteolytic enzymes called bromelain, which helps digestion by breaking down complex proteins. This is also why pineapple juice is often used as a meat tenderizer and marinade.

The soluble and insoluble fiber load in pineapples also helps keep your gut healthy, preventing constipation, gas build-up, and diarrhea. It has also been seen to treat E. coli infection in the stomach. As juicing can remove most of the fiber, you may want to opt for pineapple smoothie or even the whole fruit.

2. Treats Ulcerative Colitis

Research has found that bromelain is effective in treating inflammation-related digestive diseases like irritable bowel disorder (IBD). It has been seen to reduce the incidences and intensity of colitis (a type of IBD) in mice. While bromelain still isn’t part of standard treatment, incidentally, it helped improve the symptoms of ulcerative colitis in a couple of human patients who did not respond to other medicines.

How does it do this? By decreasing the production of chemicals like cytokines and leukocytes that help in causing inflammation.

3. Treats Arthritis Pain

The property of bromelain that helps reduce inflammation in IBD also helps it treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. An analysis of studies conducted to understand the efficacy of bromelain in treating osteoarthritis, especially in the knee and shoulder, and rheumatoid arthritis shows encouraging results.

Bromelain reduces inflammation, edema, and pain by lowering the levels of inflammatory agents like cytokines and bradykinin. It also helps dissolve blood clots while reducing the levels of blood-clotting agents like fibrin.
This blood-thinning property of pineapple juice also makes it good for the heart, which brings us to the next point.

4. Helps The Heart

Anything that is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants is bound to have a good effect on the heart and the entire cardiovascular system. Pineapple is a heart-healthy fruit in that regard – do note that you’d need to eat the fruit for the helpful fiber, not pineapple juice.

Moreover, researchers suggest that bromelain could reduce the risk of heart attacks by breaking down plaques in the arteries and preventing the formation of blood clots. With its blood-thinning effect, it could even reduce the severity of angina pectoris (chest pain caused by poor blood circulation to the heart) and transient ischemic attack (a mini-stroke).
It has also been seen to protect against poor supply of blood to skeletal muscles and against the injury caused when the blood flow comes back to normal.

5. Cures Cough And Sinusitis

Some reports claim that pineapple juice can cure cough 5 times more effectively than cough syrups. It isn’t really surprising considering the anti-inflammatory property of bromelain. Cough is often a fallout of allergic airways diseases (AAD) as the body tries to get rid of the excess mucus, and anti-inflammatory therapy is one of the many treatments suggested to combat AAD.

Bromelain also helps dilute mucus and makes it easier to expel or expectorate it.
It can also decongest the nasal passage and reduce the cold and cough associated with sinusitis. In fact, bromelain is used in Europe as a treatment for sinus swelling after ear, nose, or throat surgery.

6. Eases Asthma

Pretty much the same way, pineapple juice helps asthma patients. It provides double benefits in asthma alleviation with bromelain and beta-carotene. Increased consumption of beta-carotene (found in most yellow and orange fruits and veggies) can decrease the severity of asthma, especially in women.

7. Makes Bones Sturdy

As stated earlier, 1 cup of pineapple juice can meet 7.5% to 9.6% of your daily magnesium requirement. Magnesium deficiency could affect bone cells and also the secretion and activity of the parathyroid hormone, resulting in osteoporosis.

Manganese, which is abundant in pineapples, is also supposedly helpful in preventing osteoporosis, when taken with calcium, copper, and zinc. This combination was seen to reduce spinal bone loss in post-menopausal women – this is important to note because post-menopausal women are prone to bone loss due to reduced estrogen levels. Pineapple juice contains all these minerals, though some of them are in trace amounts.

Deficiency of manganese is known to affect the development of cartilage and bones. So it might be a good idea to give your kids their daily dose of pineapple juice for better bones.

8. Fights Cancer

Bromelain is the real weapon in pineapple’s arsenal against cancer. Unlike the drugs used in chemotherapy, bromelain can selectively kill cancer cells without harming normal cells and hold off metastasis or cancer spreading. In an animal study, it performed even better than 5-fluorauracil, a chemotherapy drug.

One of the causes of cancer is the faulty functioning of a type of proteins known as glycoproteins. These proteins can further help in spreading cancer and in making the cells resistant to chemo.

Bromelain has been seen to inhibit MUC1, one such glycoprotein, from producing this effect in pancreatic and breast cancer cells. On top of that, bromelain has been seen to make chemo drugs more effective.
While the cancer studies use bromelain extracted from the stem because of its greater stability, eating the fruit can also help.

9. Prevents Signs Of Aging

Pineapple juice is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means your body does not store it and it has to come from food. Vitamin C plays many important skin functions like the growth and repair of tissues, collagen formation, and healing of wounds.
Antioxidants like vitamin C block some of the damages caused by free radicals, substances that damage DNA. The build-up of free radicals over time may contribute to the aging process and the development of health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.

10. Heals Wounds

Studies have found that bromelain is effective in healing firearm and burn wounds in animals. It does this by removing the eschar, or the dead and damaged tissues which delay healing, without harming the normal tissues underneath. This process is known as debridement. In fact, bromelain is so effective in this that there are now bromelain debridement gels and creams available in the market

While bromelain isolated from the fruit has better effect in healing soft tissue injuries, pineapple juice can reduce oxidative stress, perhaps due to its rich array of minerals and vitamins that boost the body’s natural antioxidant levels.

Pineapple juice also has vitamin C and manganese, both of which can help heal wounds. Manganese activates an enzyme called prolidase, which in turn produces the amino acid proline. Proline is required to synthesize collagen for wound healing.

11. Improves Vision

Here’s one more reason to drink pineapple juice regularly. A 2015 study shows that vitamin C can reduce the risk of age-related cataract. Add to it the antioxidant beta-carotene, which constitutes 9% of the carotenoid mixture in pineapple juice. Unlike other carotenes like lycopene and luteine, beta-carotene converts into vitamin A (retinol) in the body which plays an important role in eye health.

12. Boosts Immunity

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, as is beta-carotene, which are both found in substantial quantities in pineapple juice. More antioxidants also mean better immunity against many diseases, especially in many age-related diseases.

In addition, manganese is an important component of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) that is an important part of the body’s natural defense. SOD fights free radicals and prevents cell damage and inflammation.

13. Reduces Period Cramps

Dysmenorrhea, or painful period, has a remedy in bromelain. Pain during periods is often caused by contractions of the uterus triggered by a chemical called prostaglandin. Bromelain decreases the levels of PGE 2, a type of prostaglandins that cause the contraction, while increasing the levels of PGE 1, the type that relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus.
While bromelain capsules or bromelain applied directly into the cervix works faster, drinking pineapple juice can also help. Moreover, pineapple juice also contains a good amount of magnesium, which has been seen to help in reducing lower back pain.

14. May Boost Fertility And Prevent Birth Defects

Some experts think that pineapple juice can help with fertility as bromelain is a natural blood thinner, which helps increase blood flow to the uterus. Selenium in the fruit also helps thicken the uterine lining and prepares it for embryo implantation. However, we need large-scale studies to conclusively establish this benefit before eating pineapples for pregnancy can become a standard practice.

How To Select And Store Pineapple

A ripe pineapple has a fruity, fragrant aroma, is more yellow than green in color, and is heavy for its size. Avoid selecting pineapple with decayed or mouldy spots, especially at the bottom stem scar. Pineapple can be left at room temperature for one or two days before serving.

While this will not make the fruit any sweeter, it will help it to become softer and more juicy. Yet, as pineapple is very perishable, you should still watch it closely during this period to ensure that it does not spoil. After two days, if you are still not ready to consume it, you should wrap it in a perforated plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for a maximum of three to five days.

Pineapple that has been cut up should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to one week. It will stay fresher and retain more taste and juiciness if you also place some liquid, preferably some juice from the pineapple, in the container. Although pineapple can be frozen, this process greatly affects its flavor.

Drink Fresh Pineapple Juice And Chew The Core

No matter what fruit you are consuming, the whole fruit always scores way above its juice on nutritional content. It is common knowledge that a lot of the fruit’s fiber is lost in juicing, and further processing depletes some of the nutrients.

• Purchase a ripe fruit and juice it within a couple of days. Storing the whole fruit for 2 weeks at room temperature can bring the vitamin C content down to about 59–65%.
• Drink freshly made pineapple juice. This retains the vitamin A and vitamin C content. As per a study, storing the juice in plastic bottles for 2 months left the juice with just about 10–21% of vitamin C.
• The amount of bromelain present in canned pineapples is not enough to have strong medicinal effects. This is why you should drink the fresh juice regularly, for a few months, at least, to notice the benefits.
• Don’t heat the juice. Pasteurizing the juice further can reduce the vitamin C content to 28–46%.
• The pineapple core has the highest amount of bromelain. So though it’s tougher and a tad less sweet than the flesh, chew on the core to get bromelain benefits. Of course, you may want to take bromelain supplements to get a concentrated dose, but in that case, you are missing out on the wholesome nutrition the juice or the whole fruit provides.

Drink Pineapple Juice In Moderation, Especially If You Are Diabetic Or Watching Your Weight

It has been widely publicized on the Internet that pineapple juice helps weight loss. This is mainly because of the low calorie count of the juice, which as mentioned earlier, is just about 130 calories in 8 oz undiluted juice. But that alone does not help. A cup of the juice also has about 25 g sugar, which gives it a medium-range glycemic index of 45–66.

This means it will release a considerable amount of glucose after being digested. So weight watchers and diabetics should be careful with this fruit. Needless to say, don’t add sugar to the juice.

Beware Of Pineapple Allergy
Though generally good for health, pineapple juice has a flip side. You could be allergic to pineapple. Bromelain may cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, nausea, and flatulence.

It could also manifest as headaches, tiredness, dry mouth, skin rash, and allergic reactions.
While people with ulcerative colitis can benefit from bromelain, those with stomach ulcers should avoid pineapple juice.

Cut Down On Pineapple Juice If You Are on Blood-Thinners Or Antibiotics
You should be especially careful with your pineapple juice consumption if you are on blood thinners as bromelain could increase the risk of bleeding.

If you are on antibiotics, pineapple juice can enhance its effects. This can be potentially harmful if the levels of antibiotics in the blood rise above what is normal and helpful.
Pineapple juice undoubtedly is an amazing drink with many health benefits. But like we always say, having everything in moderation is key to good health.

Health Benefits Of Pineapple Peels

Pineapple is one of the most popular fruit worldwide due to its health benefits, but pineapple peels also contain beneficial effects to the body’s health.

It is also an excellent source of antioxidants that can help the body to fight free radicals, which can cause numerous diseases. Here are some of the amazing health benefits pineapple peels:

• Relieves Inflammation
• Boosts Immune System
• Enhances Libido
• Prevents Cancer
• Relieves Asthma
• Improves Vision
• Prevents Osteoarthritis
• Regulates Blood Sugar Level
• Promotes Healthy Bones
• Improves Gum Health
• Reduce Cholesterol Levels
• Cures Swelling and Irritation
• Prevents Heart Diseases
• Enhances Digestion
• Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair
• Treats Intestinal Worms
• Aids Weight loss
• Ease Nausea
• Reduces Acne and Pimples
• Hydrating the Skin
• Prevents Hair Loss

Here are some steps on how to obtain health benefits from pineapple peels:

Ingredients

1 whole pineapple, unpeeled
1 liter of filtered water
A natural sweetener to taste

Procedure

Wash the pineapple and separate the peel from the flesh. Put the peel in a pan filled with water and add some pineapple pulp, then boil them together. Dilute the mixture in a liter of water and add natural sweeteners to improve its taste.

Tips For Preparing Pineapple

Pineapples must be washed thoroughly before cutting. Spray them with a solution of diluted additive-free soap or commercial produce wash and then scrub them under cool running water with a vegetable brush. After washing, the next first step in preparing a pineapple is always to remove the crown and the base of the fruit with a knife.

Then, to peel the pineapple, place it base side down and carefully slice off the skin, carving out any remaining “eyes” with the tip of your knife. Or cut the pineapple into quarters, remove the core if desired, make slices into the quarters, cutting from the flesh toward the rind, and then use your knife to separate the fruit from the rind.
Once the rind is removed, cut the pineapple into the desired shape and size.

Pineapple juice has a good quantity of folate, which is essential for fetal growth. Folate supplementation during pregnancy is important in avoiding many birth defects in babies. But pregnant women should first check with their doctors whether pineapples are suitable for them.

Recipe for Pineapple

Grilled Chicken Pineapple Sliders

Ingredients for Preparing Grilled Chicken Pineapple Sliders 

• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut in half
• 6 pineapple rings
• 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
• 6 slices red onion
• 6 Hawaiian bread rolls – split and toasted
• 6 lettuce leaves – rinsed and dried

Directions

Prep        Cook      Ready In

1 h           15 m       1 h 15 m

1. Whisk together the lemon juice, lime juice, cider vinegar, salt and pepper in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Add the chicken and toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes each side, or until juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a fork. Grill pineapple for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until heated through and grill marks appear.
4. Spread 1 teaspoon teriyaki sauce on the bottom half of a toasted roll; next add a lettuce leaf, a piece of chicken, a pineapple round, and an onion slice. Replace the top and repeat with the remaining rolls.

Tip
Aluminum foil helps keep food moist, ensures it cooks evenly, keeps leftovers fresh, and makes clean-up easy.

Quick Serving Ideas Pineapple

• Eat pineapple (peeled and cut up) on its own or in fruit salads, or juice it. Pineapple is low in calories and makes a fantastic base for low-calorie fruit drinks, especially when mixed with berries.
• Pineapple is a wonderful addition to fruit salads, especially those containing other tropical fruits, such as papaya, kiwi, and papaya.
• Combine diced pineapple with chopped prawns, grated ginger, and a little olive oil. Season to taste and serve on a bed of romaine lettuce.
• Mix diced pineapple, tomatoes, and chili peppers for an easy-to-prepare salsa that is an exceptional complement to fish, such as halibut, tuna, and salmon.
• Drizzle maple syrup on pineapple slices and grill until brown. Serve plain or with yogurt.
• Chopped pineapple, grated fennel, and cashew nuts go well together and are especially delicious as a side dish to chicken.
• Pineapple goes well with virtually all vegetables and meat on the grill. Add some to your next shish kebab.
• Add pineapple to your next homemade pizza. This combination is a favorite with children and adults alike.

Uses of Pineapples

Culinary Uses

You can include pineapples in your daily diet in a number of tasty and healthy ways.

• Pineapple is best when eaten fresh. Cut it into rings or wedges and snack on!
• Fresh pineapple juice or pineapple smoothie is definitely a delicious way to start your day.
• Add some crushed pineapple to the normal cookies you bake and enjoy the exotic flavor.
• Pineapples are so versatile, they can be used for any dessert you name. Add them to yogurt, ice creams, or salads to enjoy the benefits.
• Pineapple and its juice are enjoyed around the world as the tropical drink, pina colada, and even as a popular flavor in alcoholic beverages.

Fun Tip: If you are planning to consume a pineapple, cut the crown and keep the fruit in the fridge placing it upside down. Generally, the sweetness settles at the bottom of the fruit and this will help in distributing it throughout the pineapple.

Other Uses

Its leaves are even used as wallpaper and in ceiling insulation.

Is Canned Pineapple Healthy?

Canned pineapple can be rich in sugar. Before eating it, be sure to drain the liquid and rinse off the fruit. That juice or syrup can add anywhere from 5 to 15 grams of sugar (roughly one to four teaspoons). A better choice is to look for canned pineapple with no sugar. It also contains fewer vitamins and minerals. Look for a variety that is canned in fruit juice instead of syrup.

What is the Best Time to Eat Pineapple?

The best time of eating pineapple or any other fruits is in a breakfast or empty stomach because it detoxify your body system. Pineapple can be found fresh in summer season (from March to July ).

Negative effects of Pineapple

Pineapple ( Ananas comosus )is a delicious crown shaped fruit that grows on the tropical plant of the same name. It is a good source of a number of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants etc. and the presence of these nutrients make it a wonderful fruit for our health, skin and hair.No doubt, pineapple is a great fruit but just like every other thing it is important to eat it in moderation as too much of pineapple can have several adverse effect on our health. We have already discussed the health and beauty benefits of pineapple and in this article, we will know about the side effects of eating too many pineapples.

1. Can Cause Allergic Reactions

Pineapple is good for our health but some individuals (both male and female) may experience mild allergic reactions like swollen lips, getting a tingling sensation in their throat etc. on consuming pineapple. This allergic reaction is caused by the enzymes present in pineapple. Because of this allergic reaction, it is advised to wash off pineapple slices thoroughly in clean salt water. This will wash away the enzymes responsible for causing allergic reactions and you can enjoy your pineapple without any worry.

2. Increase Risk Of Abortion And Miscarriage

Pineapple is good for pregnant women as it can help them from getting relief from morning sickness.However, the same pineapple can have an adverse effect on the health of pregnant women and the baby developing in her. Pineapple contains a lot of enzymes and some of these enzymes can increase uterus contractions in early stages of pregnancy which can increase the risk of absorption and lead to miscarriage.

In general, it is safe to consume pineapple in later stages of pregnancy but you should always consult your doctor about this and include it in your meal plan only on the recommendation ( and as per the recommendation) of a doctor.

3. Excess of Pineapple Is Bad For People With Arthritis And Rheumatism

Pineapple is good for people suffering from arthritis because the anti-inflammatory properties of pineapple can provide relief from inflammation of joints. However, people suffering from arthritis and rheumatism should be careful about eating pineapple and make sure that they don’t eat them too much ( in the hope of getting more benefits) as pineapple gets converted to alcohol on reaching the gastrointestinal tract, and this alcohol can affect arthritis patients in a very negative manner and increases the risk of fracture.

4. Can Increase Blood Sugar Level

Pineapple is good for people suffering from diabetics as it helps in regulating blood sugar level but still, it is a fruit that contains a lot of natural sugar like sucrose and fructose. Although these are simple sugar but they are not so good for diabetic patients when consumed in excess. Because of this reason, diabetic patients are advised to keep their pineapple intake limited to one to two servings per day.

5. Can Interact With Certain Medications

The bromelain present in pineapple is great for our health as it provides a lot of benefits but it can also interact with some medications like antibiotics and anticonvulsants, causing trouble for some users. So, if you are on these medications then you should first consult with your doctor before eating this fruit.

6. Unripe Pineapple Can Cause Vomiting

If you are a pineapple fan and loves to eat them or drink them in the form of juice for it’s delicious taste and the various benefits provided by this crown-shaped fruit, then make sure that you are always eating ripe pineapples. This is because unripe pineapple are toxic in nature and consuming them either in the form of juice or as a fresh fruit can be very risky for our health and may lead to severe vomiting.

7. Can Cause Redness In Mouth And Throat Infections

Pineapple is a good source of vitamin C which makes it acidic in nature. This acidic nature of pineapple can affect the production of mucus in our throat and mouth, causing a raw sensation in our throat and mouth. In some people, it can also cause stomach ache. Eating too many pineapples can worsen the condition giving rise to throat infections.

8. Can Interact With Blood Thinning Drugs

Pineapple is beneficial for providing relief from blood clots because of the presence of bromelain in it. However, if you are already on anticoagulant ( blood thinning drugs) medicines then you should avoid eating pineapple as eating pineapple and taking anticoagulant medicines together can have an adverse effect on our health.

9. Can Interact With Blood Pressure Medication

Pineapple is a good source of potassium which helps in regulating blood pressure. However, if you are already taking medications for controlling hypertension then you should be careful about eating pineapples. This is because eating pineapples combined with medicines for controlling hypertension can reduce our blood pressure to a dangerously low level. People suffering from high blood pressure and taking medication for the same should first consult with their doctor before eating pineapple.

10. Too Much of Bromelain Is Bad

Bromelain present in pineapple is an important antioxidant enzyme that provides many benefits but there are also some risks associated with it. Bromelain can break down the proteins present in our body and this can lead to the development of dermatitis in some people and in some people it can trigger allergic dermatitis ( not so common though).Dermatitis is a condition in which our skin becomes red, swollen, sore and sometimes blistered.

So, if you experience any such symptoms after eating pineapple then you stop eating them immediately.

11. Can Stain Our Teeth And Hurt Enamel

Regular and moderate consumption of pineapple is good for oral health as it keeps our teeth and gums healthy but eating too many pineapples can have a negative impact on our health as it can stain our teeth because of the presence of sugar in it. In the same way, acidic nature of pineapple can hurt enamel of our teeth. If you are dealing with oral issues like cavities on teeth, gingivitis etc. then you should eat it in moderation.

12. Not Suitable For People Who Are Allergic To Pollen And Dust

People with an allergy to dust or pollen should be careful about eating pineapple as our body can easily get confused between the protein present in our body with the pollen and other particles for which our body is allergic. Now, how pineapple fits in this context goes like this- “ Some individuals who are allergic to pollen or dust also show the symptoms of allergy when they eat certain food like pineapple, apples, peaches, almonds etc.. This is known as “ Oral Allergy Syndrome”.

In short, if you are allergic to pollen or dust then you should be careful about consuming pineapple and if you see any symptoms like burning sensation in the lips, mouth, ear canal etc. or swelling of lips, tongue, tightness of throat then you should stop eating pineapple.

13. Can Cause Diarrhea And Other Health Problems

Vitamin C present in pineapple is good for our health because of the benefits provided by it. However, the excess of vitamin C is not good as it can give rise to health problems like vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, insomnia, abdominal pain etc. It is important to note that vitamin C is water soluble vitamin which means our body consume it as per its requirement and flush out the excess vitamin C along with urine. But, not when you are taking an overdose.

14. Give Rise To Kidney Disorders

Pineapple is a good source of potassium which helps in regulating blood pressure and keeps our heart healthy. However, too much of potassium is not good because a high concentration of potassium can increase the risk of kidney failure because it will put the burden on kidneys to excrete out the excessive potassium. So, if you are suffering from kidney problems then you should be careful about eating pineapple and first consult your doctor before adding pineapple to your fruit platter.

Pineapple Safety

Pineapple is not associated with any significant safety issues. It is a hypoallergenic food often used in allergy avoidance diets.