The Pineapple It is a tropical fruit, its scientific name is Ananas comosus, it is a plant that belongs to the Bromeliaceae family, genus Anna, a Sativa species present in the tropics and subtropics, native to South America.
The plant grows in the soil where it takes the form of a rosette made up of multiple long, rigid leaves endowed with thorns. In the central part of the plant emerges a stem on which the fruit that has an oval shape with a crown of leaves develops.
This plant requires a warm climate and high environmental humidity to develop, two harvests are obtained per year.
Main nutrients present in Pineapple
Pineapple is a fruit rich in several nutrients, each 100 gr of this fruit contains 25 µg of beta-carotene, 180 mg of potassium, 11 mg of magnesium, 40 µg of Thiamin, 30 µg of Riboflavin, 21 mg of Vitamin C and fiber, In addition to these, it contains other nutrients in lower concentrations.
Its composition also includes an enzyme called Bromelain, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Tips when selecting and storing pineapples
– Ripe pineapples should be preferred since once harvested they do not continue to ripen
– It must be kept at room temperature or refrigerated at a temperature above 7°C, at lower temperatures cold damage appears as brown.
– Pineapple can undergo fermentation as it ripens, so it is recommended that a short period of time pass between harvest and consumption.
– If when palpating the pineapple it has soft areas or that ooze liquid, these should be avoided since these changes are a reflection that a fermentation process is taking place.
Beneficial effects of pineapple for health
Pineapple has a number of beneficial effects derived from its composition, these include:
antioxidant effect. Related to the presence of Vitamin C and beta-carotene, this effect is related to the neutralization of free radicals, substances related to aging and the appearance of diseases such as cancer, arteriosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.
anti-inflammatory effect. The bromelain present in pineapple gives it anti-inflammatory effects, especially when there is damage to the tissues such as trauma or surgery, for this reason it is used in the postoperative period to help reduce inflammation, pain and accelerate the reabsorption of tissues. bruises, as well as conditions such as muscle tears and sprains.
diuretic effect. Another of the properties of this fruit is its ability to help remove fluids from the tissues that are then eliminated in the urine, which is why it is used in cases of edema and circulatory disorders in the legs. In this case it can be used combined with cucumber in the form of juice.
digestive effect. The bromelain contained in pineapple facilitates the digestion process of food, especially protein, making it easier for nutrients to be absorbed.
Photo: iStock – CSA-Printstock
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