Pineapple is a tropical plant with oval shape and waxy skin which has many hexagonal sections, resembling a scale. Interestingly, regardless of the shape and size, every pineapple has the same number of hexagonal sections on it.
The top of the fruit has a few pointed leaves with spines all along the edges, looking like a ‘crown’ of the fruit. Ripe pineapple has yellow flesh, nice aroma, and sweet taste.
Once harvested, the pineapples don’t ripen much more, meaning that they must be harvested when ripe and distributed to the consumer very fast. This is the reason why pineapples are typically found in canned form which has longer shelf life.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
Pineapple is packed with vitamin B1, C, and smaller amounts of B2, B3, B5 and B6. It has solid amounts of copper, magnesium, potassium, manganese, dietary fiber, folic acid, and beta-carotene, too.
The most remarkable property of pineapple is its bromelain content, an enzyme which provides a wide plethora of health benefits. For instance, it helps balance and neutralize fluids in the body and it stimulates the secretion of hormones in the pancreas.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Due to its bromelain content, pineapple effectively combats inflammation and swelling. In other words, as little as a drinking a fresh pineapple juice helps get rid of all pains.
1. Inflammatory Conditions
Pineapple juice possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties which bring relief from gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, surgeries, injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
2. Atherosclerosis
Pineapples are an excellent source of vitamin C, a nutrient which protects the arteries from oxidants and prevents them from hardening.
3. Blood Clotting
The nutrients found in the core and the stems of pineapple prevent blood clotting in an all natural way.
4. Bone Health
Pineapple contains minerals which promote bone health by strengthening both connective tissues and the bones themselves.
5. Digestion
Drinking a fresh pineapple juice after a heavy meal stimulates digestion and does the extra work for you.
6. Hypertension
Pineapple juice possesses antioxidants and prevents blood clotting, which in turn lowers blood pressure naturally and safely, without the side effects associated with prescribed medications.
7. Immunity
The high vitamin C content in pineapples makes them a powerful tool for boosting immunity and protecting against various conditions.
8. Respiratory Conditions
Pineapples are beneficial for people suffering from sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma because its bromelain content dissolves excessive mucus. According to a study, pineapple decreased mucus much faster when compared to over-the-counter cough syrups. What`s more, the participants recovered 4.8 times faster and showed a significant reduction in all cough-related symptoms.
9. Sore Throat
Pineapple juice helps reduce both soreness and redness in the throat.
10. Vision Health
Beta carotene found in pineapples makes them a potent preventative measure against vision-related issues.
CONSUMPTION TIPS
A couple of hours prior to eating the fruit remove the crown and turn it upside down. Leave it in the fridge like this so that the bottom distributes throughout the entire pineapple fruit. Keep it in an airtight container and soak it in its juice to retain its juiciness. If stored like this, it will keep for up to a whole week in the refrigerator.
Note: Diabetics and those with low blood sugar level shouldn’t consume pineapple due to its sweet taste.
PINEAPPLE COUGH SUPPRESSANT RECIPE
Ingredients:
- A cup of fresh pineapple juice
- ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 piece of ginger
Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients and take ¼ a cup, two to three times daily.