Pineapples: Health, Benefits, Risks and Nutritional Facts

profsam (47)in #health • 8 years ago (edited)

Hello steemians, i had to pick this article after taking some time out this few days.. I bet you, this one is very informative and educative..one could get some health tips about pineapples after reading it...have fun guys....

Pineapples with the scientific name "Ananas Comosus" are tropical fruits that are rich in vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants ( one of a group of vitamin that acts against the effects of free radicals).

The pineapple is an edible multiple fruit consisting of coalesced berries and they are the most significant among the Bromoliceae family as their basic functions can't be overemphasized..

Pineapples grow on the central stalk of a large plant with swordlike leaves

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They may help to build the immune system, build strong bones and also aid digestion. Also, despite their sweetness, pineapples are low in calories..

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The Pineapple as a moncotyledonous flowering plant is a member of the "bromeliad" family and one of the few to produce edible fruits.

The fruit is actually made of individual berries that fuse together around core. Each pineapple scale is an individual berry.

Pineapples' nutritional benefit are as fascinating as their anatomy.

According to Laura Flores, San Diego based nutritionist; pineapples contains high amounts of Vitamin C and Manganese. These tropical treat are also a good way to get important dietary fiber and bromelain (an enzyme).
"As well as having high amounts of Manganese, which is important for antioxidant defenses, pineapples contain high amount of thiamine, a B class of vitamin that is involved in energy production", Flores also added.

For all its sweetness, one cup of pineapple chunks contains only 82 calories..Pineapples are also fat-free, cholesterol-free, and low in sodium.

Surprisingly, they do contain sugar with 16 grams per cup.

Nutrition facts about pineapples

Here are the nutrition facts for raw pineapple, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates food labeling through the National Labeling and Education Act; considering the scenario below:

Serving pineapple size: Taking one cup chunks (about 165g weight) of pineapple.
Also Amount per serving measured in Percent Daily Value (% DV) based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Calories 82 Calories from Fat 0

Amt per Serving %DV

Total Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Potassium 120mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 15g 5%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 11g
Protein 1g
Vitamin A 2%
Vitamin C 131%
Calcium 2%
Iron 2%

The nutritional for canned pineapple for "canned pineapple" is different from "raw pineapple".

According to the U.S department of Agriculture, "canned pineapples" in light syrup has 131 calories per cup and 31.88 grams of sugar. It also contains fewer vitamins and minerals..

If you do opt for canned pineapple, try to get it with no added sugar or look for a variety that is canned in fruit juice instead of syrup.

Health Benefits of Pineapple

Immune system support

Pineapple contains all of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, according to the FDA. Vitamin C is a primary water-soluble antioxidant that fights cell damage, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. This makes vitamin C a helpful fighter against problems such as "heart disease" and "joint pain".

Bone strength

Pineapple may help you keep standing tall and strong. The fruit contains nearly 75 percent of the daily-recommended value of the mineral manganese, which is essential in developing strong bones and connective tissue; according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

One 1994 study suggested that manganese, along with other trace minerals, may be helpful in preventing "osteoporosis" in post-menopausal women.

Eye health

“Pineapples can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a disease that affects the eyes as people age, due in part to its high amount of vitamin C and the antioxidants it contains,” Flores said.

Digestion

Like many other fruits and vegetables, pineapple contains dietary fiber, which is essential in keeping you regular and in keeping your intestines healthy, according to the Mayo Clinic.

But unlike many other fruits and veggies, pineapple contains significant amounts of bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein, possibly helping digestion, according to the American Cancer Society.

Anti-Inflammatory benefits

“Due to a complex mixture of substances that can be extracted from the core of the pineapple, well known as bromelain, pineapples can help reduce severe inflammation and can also reduce tumor growth,” Flores said. A variety of studies have indicated that bromelain may be helpful in treating "osteoarthritis", though more research is needed.

Excessive inflammation is often associated with cancer, and according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, bromelain and other proteolytic enzymes have been shown to increase the survival rates of animals with various tumors.

There is not yet, however, clinical evidence to show that such results will happen in humans.

Blood clot reduction

Pineapples can help reduce excessive coagulation of the blood due to the presence of bromelain in them. This makes pineapple a good snack for frequent fliers and others at risk for blood clots.

Common cold and sinus inflammation

In addition to having lots of vitamin C, pineapple’s bromelain may help reduce mucus in the throat and nose, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. So if your cold has you coughing, try some pineapple chunks..interesting..isn't it???..

Those with allergies may want to consider incorporating pineapple into their diets more regularly to reduce sinus mucus long term..

Health risks of pineapples

Consequently, though pineapples have benefits to the health, they also have health risks too to the body..

“Because pineapple is a great meat tenderizer, eating too much can result in tenderness of the mouth, including the lips, tongue and cheeks,” Flores said. but, (it) should resolve itself within a few hours.” If it does not, or if you experience a rash, hives or breathing difficulties, you should seek a medical help immediately. You could have a pineapple allergy.

Flores pointed out a possible negative to pineapple’s high levels of vitamin C. “Because of the high amount of vitamin C that pineapples contain, consuming large quantities may induce diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or heart burn,” she said.

Additionally, extremely high amounts of bromelain can cause skin rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive menstrual bleeding, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Bromelain can also interact with some medications. Those taking antibiotics, anticoagulants, blood thinners, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, insomnia drugs and tricyclic antidepressants should be careful not to eat too much pineapple.

Eating unripe pineapple or drinking unripe pineapple juice is dangerous, reports the horticulture department at Purdue University. In this state, it is toxic to humans and can lead to severe diarrhea and vomiting.

Also, eating a great deal of pineapple cores can also cause fiber balls to form in the digestive tract..yeah that's just the fact..

Pineapple facts

Here are some very interesting facts that will interest one about pineapples:

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..

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