Pineapple - Medicinal Properties And Contraindications

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 02:10

A pineapple

Pineapple is a tropical herb belonging to the bromeliad family. It is a herbaceous terrestrial plant with a thorny stem and leaves. It has a large number of adventitious roots that develop in the leaf sinuses and absorb moisture retained there. Pineapple leaves are prickly toothed, broadly linear, very succulent and fleshy, covered with a thick epidermal layer. They can grow up to eighty centimeters long.

When the leaf outlet is fully formed, a long peduncle is formed from it, abundantly covered with bisexual flowers. As a result of two weeks of flowering, a powerful seed fruit of yellow-golden color is formed, resembling a cone in shape.

Self-pollinated pineapple varieties do not form seeds.

The plant is widespread in the tropics of South America up to Paraguay and Argentina. The most extensive pineapple plantations are located in the Hawaiian Islands.

Content:

• Composition and calorie content of pineapple
• 6 health benefits of pineapple
• The healing properties of pineapple
• Pineapple healing recipes
• Side effects and contraindications
• Conclusion

Composition and calorie content of pineapple

Pineapple pulp contains a rich composition of various substances. 86% of the fruit of the plant consists of water, which contains a large percentage of simple sugars, the main part of which is sucrose. The calorie content of pineapple is 52 kcal per 100 g.

• Fats: 0.2 g
• Proteins: 0.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 13,1 g
• Water: 85.6 g
• Ash: 0.7 g
• Cellulose: 1.2 g

Vitamins (per 100 g):	amount	% RDA
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)	20-47.8 mg	49%
Vitamin B1 (thiamin)	0.08-0.10 mg	five%
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)	0.1 mg	five%
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)	0.16-0.20 mg	3.6%
Vitamin B9 (folic acid)	5.0-18.0 μg	3%

Minerals (in 100 g):	amount	% RDA
Silicon	93 mg	310%
Manganese	740-2200 mcg	70%
Rubidium	63 μg	63%
Nickel	20-80 mcg	33%
Cobalt	2.5 mcg	25%
Chromium	10-12 mcg	22%
Molybdenum	9.9 mcg	fourteen%
Potassium	321 mg	13%
* Strontium	90 mcg	11.3%
Vanadium	4.1 μg	10.3%

Other important connections:

• Phytosterols - 6 mg (10.9% of the RDI)
• Purines - 8 mg (6.7% of the RDI)
• Oxalic acid - 1.5 mg (0.4% of the RDI)

In addition, pineapple contains a complex of proteolytic enzymes, including bromelain, which are highly active. Enzymes have the ability to break down proteins, which improves the absorption of protein foods by the body.

Complete chemical composition ➤

6 health benefits of pineapple

Pineapple is a remedy for antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. The enzymes found in pineapple are anti-inflammatory. The fruit is useful for people suffering from disorders in the digestive system. It helps to strengthen the immune system and recover faster from previous illnesses. The article discusses 8 positive properties of pineapple, which many do not even suspect.

1. Pineapple is an antioxidant. Since pineapple contains a lot of ascorbic acid, it is useful for people with weakened immunity to eat it. Vitamin C is known to promote normal absorption and also has antioxidant properties.

   Pineapple is a source of manganese. It is necessary for the normal maintenance of metabolic processes in the body. Manganese, like vitamin C, belongs to natural antioxidants.

   Antioxidants are the body's best helpers in the fight against oxidative processes. They neutralize free radicals that are dangerous to humans. Radicals are capable of provoking a weakening of the immune system, leading to the emergence of various diseases, including cancerous tumors.

   Pineapple is especially rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids. Most of the antioxidants found in the fruit are tightly packed. Therefore, they are able to resist even the most aggressive radicals.

2. Pineapple improves digestion. Pineapple contains enzymes that help digest food normally. The main enzyme in this fruit is bromelain. It works like a protease, breaking down protein molecules into small particles. It is in such a protein that cells need to grow and develop. In addition, proteins that are broken down into amino acids and peptides are easier to digest in the intestines. This is especially true for people with dysfunctional pancreas.

   A study was conducted that found that people with pancreatic insufficiency improved digestion processes. This happened after they began to take bromelain in the form of dietary supplements.

3. Pineapple helps fight cancer. A cancerous tumor develops with an uncontrolled process of cell division in the body. The progression of the disease is ensured by stress and chronic inflammatory processes.

   Several studies can be installed at once to reduce the development of cancer. This is possible due to the fact that they inhibit oxidative processes and suppress inflammation.

   Bromelain helps the body fight cancer cells. It has been experimentally found that this substance has the ability to suppress the multiplication of breast cancer cells.

   In the course of another study, it was proved that bromelain prevents cells from dividing skin cancer, gallbladder, stomach, colon and some other organs.

   Animal studies have shown that bromelain is an immune system stimulant. It activates its function to produce white blood cells. Thanks to this effect, the immune system quickly finds and destroys cancer cells.

   However, pineapple has much less bromelain than the dietary supplements we have tested with. Therefore, before drawing conclusions, you need to conduct experiments with the participation of people.

4. Pineapple boosts immunity. Thanks to the compounds that make up pineapple, its use can increase the immunity and inflammation of food.

   One study lasted 2 months and involved 98 healthy children. One group of kids ate 140 grams of pineapple every day, another group ate 280 grams of pineapple, and the third group did not eat the fruit at all.

   It was possible to establish that those children who ate pineapple were less likely to suffer from viral and bacterial infections. Participants who ate large amounts of the fruit had four times the granulocyte count in their blood. It is known that it is granulocytes that cause problems associated with the fight against various species.

   Another study found that children with sinusitis recovered faster when they were offered bromelain as a supplement.

   Another experiment made it possible to establish that bromelain reduces inflammation several times. This proves it has pronounced anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Pineapple relieves arthritis symptoms. In America alone, more than 54 million adults suffer from arthritis. Bromelain, found in pineapple, has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, eating it reduces the severity of arthritis symptoms.

   Back in 1960, studies were carried out that made it possible to establish that bromelain can be used as a remedy for reducing pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

   Experiments in patients with arthritis have shown that taking bromelain can relieve joint pain on a par with drugs from the NSAID group (Diclofenac).

   A review of several studies suggests that there are bromelain properties that may be beneficial to a patient with osteoarthritis. Several experts came to such conclusions at once. To date, research on the beneficial properties of bromelain continues.

6. Pineapple helps the body recover from surgery and sports training. It has been proven that pineapple helps the body recover faster after surgery or after intense physical activity. This is largely due to the anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain.

   Several studies can reduce the consumption of pineapple in food, reduce tissue swelling, get rid of bruises and severe postoperative pain.

   Patients who took bromelain before surgery were less likely to complain of pain and felt better than those who did not. Scientists conclude that bromelain has the same properties as anti-inflammatory drugs.

   Sports training can lead to muscle tears and inflammation. The affected areas hurt for several days. Bromelain helps to shorten the recovery time of muscle tissue. This has been proven experimentally. Participants in the bromelain study before starting a 45-minute workout. Then they worked out on a treadmill. In those people who did not take the enzyme, the inflammation and pain after exercise were much more intense compared to the control group.

The healing properties of pineapple

Since ancient times, pineapple has been used as a dessert with an exquisite taste and delicate aroma. Its medicinal properties were discovered relatively recently. The composition of pineapple, rich in dietary fiber and vitamins, makes this plant a valuable food source of beneficial nutrients.

Regular consumption of pineapple reduces blood viscosity, which makes it recommended for the prevention of thrombosis and thrombophlebitis. The use of pineapple has a good effect for hypertension, kidney disease and cardiovascular disorders.

This property of pineapple as the elimination of atherosclerotic plaques from the walls of blood vessels provides highly effective prevention of myocardial infarction and strokes.

Experts believe that regular consumption of pineapple significantly reduces the occurrence of joint and muscle pain, and also stops the development of vascular atherosclerosis and dysfunction of the pancreas.

The property of pineapple is noted to reduce the symptoms of inflammatory diseases, which include sinusitis, pyelonephritis, sore throat, pleurisy, pneumonia and some others. In addition, the use of this plant accelerates wound healing and stimulates digestive functions.

Pineapple is especially popular due to the presence of valuable dietary properties, which are manifested in a unique combination of beneficial nutrients and low calorie content. In this regard, the use of pineapples is widely used in many methods of losing weight.

Almost all the medicinal properties of pineapple are explained by the presence of the valuable substance bromelain in its composition. In order to maximize the effect of bromelain in the body, pineapple is recommended to be consumed on an empty stomach. When ingested with food or after eating, bromelain increases the enzymatic activity of gastric juice and acts as a digestive enzyme.

Recent research by scientists suggests that highly concentrated pineapple extracts can help in the treatment of cancer. The property of substances contained in pineapple to bind free radicals can be a good prevention of cancer.

The juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is widely used among the peoples of India as an anthelmintic.

Pineapple healing recipes

Pineapples are effectively used to restore the functions of the digestive system.

For the stomach. In order to increase the enzymatic activity of gastric juice, it is necessary to drink a glass of pineapple juice or eat a slice of fresh fruit during meals. This is most beneficial when you eat a lot of meat or fiber.

For the heart and blood vessels. The same amount of juice is required to be consumed by people suffering from atherosclerosis, hypertension, strokes and disorders of the cardiovascular system.

Drinking a glass of pineapple juice can help relieve nausea during motion sickness or on air travel.

From edema and blood clots. In order to get rid of edema and thrombosis, it is recommended to drink a glass of pineapple juice every day or eat half of its fruit.

For calluses. To eliminate calluses, you need to apply the pulp of the plant to the damaged area of the skin and hold it overnight. In the morning, the skin must be steamed with hot water, after which the corn should be removed. If necessary, this procedure can be repeated many times.

For memory. The property of pineapple has been noted to improve memory. People who are engaged in mental work and deal with large amounts of information (for example, programmers, economists, etc.) are advised to drink pineapple juice at least twice a week.

For colds. Pineapple can be used to treat colds. A vitamin drink will help with this. To prepare it, grind 100 grams of fresh pineapple pulp in a mixer, add 100 milliliters of homemade kvass and a small amount of lemon juice. taking this drink three times a day will ensure that the symptoms of a cold are relieved and completely eliminated.

Mask for the face. Pineapple is successfully used in cosmetology. For fading and dry skin of the face and hands, the following mask is suitable from the pulp of the fruit. It is necessary to knead two cups of canned pineapple well, add three to four drops of lavender oil and a tablespoon of any vegetable oil. After that, the mixture must be thoroughly mixed and applied to the face or hands. The mask should be kept for about ten minutes, then it is washed off with warm water.

For acne. You can use a cleansing mask to remove acne and pimples from your skin. It is required to knead a circle of fresh, peeled pineapple. Then you need to add a teaspoon of natural honey and a little oat flour to the pineapple. The mixture should take on the appearance of a thick gruel, which should be applied to the face. This mask should be kept for about fifteen minutes, then removed with a cotton swab. When applying the mask, a slight tingling may appear - this renews the skin and removes its keratinized particles.

Recipe for dry skin. To heal dry skin, you can use the following recipe. The crushed pulp is mixed in equal proportions with olive or sunflower oil, then the mixture is applied in a thick layer to the face and after ten minutes washed off with warm water.

Recipe for oily skin. To remove excess oily skin, wipe it in the morning and evening with a piece of fresh pineapple pulp. You can also put the slices on your face and hold them for about fifteen minutes. Then the face should be rinsed with cool water.

For weight loss. Those who want to reduce weight can arrange fasting days using pineapple. Such fasting days should be held no more than once a week. During the day, you need to eat a kilogram of pineapple, dividing it into four equal parts. No other food can be consumed. Fasting days will not only help to reduce weight, but also strengthen the immune system, cleanse the body of toxins.

Side effects and contraindications

Excessive consumption of pineapple pulp and freshly squeezed juice can cause damage to the oral mucosa and upset stomach. It is not recommended to eat pineapple for people suffering from gastritis and stomach ulcers. You should refuse to take pineapple during pregnancy, since the substances contained in it can cause muscle contractions and maintain their tone.

When pineapple is consumed by children under six years of age, irritation of the intestinal mucosa may occur, therefore, the amount of its consumption should be strictly limited.

It is not recommended to eat pineapple for people prone to allergic reactions, as well as those who have an individual intolerance to this type of product.

Conclusion

Pineapple - it is a healthy fruit. Contained in it help fight cancerous tumors, improve the functioning of the digestive system, and increase immunity. The fruit should be eaten by people with arthritis. It is useful for a patient who underwent surgery, as well as for athletes. You can cook many delicious dishes from pineapple, or just eat it fresh.

The author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist

Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after NI Pirogov with a degree in General Medicine (2004). Residency at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).