Summer time, fresh breeze, palms, sandy beach, ambient music, sunsets and refreshing drinks – do all of these things give you the same energy as a pineapple fruit?
Its “crown” reminds of a palm tree, and “the body” owns a color of the sun that can be related to optimism.
Occasionally is an ingredient amongst many beverages, desserts and dishes because of its sweet and refreshing taste.
A pineapple is accessible all over the world and throughout the year, and is grown in areas where a warm climate prevails, such as South and Central America, the Pacific, Australia, as well as parts of Asia and Africa.
There are different varieties of fruit, and the most popular and affordable is Ananas Comosus, whose fruit is predominantly yellow in color with green, pointed leaves on top.
The average weight of one pineapple is about 2-5 kg, while the length is between 20 and 30 cm.
Loaded with nutrients and antioxidants – contains 86% of water, Vitamins B (B1, B2,B3,B5,B6,B9) and C, a bromelain enzyme, dietary fibers, beta-carotene, 13% of carbohydrates, 0,5% of proteins, and minerals such as manganese, calcium, iron, zinc and phosphorus.
A bromelain is an enzyme that may reduce the risk of cancer and ease the symptoms of arthritis.
This nutritional richness has a positive effect on mood because it stimulates the secretion of serotonin.
They also affect hair and skin positively – the ingredients such as carotene, Vitamin C, and bromelain can help in rejuvenating skin from damage and make it feel fresh and clean.
Occasionally is eaten as fresh or canned fruit, and sometimes it is also found in dried form in recipes.
Dried pineapple usually contains more sugar than fresh pineapple, so it should be eaten in smaller quantities.
When is the best time to eat pineapple?
It is good to eat it on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before a meal, because that way you can use all the nutritional benefits that this fruit has.
Can pineapple be eaten for breakfast and dinner?
You can make many different meals that include pineapple as a side dish or as an ingredient in dishes.
Oatmeals and smoothies are very popular, and can also be served as a side dish with sweet pancakes for breakfast or a snack.
If you eat pineapple in the late evening hours, it can have a bad effect on the quality of your sleep due to possible difficult digestion.
If your regular diet is mostly balanced, it shouldn’t interfere with anything in your body.
Who should eat pineapple cautiously?
Pineapple may have side effects on people who are prone to allergies or those who have problems with a sensitive stomach.
Also, people who have some type of diabetes should monitor and control their insulin levels.
When the fruit is ready to eat?
You can recognize an edible fruit by several different indicators such as color, smell and texture.
An unripened plant has a predominantly green fruit color, leaves that are harder to separate, a harder texture and no smell.
A ripened plant is juicy, fragrant, predominantly yellow in color and it is relatively softer.
An over ripened fruit has a strong smell similar to vinegar and a distinct bronze color, which probably means that it tastes too sour.
Consuming an unripened or over ripened fruit can be toxic and may cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
What should you do in case you discover an allergy after consuming a pineapple?
This type of allergen is so rare.
Allergic reaction can be mild or severe, it depending on the symptoms.
The worst case scenario that might happen is anaphylactic shock which demands an immediate medical treatment.
A person might feel the symptoms such as difficult breathing, coughing, suffocation, rapid swelling, and low blood pressure.
The most common allergy symptoms are itching and swelling in the area of oral mucosa (lips, tongue, face, throat).
Allergic reactions in children
Children’s immunity is insufficiently developed and more sensitive in comparison with the immune system of adults.
An allergy risk is increased if a child’s parents, relatives or siblings also have a particular food allergy.
If your child has mild symptoms such as itching, slight swelling or sneezing, you can treat them with an antihistamine by mouth (Benadryl).
However, If symptoms concern you or condition is severe, please call an emergency to consult the doctor.
When a body sees the food as a threat
Each food can be perceived as a threat in a human body, and this also may include a pineapple.
Pineapple’s enzyme bromelain is considered a threat and starts releasing histamine to protect itself.
An activation of histamine release may provoke mild allergic symptoms.
Cross-related allergies
If you’re already acknowledged your allergic reactions to some foods from a similar family, you should also avoid consuming any form of pineapple.
Here is the list of the other fruits and pineapple’s substitutes you should avoid in your meals:
Avocado
Banana
Cherries
Kiwi
Papaya
Peaches
Grapefruit
Pear
Apple
Grapes
Fruit Purees
Candies
Tropical Beverages
Besides the fruit, you may also be sensitive to pollen allergens.
Pineapple for diabetics and insulin resistance condition
Both diabetics and people who have insulin resistance need to consult their doctor and nutritionist about their diet and sugar intake.
Unfortunately, the body of people with these conditions cannot distinguish natural and refined sugar.
This is why diabetics need to control and monitor the amount of insulin in their blood.
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body does not respond adequately to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
When the body becomes resistant to insulin, sugar from food cannot be absorbed by the tissues and cells, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
It can be reduced through changes in diet and exercise.
It’s recommended to consume pineapple in combination with proteins and healthy fats to prevent rapid absorption of sugar into the blood.
A bromelain enzyme may also help to reduce inflammation in the body and improve the body’s response to insulin.
Benefits of pineapple consumption
It is previously mentioned in text that a pineapple contains many minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.
There are so many nutritional benefits that this tropical fruit provides to your body.
Here are some of them:
Improved digestion: Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which can help break down protein and aid in digestion.
Anti-inflammatory: Bromelain may also help in reducing inflammation in the body.
Stronger bones: Pineapple is a good source of manganese, which is important for bone health.
Improved immune function: Pineapple is high in vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system.
Weight loss: Pineapple is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a good choice for people trying to lose weight.
Manganese benefits
Manganese is a mineral that is found in small amounts in the body.
It is an important component of enzymes that help to break down food and is necessary for normal brain and nerve function.
Manganese is also involved in the production of collagen, a protein that is important for healthy skin, bones, and connective tissue.
In addition, manganese is necessary for the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates and the synthesis of hormones.
Phosphorus benefits
Pineapple contains 8% of phosphorus minerals.
Phosphorus is found in the body in small amounts.
It is an essential nutrient that plays a number of important roles in the body, including the following:
Build and repair tissues: Phosphorus is a component of DNA and RNA, which are the building blocks of cells.
It is also necessary for the production of proteins, which are important for the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues.
Produce energy: It is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which helps to produce energy for the body.
Maintain strong bones: It is an important component of bones and teeth. It helps to strengthen and harden these tissues, and it is necessary for the normal development and maintenance of bone density.
Regulate pH: Phosphorus helps to balance the pH of the body’s fluids, which is important for maintaining optimal health.
Transmit nerve impulses: It is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system.
It is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, which are important for muscle contractions, heart function, and other processes in the body.
It is generally recommended that adults consume 700 milligrams of phosphorus per day.
Most people can get enough phosphorus from their diet, and phosphorus deficiency is rare.
However, certain groups, such as alcoholics and people with kidney disease, may be at risk of phosphorus deficiency.
Magnesium, Zinc and Calcium
Zinc is an essential nutrient that is necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system, and it helps to support the senses of taste and smell. Zinc is also involved in wound healing and the synthesis of proteins and DNA.
Magnesium is involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body, including the metabolism of food, the synthesis of proteins, and the regulation of blood pressure.
Magnesium is also necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system, and it helps to maintain healthy bones and teeth.
It is necessary for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves, and it is important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
Calcium is also involved in blood clotting, hormone secretion, and the regulation of blood pressure.
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin B complex is a group of vitamins that helps in establishing brain functions, energy metabolism, and the formation of red blood cells. It is generally recommended to consume B vitamins from food rather than from supplements.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin and powerful antioxidant. It helps the body to protect itself from the damaging effects and free radicals.
Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Vitamin C has a number of important functions in the body, including:
Boosting the immune system: Vitamin C helps to boost the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections.
Enhancing collagen production: Collagen is a protein that helps to give structure to the skin, blood vessels, and connective tissues.
Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen synthesis and helps to keep skin looking youthful and healthy.
Reducing the severity of colds: Vitamin C is a common home remedy for the common cold.
While it may not prevent colds, it may help to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
Promoting wound healing: Vitamin C helps to promote the formation of collagen, which is important for wound healing
Protecting against heart disease: Some studies have suggested that vitamin C may help to lower the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and improving the function of the endothelium, which is the inner lining of the blood vessels.
Beta – Carotene
Beta carotene is a plant pigment that is found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, particularly those that are orange or yellow in color, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkins.
It is an important source of vitamin A, which is essential for good vision, immune function, and the growth and development of the body’s tissues.
The body converts beta carotene into vitamin A as needed.
Beta carotene is also a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the body’s cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Few popular myths busted
Pineapple affects fertility: There is no evidence and scientific study that confirms the effect of pineapple on pregnancy.
This fruit is anti-inflammatory and can boost your overall immunity, which means that it is not harmful for pregnancy and can be involved in a pregnancy diet.
However, as with any food, it is important for pregnant women to consume pineapple in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor before making any significant changes to your diet during pregnancy.
Pineapple can cause miscarriage: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that pineapple can cause miscarriage.
Consumption during the weight loss
Nutritionists and dieticians often recommend a varied and balanced diet of different colors and structures that includes fats, sugars, carbohydrates, micronutrients and macronutrients.
Such recommendations are universal – they refer to people who want to improve the quality of food and lifestyle, develop a healthy relationship with food, and also the ones who want to lose or gain weight.
Pineapple’s watery composition helps the body to stay hydrated.
In terms of weight loss, you need to create an energy deficit by eating fewer calories and increasing your physical activity.
A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is important for overall health and weight management.
In cooperation with a nutrition specialist you can easily create a customized and balanced nutrition plan that involves an integration of a pineapple.
How can you combine a pineapple with another food and fruit?
Here are few suggestions combining a plant with other foods:
Pineapple can easily be combined with another tropical fruit, citrus fruit and berries.
As an addition to regular meals, it goes well with chicken, pork, and shrimps.
In smoothies, it can be blended with banana, yogurt, coconut, and some honey.
Oatmeal can be made with some peanut butter, pineapple, yogurt and coconut powder.
How to plant a pineapple at home?
Pineapple can be planted and grown very easily at home or in a greenhouse.
The key condition for the successful cultivation of this plant is a place where the night temperature does not fall below 18 Celsius degrees.
Preparation for growing pineapples at home
From the plant you bought at the market or supermarket, wash and separate the top with leaves by cutting it with a knife.
Remove the excess fruit that remains.
Then place the pineapple in a bowl of water and keep it there until it grows roots.
Make sure that the plant you have taken is fresh and that the leaves are green at the top.
If the plant is still immature, that is, it is not brownish-yellow in colour and does not smell – then it is not yet ready for planting.
The leaves on it should be green and softer to the touch.
The Process:
When the plant has sprouted roots in the water, it is time to prepare the soil in which to plant it.
It is important that the root is completely covered with soil and watered regularly.
If you follow these rules, after a year you can expect growth and its first results, while the fruit will be ready for harvesting in the next two years.
Keep in mind that light, temperature, water and time are necessary for proper development, so your efforts will certainly be profitable.
What is the difference between a pinkglow and traditional pineapple?
Pink pineapple is a species that is less common compared to yellow, their tastes are different, but so is the price.
Yellow pineapple, which is more available to everyone, is actually the sweetest and juiciest type compared to other existing types.
Of course, if you have the opportunity, you can try other varieties.
The taste can also vary according to the region where it is produced.
The Pineapple Production Process
Growing pineapple on plantations is the most popular way of its mass production.
This process is often time-consuming and laborious, and it takes approximately 24 months for the plant to be fully grown.
According to Illinois University, there are several phases in the production process.
Preparation Phase: In this process the workers are preparing land for planting by treating and cleaning the soil from parasites with fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides.
Planting: This is a plant selection process for appropriate plants. After selection, plants are again treated with insecticides from the ground.
Maintenance: In the growing phase, the plants are sprayed with herbicides for weed. The soil needs to be fertilized in order to make good development conditions.
Harvesting: Before harvesting, they use a ripening agent to make sure the food is ready to be delivered at the market. If so, they’re cutting it and transporting it to the pack house.
Transport: In the last phase there are numerous steps in the pack house that include washing pineapples with chlorine, fumigation, polishing and shipping.
Have you tried to peel and eat a pineapple in an unusual way?
Have you already seen a TikTok and YouTube viral video where people are trying to eat a pineapple in a different way?
There is no need for a knife.
If you wanna try, here is a mini tutorial of these sort of challenge:
Separate the crown from the rest of the plant – twist the top off.
Roll a little bit on the table until it becomes softer.
Pull each chunk out
Try out and see if it works for you.
Read also: Best Time To Eat Apple / Best Time To Eat Apricot
