Pineapples got their name because of their pinecone like appearance and sweet apple scent, but these two facts are just cool to know. What is important to know is what these fruits are, where to find them and the health benefits they can provide to our bodies.
What are Pineapples and Where Did They Come From?
Many people believe pineapples are originally from Hawaii, but the truth is they are only cultivated their. Pineapples are actually native to Brazil and Paraguay. Some people believe pineapples are one solid fruit form, but the truth is one pineapple is made up of several little berries that form one big pineapple fruit. These sweet fruits come from herbaceous perennial plants that have tough waxy leaves and can produce hundreds of little reddish pink flowers. The pineapples that come from these plants are about 1 foot tall with tough brownish green rinds on the outside that resemble pinecones and tough green waxy leafy tops that remind me of palm tree leaves. Inside the rinds are golden yellow juicy sweet fleshes that are edible. In the centers of the pineapples are cores, which need to be removed before eating the fruit. Each pineapple tends to weigh between 2 to 5 pounds and they are eaten without the rinds.
Nutrients in Pineapples
Fiber Vitamins C and B complex Manganese Copper Potassium Calcium Antioxidants Bromelain Cysteine Proteinases
Eating Pineapples for Healthy Digestion
Due to the enzymes in pineapples, people who have a hard time digesting meats and protein rich foods can benefit from eating pineapples with their meals or as a dessert to help break down the proteins easier in their digestive tract. Pineapples are even excellent to eat to help prevent digestive cancers such as stomach and colon due to the high amount of antioxidants and vitamin C in the fruits that help fight off the free radical cells that cause those types of cancers. I personally eat pineapple daily to help relieve the inflammation in my stomach and intestines due to my autoimmune disease since pineapples contain high amounts of anti-inflammatory properties. Some people even drink large amounts of pineapples juice daily to rid and kill intestinal worms from their digestive tract naturally.
Boosting the Immune System
During the cold and flu season, it is wise to increase the amount of fresh pineapples you eat to help boost the immune system with loads of vitamin C to keep it working top notch. When the immune system is working at its best, it is able to prevent the cold or flu and possibly even lessen the symptoms from them if you do get sick. I know I eat pineapples when I have a respiratory infection such as bronchitis because the high amounts of bromelain in the fruits help relieve the inflammation in my respiratory tract so I am able to breathe easier. I even drink pineapple juice when I have a sore throat to help soothe it right away as soon as possible.
Preventing Cancer and Diseases
Pineapples are also a super food that can help protect the body from several different types of cancers and disease due to the high amount of antioxidants they contains that help fight off free radical cells and ease inflammation all over the body. Some of the diseases and cancers pineapples can help prevent are colon and stomach cancers, heart disease, arthritis, bone diseases, lung cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, gout and prostate cancer. Eating pineapples daily can even help prevent the growth of tumor formation.
Best Ways to Enjoy and Get Pineapples into Your Diet
Some of my favorite ways to get pineapples into my diet is by tossing them into fruit smoothies and stir-fry dishes. I also like to make fruit kabobs using pineapples. Pineapples are also excellent to make tasty upside down pineapple cakes. My friends enjoy slices of pineapples saute in a frying pan with brown sugar and cinnamon severed over warm ice cream for a healthy dessert. Heck, you can even chuck the juicy fleshy inside of the pineapple up, toss it into yogurt, and sprinkle on some granola for a healthy snack. You can also simply drink a few glass of pineapple juice a day to help get the nutrients from the fruits into your diet.
Precautions When Eating Pineapples
Some side effects from eating tons of pineapples fruits at one time or drinking too much pineapple juice are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some people do experience allergic reactions such as rashes and hives. Others have experiences increased menstrual flow due to increased uterine contractions caused by drinking too much pineapple juice or eating too much pineapple fruit. Otherwise, this fruit and the juice are safe to have daily to help treat and prevent many healthy conditions naturally.