Pineapple that has been properly matured contain approximately 11% carbohydrates, most of which are sugars. Their fat and protein contents are negligible. The prevalent vitamins in pineapple are C, B1, and B6.It is also a good source of folates. Among the minerals it contain are manganese, followed by copper, potassium, magnesium, and iron. For the most antioxidants, choose fully ripened pineapple.
Varieties of Pineapple
There are four types of pineapples mainly found in the marketplace. These include the Gold, smooth Cayenne, Red Spanish and Sugar Loaf. They are sold fresh and canned and all have a sweet flavor. The Gold variety features an extra sweet flavor, golden color, and higher vitamin C content.
Fresh pineapple juiceslices of pineapple
Pineapple from my garden
Health Benefits : Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Digestive Benefits
Bromelain is a complex mixture of substances that can be extracted from the stem and core fruit of the pineapple.This is a protein-digesting enzyme capable of breaking down proteins and releasing the amino acids that form them. .Because of this, the pineapple bromelin has long been used in the food industry as meat tenderizer.
It has been shown that pineapple is a powerful inhibitor of the formation of nitrosamines. These carcinogenic substances form in the stomach as a chemical reaction between nitrites and certain proteins contained in foods. Nitrosamines are known to be one of the leading causes of stomach cancer. Vitamin C alone impedes the formation of nitrosamines, but pineapple whole or fresh juice has been shown much more effective.Pineapple is recommended as a preventative for those at high risk for stomach cancer. Those who suffer from the disease can also benefit from this delicious fruit in preventing the recurrence.
How to Select and Store Pineapples
Look for pineapples that are heavy for their size. While larger pineapples will have a greater proportion of edible flesh, there is usually no difference in quality between a small and large size pineapple. Pineapples should be free of soft spots, bruises and darkened “eyes,” all of which may indicate that the pineapple is past its prime. Pineapple stops ripening as soon as it is picked, so choose fruit with a fragrant sweet smell at the stem end. Avoid pineapple that smells musty, sour or fermented.
Pineapple that has been cut up should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresher and retain more taste and juiciness if you also place some liquid, preferably some juice from the pineapple, in the container. Although pineapple can be frozen, this process greatly affects its flavor.
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Source : CDC, Foods that Heal- George D. Pamplona, Natural Remedies Encyclopedia
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