Delicious tropical fruit, "born" in Brazil, quickly spread throughout the world. Today, the main importers are Hawaii, the Philippines, China, India and Thailand. But in other countries of the world people are engaged in the cultivation of these fruits, but not in such large quantities. Unfortunately, in our country, the climate prevents the growth of pineapples, so in Russian stores you can not find pineapple from the nearest farm.
Discoveries continue
It is known that Columbus discovered for the world not only America, but also the divine fruit that filled the holds of his ship. It was Christopher Columbus who gave the pineapple world fame. This is the data in the ship's logs, which historians have carefully checked and studied.
But discoveries related to pineapple continue today. Modern scientists literally disassembled pineapple into its constituents, having even studied molecules. As a result, society received detailed information about the benefits and harms of pineapple for the human body. Today, doctors can definitely name the category of people to whom the fruit is indicated and those who are not recommended to eat pineapples.
Today we will examine in detail the useful and harmful qualities of this fruit. Let's talk about the benefits of pineapple and its harmful properties. Consider how fruit is useful for different categories of people: children, women, pregnant and lactating mothers, men, old people, etc. Let's talk about the miraculous properties of pineapple, which help many people get rid of extra pounds and even serious health problems.
Which to choose
To begin with, let's decide which type of pineapple is the most useful, and which one is better not to give preference to when you see it on a store shelf. As you know, pineapples are stored for a fairly long time. Thanks to these qualities, the fruit sailed tens of thousands of kilometers many centuries ago and reached the mainland.
Fresh pineapple
It must be heavy. If the pineapple weighs like a feather, then you should not be glad that it will cost an order of magnitude cheaper. Light fruits are dried from the inside, there is no benefit for the body in them left. A good quality pineapple should be weighty, even heavy.
We pay attention to the condition of the peel. If there are darkening and spots on it, then it is better to put such a fruit aside. As for the color of the peel, then under any (green or yellow) there will be a juicy and tasty fruit. Be sure to buy pineapples with green leaves. This is an indicator of the freshness and juiciness of the fruit.
Canned
The benefits of canned pineapple are constantly being discussed. Experts advise to choose only those canned fruits that are packed in glass jars. So you can immediately see which rings or pieces of pineapple are there, and in what condition. The syrup should be clear and bright.
It is advisable to choose canned fruits that have a circular cut. Experts say that pineapple circles show that canned food was made exclusively from ripe fruit. Pieces can be cut out of already spoiled fruit.
Dried fruits
The use of dried pineapple has been proven and verified by scientists, but it must also be chosen correctly. There should not be any “scrap” in the cut. All pieces must be solid and even. Color is bright yellow. Candied fruits are best not to purchase or eat. In addition to the fact that they add a huge amount of sugar, manufacturers do not ignore harmful dyes.
Chemical composition
The usefulness of any product, including the benefits and harms of pineapple that we are discussing today, is completely dependent on the chemical composition. Most of the fruits are water. The composition also contains vitamins, organic acids, sucrose and minerals useful to the body.
The great use of pineapple for the body is due to the content in it of a huge amount of bromelain. This is a highly active enzyme that takes part in the breakdown of proteins and helps to absorb food faster and digest it better. Pineapple pulp contains a lot of iron, iodine, calcium and potassium, manganese and copper, magnesium and other “inhabitants” of the periodic table.
Of course, in its entirety, the vitamin and mineral set is contained in fresh pineapple. Canned and dried fruits, especially with improper production, can lose a number of beneficial properties and qualities.
Calorie content
One hundred grams of the product accounts for about 52 kcal. A standard pineapple sold in a Russian store weighs about two kilograms. Therefore, eating whole fruit, you get about two thousand kilocalories.
With dried and canned pineapples, those who are going to lose weight, it is better not to meet. One hundred grams of canned fruit contains about 80 kcal, and for dried pineapples, the calorie content just rolls over - 347 kcal per hundred grams.
Medicinal properties and benefits of pineapple for the body
Specialists noted a unique combination of useful minerals, vitamins and other substances contained in pineapples. It is thanks to them that this fruit has not only beneficial, but even medicinal effects on the human body:
- Blood liquefies, the risk of blood clots is reduced.
- Brain activity increases as blood circulation improves in the brain.
- Metabolism improves significantly.
- The risks of the appearance of diseases such as heart attack, stroke are reduced.
- The immune system resists viruses and germs better.
- The risk of kidney and gastrointestinal diseases is reduced.
- Blood pressure decreases.
- Reducing the growth of malignant neoplasms.
- Relieving pain in muscles and joints.
- Cleansing the body of harmful toxins and toxins.
- Rejuvenation of the body.
- Weakening of stressful and depressive manifestations.
The benefits of pineapple were first noticed by the inhabitants of the Philippines. Since ancient times, the peoples inhabiting the islands have used pineapples as a medicine against parasites. Filipinos, Panamanians and Africans treat pineapples with diseases such as hemorrhoids, liver and pancreas diseases, and diarrhea.
It has been proven that eating pineapple helps quit smoking and cope with hunger. In some African tribes, bone fractures are even treated with pineapples.
A pineapple. Benefits and harm to the health of the child
Despite the whole set of useful properties, Russian doctors consider this fruit a potential allergen. It is not recommended to give to children who have not reached the age of five years. But even after the child reaches the age of five, doctors advise not to abuse pineapples.
For men
Pineapples are shown to adult men as an excellent tool to help deal with problems intimately. It is proved that the substances contained in pineapples help to improve potency, strengthen the general physical form and restore the body after heavy strength training.
There is evidence that in Latin America, after a certain age, men eat a special cocktail daily consisting of pineapple juice, kiwi and some other tropical fruits. Local healers say that such cocktails help men to stay “afloat” in intimate terms even in old age.
For women
Most often, the benefits of pineapple for women are expressed in the ability to quickly and painlessly lose weight. The substances contained in fruits help to accelerate metabolism, improve metabolism and burn fats. By the way, nutritionists recommend consuming not only the pulp of the fruit, but also pineapple juice. Serotonin contained in pineapples helps to get rid of hunger and improve the overall emotional state.
Pineapples are not contraindicated for pregnant women. But nursing mothers, doctors warn of the possible occurrence of diathesis and allergic reactions in infants. If there is a desire and need for an exotic fruit, then try adding a small amount of pineapple juice to a smoothie or compote.
For the elderly
The health benefits of pineapple for the elderly are proven and verified. It is in this category that it is recommended to eat this fruit in large quantities (if there is no allergy and other contraindications). Thanks to pineapple, older people can protect their body from problems such as stroke, thrombosis, heart attack.
In addition, pineapples are recommended for older people suffering from joint diseases. Arthritis and arthrosis will not be so painfully reminiscent of oneself. Manganese, contained in pineapples, helps fight against an ailment such as osteoporosis. Only one hundred grams of the product will “give” the body a daily intake of potassium, calcium and manganese, which are known to be extremely beneficial for joints and the musculoskeletal system.
Contraindications
- Stomach ulcer.
- Acute gastritis.
- Tendency to allergic manifestations.
Since fruits help lower blood pressure, their consumption should be reduced for people suffering from hypotension. Caution should be taken in eating pineapple and those who suffer from problems with the genitourinary system (pineapple juice has a diuretic effect).
Those who are proud of the whiteness of their teeth are also advised not to abuse pineapples. Tooth enamel from the effects of pineapple juice may lose its luster and whiteness.