Tuesday, September 20, 2011

[Article] Pineapple


Pineapple is often shunned for its level of sweetness, but it actually has many powerful health benefits. Surpriseingly, when classifying fruits between Sweet, Acid, Melon, Fatty and Sub-Acid, pineapple is actually an acid fruit. This is because the classification is based on the level of acidity, not based on the level of fructose and glucose.

It is important to note that despite pineapple being a acid fruit, it is still alkalizing within the body. Not to get into the science of it; just take note that just because a food is acid does not always mean that it is acid-forming within the body.

Sinusitis

Pineapples have been known to assist with sinusitis, even curing it in many cases.

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the para-nasal sinuses due to infections of bacteria, fungi or virus.

There are several self-care treatments available to reduce the symptoms of sinusitis – from inhaling steam, to the application of a warm washcloth, to drinking generous amounts of fluids to thin the mucus.

Doctors prescribe decongestants, oral or nasal, to ease the clogged nose. I was once prescribed with a nasal spray to relieve sinus pressure at the age of ten. I actually adored the stuff at the time. This, however, did nothing for the source of the problem of course.

Pineapple is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can reduce the inflammation process that causes sinusitis. Many raw fruits and vegetables are anti-inflammatory, but pineapple has something going for it that is uncommon.

Bromelain

Pineapple contains bromelain, an extract that is found in high amounts at the stems and the core of the pineapple fruit. Bromelain, according to a double blind study made in 1967, resulted to complete resolution of sinusitis and other related upper respiratory tract infection in 85 percent of the patients receiving this substance.

In Germany, bromelain treatment for sinusitis has been approved.

Enjoying Pineapple

What can do you with a pineapple aside from just enjoy it plain? Here is a recipe from the Renegade Health Show:



Spicy Coconut-Pineapple Salad

Cardiovascular Health

Pineapple also assists with some cardiovascular diseases. Bromelain seems to have the ability to destroy the plaques of cholesterol found in the arteries. Also, bromelain has been shown to have some fibrinolytic activity that allows the thinning of the blood.

In a 1978 research, patients who were suffering from symptoms of angina pectoris (chest pain) reported a reduction of the symptoms within 4 to 90 days after a bromelain therapy. Those who discontinued the therapy have reported return of symptoms, especially after stress episodes.

Of course, almost any raw vegetable is very helpful towards cleaning arteries, but it's good to know that pineapple is not just a sweet treat; it's a health food.



Image from Rawmazing


Spicy Pineapple

Here is another way to enjoy pineapple. This recipe is really easy:



Pineapple Salsa

Arthritis

Arthritis centers around the inflammation process: pain, swelling and redness.

An important study showed that patients suffering from mid knee pain who were dosed with bromelain had a reduction of symptoms.

Another study illustrated that bromelain can help subside the swelling of the soft tissues of the joints.

I'd recommend blending pineapple into a green smoothie for the most effective arthritis treatment.

Green Pineapple Smoothie


Pineapple-Chard Green Smoothie

Nutritional Data
Following are the nutritional values of pineapple present in 100 grams:

Dietary fiber – 1.4 g
Sugar – 9.5 g
Vitamin E – 0.62 mg
Vitamin B6 – 0.111 mg
Vitamin B5 – 0.205 mg
Vitamin B3 – 0.495 mg
Vitamin B2 – 0.031 mg
Vitamin B1 – 0.079 mg
Vitamin C – 37.2 mg
Fat – 0.12 g
Protein – 0.54 g
Carbohydrates – 13.2 g
Zinc – 0.11 mg
Phosphorus – 10 mg
Iron – 0.29 mg
Potassium – 110 mg
Calcium – 13 mg
Calories – 50

Indigestion

Heartburn is the indigestion of acid that causes the burning sensation in the chest, which results when the gastric acid regurgitates.

Bromelain has a component called cysteine proteinases, a protein-digesting enzyme – an enzyme that is capable of digesting protein components of the food. It helps in the digestion process by assisting trypsin and pepsin, two protein-digesting enzymes. The better your digestive system functions the less likely you are to get heartburn, bloating, gas, constipation, etc.

For a great digestive boost, combine leafy greens and pineapple to make a delicious juice in a masticating juicer.

Pineapple Pulp

Here is a clever idea for what to do with your pulp:



Pineapple Bars from Pineapple Pulp
Dehydrate at 105 degrees to preserve the enzymes!
Don't ruin that bromelain with high heat!

Blood Clots

Thrombosis is a condition where the blood clots inside the blood vessels which results in obstructing blood flow.

Bromelain is shown to have fibrinolytic and anti-thrombotic effects on the body. Fibrinolysis is when the body prevents the growth of blood clots in the body. Anti-thrombotic, on the other hand, is the reduction of size of thrombus – a blood clot that is already formed in the blood vessel.

Local

You might be thinking, "Yes, this is wonderful, but pineapples aren't local, and I want to work more on being a localvore." This is a valid concern.

Buying produce that isn't local is a strain on the entire planet's economy and resources. However, consider this: No packaged good is local. Every packaged good gets many ingredients from far-flung places, and often things are shipped one direction just to be shipped back after being mixed, labeled, pasteurized, packaged, or whatever. Just by consuming things primarily from produce you're cutting back on food miles.

Also, consider this: You can't do anything for the planet if you're ill. Your health has to come first. Organic and local is ideal, but with some fruits you may choose organic over local, and sometimes local over organic. It's hard to measure the full impact of our purchases, as I outlined in my article: "The Impact of $1.00".

Pineapple-Celery Yum



Blueberry-Celery-Pineapple Smoothie

Bronchitis

Bronchitis happens when there is inflammation of the air passages in the lungs, the bronchus. Symptoms include difficulty of breathing, cough with yellow-green mucus, fever, wheezing and chest discomfort.

This condition is caused usually by viral or bacterial respiratory infection. The anti-inflammatory effect of bromelain can reduce the symptoms; such as pain and swelling of the mucous membrane of the airway.

Immune System

Pineapple is rich in vitamins C and B1, and it is a source of antioxidants that fuel the the immune system. Your full day supple of manganese can be found in one cup of pineapple.

History of Pineapples

European discovery of pineapple is thought to have happened in the year 1493 in Guadalupe, a Caribbean island. Because the fruit can only grow in tropical climate, the pineapples were introduced and grown for commercial purposes in Asia, South America and Africa by the explorers from Spain and Portugal.

Pineapple in Europe, particularly the fresh pineapple, became a symbol of social class and prestige. As you've just learned, it's not just a great display, but a wonderful food to enjoy.

Thanks for reading!

Come check out the awesome benefits of kale, and some great recipes for enjoying kale!

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