Pineapple is a fruit that originated in South America and later spread worldwide. There are more than 70 varieties of pineapple.
A cup of sliced pineapple (approximately 165 grams) contains about 22 grams of carbohydrates, 0.9 grams of protein, 2.3 grams of fibre, 16.3 grams of sugar, 0.2 grams of fat, and approximately 82.5 calories.
Pineapple is considered a medium glycemic index (GI) fruit, ranking lower than bananas and watermelon but higher than apples, pears, or berries.
In a cup of pineapple (approximately 165 grams), you can find around 79 milligrams of vitamin C, meeting the body's daily requirement.
It also provides about 9% of the daily vitamin B6 requirement, approximately 76% of the daily manganese requirement, 9% of the daily copper requirement, 5% of the daily potassium requirement, 5% of the daily magnesium requirement, and 3% of the daily iron requirement.
Pineapple is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Research suggests that these antioxidants play a significant role in the body's response to oxidative stress.
Certain antioxidants in pineapple work synergistically, potentially leading to a more prolonged effect in the human body.
Studies have shown that individuals with weaker pancreatic function experienced improved digestion after taking supplements containing bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple.
Benefits:
1. Eliminate Edema: Pineapple helps dissolve fibrin and blood clots in tissues, improving local blood circulation and reducing inflammation and oedema.
2. Weight Loss and Digestion: It aids in weight loss, promotes digestion, and stimulates appetite.
3. Grease Removal and Gut Cleansing: The proteolytic enzymes in pineapple break down proteins, aiding digestion.
4. Beauty: Pineapple helps prevent dry skin, promoting shiny hair.
5. Health: The pineapple enzymes enhance blood circulation, potentially leading to a reduction in blood pressure and the thinning of blood lipids.
6. Colds: Fresh pineapple juice has a cooling effect and may reduce bronchial issues.
7. Diuretic: Consumption may benefit individuals with nephritis and hypertension.
Applicable People:
Pineapple is suitable for the general population, except for those with ulcer disease, kidney disease, or coagulation disorders.
Selection Tips:
1. Appearance and Shape: Choose cylindrical or oval pineapples with a uniform size and tiny buds.
2. Color: Ripe pineapples are light yellow or bright yellow. Light yellow with a slight green lustre indicates good ripeness.
3. Hardness: Press the pineapple; it should be solid and slightly soft for optimal maturity.
4. Aroma: Ripe pineapples have a strong aroma. Smell the outer skin to gauge maturity.
5. Flesh: After cutting, quality pineapples have shallow, small fruit with dense, yellowish tissue. Avoid pineapples with significant gaps, coarse cores, or white, brittle flesh, as they may be immature.
