Pineapple: Uses, Health Benefits, Types, & Nutrition

What is Pineapple?

Friends, before you know what the Benefits of Pineapple are, you should know about this wonderful and marvelous fruit.

Pineapple is derived from the word “pina” (a Spanish word) which means pinecone.

Its scientific name is Ananas comosus.

It is a delicious tropical fruit rich in many necessary enzymes and nutrients.

This fruit is native to South America.

It grows as a small shrub.

The interesting thing about pineapple is that it is neither a pine nor an apple, the individual flowers of the unpollinated plant unite to form multiple fruits.

It has now become an important ingredient of dishes made from meat, fish, vegetable, rice, etc., and is also used in baked desserts.

It is available in fresh and canned form in the market.

Its commercial varieties weigh from 1 kg to 2 kg.

Costa Rica, the Philippines, Brazil, and Thailand are its major producers in the world.

What are the Types of Pineapple?

Friends, more than 37 types of pineapple are grown in the world and each one is having its unique features. The following are its major types:-

1) Smooth Cayenne Pineapples

This is the most commonly grown variety across the world. Its leaves are smooth and its fruit is bigger than other types.

The fruit of this variety weighs in the range of 2 kg to 5 kg and is very juicy.

2) Queen Pineapples

This variety of pineapples is mostly cultivated in South Africa, Malaysia, and Australia.

It is also called common rough in some places and is mainly cultivated for its fresh consumption because of its unsuitable storing qualities.

It has spiny leaves, a crisp texture, and weighs from 1.0 kg to 1.5 kg.

3) Pernambuco Pineapples

This variety has long spiny leaves. Its fruit weighs 1 kg – 2 kg with white flesh.

These pineapples are good for consuming fresh, as they are unsuitable for shipping.

These are mainly grown in Brazil, Venezuela, and some other South American countries. 

4) Red Spanish Pineapples

As the name says, they are orange-red in color. Their fruit weighs 1 kg – 2 kg. Its fruit is round in shape and is high in fiber.

This variety is mainly grown in Venezuela, the West Indies, and Mexico.

They are very good for shipping to far-off places as fresh fruit.

5) Brecheche Pineapples

This variety is spike-free. Its leaves are olive-colored and are medium-sized. Its fruit is small in size and cylindrical in shape and has yellow-colored flesh.

This variety is mainly grown in Venezuela.

6) Hilo Pineapples

This is a compact variant of ‘smooth cayenne’. Its fruit is smaller and is more cylindrical; and weighs 1 kg – 1.5 kg.

It is mainly grown in Hawaii.

7) Abacaxi pineapples

These are very sweet and tastiest than all other varieties. It is mainly grown in Brazil and the Bahamas.

Its leaves are bluish-green in color.

Its fruit has white transparent flesh. They are very fragile, that’s why they are not shipped. 

8) Kona Sugarloaf Pineapples

It is a type of Smooth Cayenne.

Its fruit has high sugar content with no acidity. That’s why it is very delicious and is extraordinarily sweet.

It has white flesh and weighs 2.5 kg-3 kg.

9) Panare Pineapples

Friends, do you know that this variety is named after the Indian tribe, which was involved in its cultivation for a long time.

It is mainly grown in Venezuela.

Its leaves are long and spiny. Its fruit is medium-sized with a deep yellow flesh and small core.

10) Kew Pineapples

Its fruit generally weighs from 2.7 kg to 4.5 kg, but sometimes its fruit can grow up to 10 kg.

Its flesh is light yellow to yellow in color.

This variety is very suitable for canning.

What is the Nutritional Profile of Pineapple?

Nutrition provided by 100 grams of raw Pineapple (or its nutritional profile) (1) is as follows:

What are the Uses and Health Benefits of Pineapple?

Friends, Pineapple fruit is rich in many nutrients, antioxidants, and enzymes; that help to cure inflammation and diseases.

Most of its benefits are due to the presence of a digestive enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain helps to fight cancer and combat inflammation.

Now, have a look at the top Uses and Health Benefits of Pineapple:

1) It is full of nutrients and antioxidants

Pineapple is a wonderful fruit that is loaded with many nutrients and antioxidants but is low in calories. Its nutritional profile includes Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B-Complex, Zinc, Manganese, Phosphorus, Calcium, etc.

It is also rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Antioxidants present in it, help your body fight oxidative stress (i.e. protect your body from damage caused by free radicals). And hence, protects your body from diseases linked with damage caused by oxidative stress like the weakened immune system, atherosclerosis, etc.  

2) It helps to Aid Digestion

A powerful protein-digesting enzyme mixture called Bromelain is an important ingredient of pineapple.

Bromelain helps in the breakdown of protein in its building blocks like amino acids and peptides. After breakdown protein is easily absorbed in the small intestine.

Bromelain is very helpful in treating pancreatic insufficiency, which is a digestive disorder in which the pancreas is unable to produce digestive enzymes needed to digest food in the small intestine. (2)

Pineapple, with the help of bromelain, helps to relieve excess flatulence.

Being a good source of bromelain, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber, it helps to improve digestion.

3) Pineapple Benefits for Weight Loss

Studies on rats have shown that pineapple juice helps to decrease lipogenesis (the process of formation of fat) and increase lipolysis (the process of breakdown of fat into fatty acids). (3)

This quality of pineapples makes it an ideal food for weight loss and burning belly fat.

4) It may reduce cancer risk

Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth anywhere in the body. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation have been linked to the progression of cancer.

Several studies have shown that Pineapple reduces oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Thus, it may reduce the risk of cancer.

One of the main components of pineapple is bromelain (a digestive enzyme). Studies have shown that bromelain may have anti-cancer activity. (4)

In a study, bromelain was found to inhibit the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. (5)

In one another study, it was also found that bromelain has an anti-cancer effect on colon cancer cells. (6)

Bromelain may stimulate cell death in certain types of cancer cells and may aid WBC ( white blood cell) function in suppressing cancer cell growth and eliminating cancer cells. (7)

5) It may boost your immunity

Pineapple contains a good quantity of essential nutrients and antioxidants that collectively boost immunity.

In a study, it was found that children, who consume pineapple regularly, have a lower risk of getting viral and bacterial infections. The study also found that the children, who were consuming it, had four times increased concentration of disease-fighting white blood cells (granulocytes). (8)

6) It may improve your heart health

Bromelain, the main component of pineapples, reduces the aggregation of blood platelets and hence may help in the treatment of acute thrombophlebitis (an inflammatory condition that causes a blood clot to form and block one or more veins, mostly in your legs).

Bromelain may also break down cholesterol plaques and thus promotes cardiovascular health. (9)

Vitamin c, beta carotene, and other antioxidants present in pineapple also help to reduce the level of bad cholesterol.

It contains a good quantity of potassium and friends, high potassium intake is also associated with reduced risk of stroke and lesser chances of kidney stones.

7) It may ease symptoms of arthritis

There are more than 100 types of arthritis and most of them involve inflammation of the affected joints.

Pineapple contains bromelain, which provides relief in pain in inflammatory arthritis, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Bromelain may also help in relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

This enzyme shows analgesic properties, mainly in inflammatory pain. And this is because, it directly influences bradykinin (a pain mediator, which causes smooth muscle contraction and blood vessel dilation). (10)

8) It may enhance recovery after surgery or strenuous exercise

Anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain (present in pineapple) can aid recovery from surgery or exercise.

Many studies have shown that bromelain reduces inflammation, bruising, and pain that usually occurs after surgery. (11)

Another study has shown that bromelain consumption had significantly reduced pain in patients, who had undergone dental surgery. It provided similar relief as other anti-inflammatory medicines.  (12)

Friends, do you know that strenuous exercise can damage your muscle tissue and can cause inflammation in the surrounding area. And because of this, the affected muscle is unable to produce as much force as before.

Protein digesting enzymes like bromelain can speed up recovery caused by strenuous exercise by reducing inflammation around the muscle tissue. (13)

A study also found that bromelain reduced fatigue. It reduced muscle damage and improved recovery across consecutive days of cycling. (14)

9) It helps to prevent hypertension

In Pineapple, the quantity of potassium is high and the quantity of sodium is low, which helps to maintain your blood pressure. And Friends, it is one of the natural ways to control your high blood pressure.

10) It may promote bone health

Friends, if you want strong bones, then start eating pineapple.

It contains manganese, which plays an important role in keeping your bones strong.

It also contains Vitamin C, which helps in the formation of collagen in bones.

These two reasons are sufficient to include this fruit in your diet.

11) Pineapple may benefit in asthma

Bromelain, present in pineapple, is a boon for asthmatic patients.

It can reduce inflammation of the respiratory tract (airways) and provides relief in the symptoms of asthma.

But always keep in mind that you should take medicines that are prescribed by your doctor.

12) Pineapple may benefit in cough and cold

Friends, consumption of pineapple can also benefit you in cough and cold.

Bromelain and Vitamin C present in this fruit are very beneficial in treating microbial infections that cause problems of cough and cold.

Also, bromelain reduces the inflammation of mucous membranes of the throat and nose relieving symptoms of a cold.

13) Beneficial for eyesight and lowers the risk of macular degeneration

This fruit contains a good amount of Vitamin C and several other important antioxidants that can help to improve your vision.

Its regular consumption lowers the risk of macular degeneration (a disease that affects the eye as you get older).

14) It may prevent nausea

Bromelain present in pineapple can reduce nausea. It is also beneficial in morning sickness, which is common in the early months of pregnancy.  

Also, the sour-sweet taste of this fruit can be a reason to soothe the problem of nausea.

15) Pineapple Benefits for Skin

Pineapple is beneficial for your skin.

Vitamin C and other antioxidants present in Pineapples can help to treat acne and sun damage. It will keep your skin hydrated and clear.

Friends, as you get older, your skin starts losing its glow; and begins to develop fine lines and wrinkles.

But antioxidants and nutrients present in this fruit will delay the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. These will keep your skin smooth and glowing.

16) It may relieve stress

Friends whenever you feel stressed then just eat a bowl of Pineapples.

Want to know why?

The reason is that it will relieve your stress because it contains serotonin.

Serotonin is a natural stress buster, which keeps your nerves relaxed.

The Final Word

Friends, pineapple is a delicious tropical fruit rich in many necessary enzymes, nutrients, and antioxidants.

More than 37 types of this fruit are grown in the world and each one is having its unique features.

It is low in calories. It has many health benefits like, it boosts immunity, helps aid digestion, helps in weight loss, may ease symptoms of arthritis, may reduce cancer risk, promote bone health, prevent hypertension, enhance recovery after surgery or strenuous exercise and relieve stress.

Frequently asked questions

Question: Is pineapple high in sugar?

Answer: It has 13.12 grams of carbohydrates and 9.85 grams of sugar in 100 grams of raw pineapple.

Friends, as you can see it has a higher amount of sugar than other fruits; but it is also a rich source of many necessary enzymes and nutrients.  

Question: Does Pineapple lower blood pressure?

Answer: Yes, it helps to reduce hypertension.

Per 100 grams of raw pineapple contains 109 milligrams of potassium and only 1 milligram of sodium. This is the presence of a high quantity of potassium and a lower quantity of sodium, which helps to maintain your blood pressure.

Question: Is it good to eat pineapple at night?

Answer: Yes, it’s good to eat at night.

Studies have shown that its consumption increases the melatonin markers in the body which could boost your sleep.

Question: Can pineapple be eaten on empty stomach?

Answer: No.

Because being a citrus fruit it can increase acid production if eaten on empty stomach.

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References

1) Pineapple, raw, all varieties, Food Data Central, US Department of Agriculture, National Nutrient Database https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169124/nutrients

2) Comparative trial of Nutrizym in chronic pancreatic insufficiency, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4919118

3) Physiological and molecular study on the anti-obesity effects of pineapple ( Ananas comosus) juice in male Wistar rat, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30319853

4) Bromelain’s activity and potential as an anti-cancer agent: Current evidence and perspectives, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19700238/

5) Pineapple bromelain induces autophagy, facilitating apoptotic response in mammary carcinoma cells https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20848558/

6) The chemopreventive action of bromelain, from pineapple stem (Ananas comosus L.), on colon carcinogenesis is related to antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24123777/

7) Bromelain’s activity and potential as an anti-cancer agent: Current evidence and perspectives https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19700238/

8) Effects of canned pineapple consumption on nutritional status, immunomodulation, and physical health of selected school children https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25505983/

9) Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529416/

10) Bromelain as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: a Review of Clinical Studies, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC538506/

11) Therapeutic uses of pineapple-extracted bromelain in surgical care – A review, US National Library of Medicine https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28065968/

12) Perioperative bromelain reduces pain and swelling and improves quality of life measures after mandibular third molar surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, US National Library of Medicine https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24589242/

13) Protease supplementation improves muscle function after eccentric exercise, US National Library of Medicine https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19727022/

14) Acute protease supplementation effects on muscle damage and recovery across consecutive days of cycle racing, US National Library of Medicine https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25604346/

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Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only. Any information associated with this article should not be considered as a substitute for prescriptions suggested by local health care professionals.

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