Pineapple Medicinal Value

Suzie The Agronomist
7 min readJan 27, 2022

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Pineapple juice has a pleasant flavour and maybe either alone or blended with other juices. Its medicinal characteristics make it a suitable alternative for a number of health ailments and injuries, while certain antibiotics may interfere with the substances in this juice.

Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme found in pineapple, aids digestion by breaking down protein. Only trace amounts of bromelain are found in the edible sections of the fruit; all commercially available bromelain is obtained from the stem. Bromelain pills are very popular among athletes for treating a wide range of physical pains and ailments. There are concerns regarding how effectively bromelain is absorbed, and many herbal professionals believe its effectiveness is exaggerated. Nature has provided us with numerous comparable proteolytic enzymes (such as Ginger) that are more concentrated in the edible sections of plants. Pineapple is a nutritious fruit that is high in vitamin C and a rich source of manganese.

In various indigenous civilizations, pineapple has been employed as a medicinal herb. The root and fruit are consumed or used topically as an anti-inflammatory and digestive agent. In Tripura, it has long been utilised as an anti-parasitic agent.

Since 1876, chemists have known about bromelain. Bromelain was first used as a medicinal chemical in 1957, after Heinicke discovered it in high amounts in pineapple stems.

The root and fruit are consumed or used topically as an anti-inflammatory and proteolytic agent. In Tripura, it is historically used as an anthelmintic agent. Diarrhoea is treated using a root decoction.

The pineapple has been connected with the concept of welcome in several cultures, a connection reinforced by the usage of pineapple designs as carved embellishments in woodworking. When meeting someone for the first time, many individuals bring a pineapple as a present.

Sugar, vitamin C, and bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down protein, are all found in this fruit. It is also low in sodium and high in potassium; nonetheless, for many years, Pineapple was not recognised as having any further therapeutic advantages. This fruit is also anti-inflammatory and digestive in nature. Pineapple’s bromelain aids in the battle against infections by removing layers of slough and bacteria-rich surfaces. This fruit may also help with digestion. It may help cleanse bronchial passageways in those who have pneumonia or bronchitis. This fruit’s anti-inflammatory characteristics help lessen the symptoms of arthritis, as well as discomfort after surgery and sports injuries. Pineapple is now being researched for its ability to reduce heart disease.

To get the maximum nutritional content from pineapple, consume it fresh or canned, preferably in its own juices, however, this fruit also comes in different formulations and is a component in many goods.

Bromelain. Bromelain is a proteolytic digestive enzyme, according to the National Library of Medicine. Bromelain, when taken with meals, assists in protein digestion by breaking proteins down into amino acids. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory benefits when taken on an empty stomach. According to the National Library of Medicine, bromelain seems to improve some illnesses such as sinusitis, burns, pancreatic insufficiency, and skin rashes. Bromelain may be found in both the fruit and the stem of a pineapple.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, aids in the production of collagen in bones, blood vessels, cartilage, and muscle, as well as iron absorption. Vitamin C also helps to prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy and lowers the risk of some malignancies such as colon, esophageal, and stomach cancer. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 1/2 cup of raw pineapple has 28mg of vitamin C and just 37 calories.

Vitamin B1. Pineapples contain vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, which helps the body’s cells convert carbohydrates into energy. Vitamin B is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and neurological system. It is also necessary for the formation of red blood cells.

Manganese and Copper. Pineapples contain many critical minerals, including manganese, a trace mineral important in bone development as well as the synthesis and activation of specific enzymes. Pineapples also contain copper, which is a trace mineral. It aids iron absorption and controls blood pressure and heart rate.

Fibre. Pineapples, like many fruits, are high in fibre. According to the American Cancer Society, increased dietary fibre levels seem to result in reduced blood cholesterol, which in turn decreases the risk of heart disease. Other illnesses, such as diabetes and constipation, benefit from higher fibre consumption in similar ways. Several studies, according to the Harvard School of Public Health, show that increasing fibre consumption reduces metabolic syndrome, a group of health risks that includes high blood pressure, high insulin levels, extra belly weight, and high triglyceride levels.

Reduces Cholesterol. By including pineapple juice in your diet, you may be able to naturally lower the quantity of cholesterol in your system. The impact of pineapple and other fruit juices on plasma lipids was explored in a study published in the December 2005 issue of “Medical Science Monitor.” Researchers observed that mice who received pineapple juice for three hours had a drop in lipoprotein particles, which move fat through the blood, and an increase in metabolism, which lowers cholesterol levels.

Speeds Healing of Tissue Injuries. Consider drinking pineapple juice the next time you injure your tendons, ligaments, or other soft tissues. Evidence published in the April 2011 issue of the “Journal of Medicinal Food” shows that the bromelain in this juice slightly increased the number of tendon cells after a crush injury to the Achilles heel in rat models; it also decreased the levels of malondialdehyde, a compound that may cause tissue mutations. As a result, pineapple juice aided in the early phases of damage recovery, although human studies are required.

Contributes to Male Fertility. Because of its high manganese concentration, pineapple juice is an excellent alternative for increasing fertility through improving sperm quality. A 1-cup portion of this juice has 1.3 mg of manganese, whereas the daily recommended consumption for males is 2.3 mg. The July-August 2009 issue of “Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity” features a study from Indian researchers, which correlates manganese consumption in pineapple juice and other foods with increased sperm movement. It also safeguarded sperm while freezing for storage, which might increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

For joint and muscle pain. Eating bromelain-rich pineapple may have a potent anti-inflammatory impact. As a result, folks who frequently exercise may utilise the fruit to both prevent and cure sports injuries. It has the ability to hasten the healing of injuries. It may also help relieve arthritic pain and is an effective treatment for generalised joint pain, tendinitis, and bursitis.

For corns, calluses and dry skin. The fruit acids in pineapple may be used to eliminate corns and calluses on the foot, as well as rough skin on the elbows and heels. Apply mashed fruit to the affected area for an hour and leave it on. Rinse and gently scrub the affected area to remove dead skin. A combination of therapies may be required.

Pineapple Strengthens Bones. One of the advantages of pineapple is that it aids in the formation of strong bones. Pineapples are high in manganese, a trace mineral required by the body for the formation of bone and connective tissues. One cup of pineapple contains 73% of the daily required amount of manganese. Pineapple advantages may influence bone development in children and bone strength in adults.

Pineapple is Good for Colds and Coughs. While many individuals take additional vitamin C or drink more orange juice when they have a cold, few consider eating pineapple. When you have a cold or cough, the advantages of pineapple are the same as the benefits of orange juice, but pineapple has an added benefit. Bromelain, which is contained in pineapples, has been shown to aid suppress coughs and release mucus.

Pineapple is beneficial to your gums. Because of their high vitamin C concentration, pineapples are also excellent to your dental health. Taking vitamin C may help to reduce gingivitis and periodontal disease. Vitamin C not only enhances connective tissue’s ability to mend itself, but it also enhances the body’s ability to fight off invading viruses and other poisons that cause gum disease. Because it affects gum tissue and the underlying jaw bones, periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

The therapeutic impact. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, begins the digestive process, relieving gastrointestinal upset, improving circulation, stopping cramps, and inhibiting inflammation. It may aid in the removal of inflammatory substances from the body that lead to arthritis. Pineapples also have diuretic qualities and decrease sweating, making them useful for stomach issues. In addition to aiding in the breakdown of proteins in meals, the enzyme bromelain present in pineapple assists in the destruction of dangerous bacteria in the stomach and intestine. Fresh pineapple juice is often advised as a tonic and bodybuilding drink for convalescents and cancer patients undergoing treatment because it might boost a low appetite caused by inadequate stomach secretions.

To remove wrinkles. Pineapple contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which are often found in skin lotions. When applied to the skin, these components help decrease the appearance of fine wrinkles, making pineapple an excellent element in face masks.

To treat a fever. Pineapple juice may help hydrate the body and boost the immune system.

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Suzie The Agronomist
Suzie The Agronomist

Written by Suzie The Agronomist

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Passionate agronomist to the complexity of agriculture backed with science.

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