Origin: Canary Islands. The main nutritional component of pineapple, like most fruits, is water (85%), which is why it is a food very low in calories.
Fresh pineapple is rich in vitamins, mainly in vitamin C (12mg/100g). It also contains vitamins A, B1, and folic acid, but in lower percentages than vitamin C.
Regarding mineral content, it is worth noting its richness in potassium, and to a lesser extent, in magnesium and iron.
Pineapple has an enzyme, bromelain, which is found in the stem and fruit, that aids in digestion. Specifically, it has the virtue of breaking down proteins and converting them into amino acids, which promotes the digestive process.
Pineapple is considered a "medical food" due to its richness in vitamins, but especially because of the properties of the enzyme.
1. Digestive fruit par excellence.
The inclusion of pineapple in the first courses is especially beneficial because it stimulates the production of gastric juices. It is especially indicated for digesting proteins.
People with dyspepsia, either due to hypochlorhydria - lack of gastric juices - or gastric atony - difficulty emptying the stomach contents - have an ally in pineapple if taken fresh, as the action of bromelain is nullified with heat.
However, the consumption of pineapple is contraindicated in people suffering from peptic ulcers and gastritis due to its acid content and its ability to increase gastric juice production.
2 Antidiarrheal.
It has been indicated in cases of diarrhea, as it seems to inhibit the growth of intestinal microbes (antiputrid action) and improves intestinal receptors.
Both the fruit and the decoction of the root are traditionally recommended in the treatment of intestinal parasites.
3 Depurative.
Pineapple is an excellent remedy for the liver and it is known that its regular consumption increases circulation in this vital organ.
4 Anti-inflammatory.
It has a notable anti-inflammatory action, useful in cases of tendinitis and rheumatic conditions with edema of the limbs.
5 Heart-healthy.
It inhibits platelet aggregation and has a fibrinolytic activity, which reduces the risk of embolisms.
6 Expectorant.
In cases of cold, catarrh, or sinusitis, especially if accompanied by mucus, pineapple is an excellent dietary supplement, as it has a proteolytic action that dissolves mucus, makes it more liquid, and greatly helps to eliminate it. Its vitamin C content is also not unrelated to this beneficial action against colds and coughs.
7 Good for the skin.
It helps clean and heal skin ulcers, and improve the healing of burns.