Pineapple facts

Pineapple facts

Ananas comosus
Bromeliaceae
Common Names: Pineapple, Ananas, Nanas, Pina. 

One of the most prized and popular fruits, pineapple or "ananas" have an interesting history:
The pineapple tree is actually native to Paraguay in South America and spread by the local Indians up through South and Central America to the West Indies. Later, it was brought to Spain when Columbus discovered Americas’ in 1493, from where; it has spread around the world on sailing ships (like tomatoes) that carried it for protection against scurvy!

Scientifically, it is known as "Ananas comosus" and belongs to the family of Bromeliaceae, of the genus; Ananas.

Pineapple is a tropical, perennial, drought-tolerant plant that grows up to 5-8 ft in height and spreads around about 3 to 4 ft. It is essentially a short, stout stem with a rosette of waxy with long, needle tipped leaves.The plant bear long oval to cylindrical fruits during each season lasts from March until June.

The fruit is described as compound (multiple) fruit that develops from many small fruits fused together around central core. It is both juicy and fleshy with the stem serving as the fibrous core. The rough, tough, scaly rind may be dark green, yellow, orange-yellow or reddish when the fruit is ripe. Juicy flesh ranges from creamy white to yellow in color and has mix of sweet and tart taste with rich flavor. Each fruit measures in size up to 12 in. long and weigh 1 to 8 pounds or more.

Health benefits of Pineapple fruit

    * Fresh pineapple is storehouse of many health promoting compounds, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
    * The fruit is low in calories (provides only 50 cal per 100 g), contains no saturated fats or cholesterol; but rich source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber like pectin.
    * Pineapple fruit contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain that digests food by breaking down protein. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that consumption of pineapple regularly helps fight against arthritis, indigestion and worm infestation.
    * Fresh ananas is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin; vitamin C. It is required for the collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body protect from scurvy; develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity) and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
    * It also contains good amount Vitamin A (provides 58 IU per 100 g) and beta-carotene levels. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A is also required maintaining healthy mucus membranes, skin and essential for vision. Studies have suggested that consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
    * In addition, this fruit is rich in B-complex group of vitamins like folates, thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and minerals like copper, manganese and potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Copper is helpful cofactor for red blood cell synthesis. Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger.