Pineapple

Originally from South America, the pineapple was named by the Guarani Indians "Nana Nana", meaning "fragrant fruit", "Nana" having several meanings.

It was in 1493, in Guadeloupe, that Christopher Columbus discovered this fruit, which resembles an enormous pine cone. Once imported to Europe, its fame grew rapidly, but its consumption remained reserved for royal tables due to the high cost of greenhouse production. It wasn't until the 20th century and industrial production methods that it became widely available.

Today, pineapple is appreciated for its sweet and tangy taste and its numerous nutritional properties. In addition to being rich in vitamins C and A, potassium, and fiber, pineapple is also an excellent dietary supplement for weight loss .

From the moment it arrived in Europe, the pineapple sparked enthusiasm. Its exotic shape and unique taste made it a symbol of wealth and prestige. Explorers and navigators transported it around the world, contributing to its spread and popularity. It was eaten fresh, canned, or preserved.

In the 18th century, pineapple cultivation developed in the French, Spanish, and Portuguese tropical colonies. The fruit became more accessible and began to gain popularity in Europe.

In addition to its delicious taste, pineapple is also known for its health benefits. Its bromelain content, an enzyme with digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, makes it a valuable ally for well-being.

Today, pineapple is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It has become a common and affordable fruit, prized for its delicious flavor and numerous nutritional benefits.

It can be eaten fresh, juiced, in salads, as a dessert, in cocktails, etc. It is also used in cooking to enhance both savory and sweet dishes. Pineapple is also used to make jams, jellies, syrups, and vinegars.

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Composition and main active compounds of pineapple

Pineapple, the quintessential exotic fruit, is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients and active compounds.

  • Water and carbohydrates : Pineapple is composed of approximately 85% water, making it a very hydrating fruit. It is also rich in carbohydrates, primarily in the form of fructose and sucrose, which give it its sweet taste.
  • Fiber : Pineapple is a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for the proper functioning of the digestive system.
  • Vitamins and minerals : Pineapple is a source of vitamin C, important for the immune system, and manganese, an essential mineral for energy production and bone health. It also contains B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium.
  • Bromelain : Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme with numerous beneficial properties. It is known for its digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Other active compounds : Pineapple also contains other active compounds such as quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant, and ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C.

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Benefits of Pineapple on the Body

Pineapple's rich composition of nutrients and active compounds provides numerous health benefits, including:

  • satiating effect

Its fiber content promotes satiety and contributes to better weight management. Indeed, fiber increases the volume of food in the digestive tract and slows down digestion, which provides a longer-lasting feeling of fullness.

  • Anti-inflammatory

The bromelain contained in pineapple is able to reduce inflammation in the body, which may be helpful in relieving joint pain, headaches, and chronic inflammation.

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  • Improves digestive comfort

The bromelain found in pineapple also aids in protein digestion. It stimulates the production of digestive enzymes and helps break down food, which can relieve digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, and stomach pain.

  • Aids in wound healing

Bromelain has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can accelerate the healing process by reducing swelling and promoting the formation of new tissue. Therefore, whether applied topically or consumed regularly, pineapple can help wounds and burns heal faster.

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Frequently asked questions

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