Pineapple

Native to South America, the pineapple was named "Nana Nana" by the Guarani Indians, which means "fragrant fruit," with "Nana" having several meanings.

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

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

As soon as it arrived in Europe, pineapple became hugely popular. 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 is eaten fresh, canned, or candied.

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, pineapples are widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They have become a common and affordable fruit, appreciated for their delicious flavor and numerous nutritional benefits.

It is eaten fresh, in juice, in salads, in desserts, in cocktails, etc. It is also used in cooking to enhance savory or sweet dishes. Pineapple is also used to make jams, jellies, syrups, and vinegars.

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Composition and main active compounds of pineapple 

The pineapple, the ultimate 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, mainly 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 proper digestive function.
  • Vitamins and minerals: Pineapple is a source of vitamin C, which is important for the immune system, and manganese, a mineral that is essential for energy production and bone health. It also contains B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium.
  • Bromelain: Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme that has many beneficial properties. Bromelain 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

The nutrient-rich composition and active compounds in pineapple provide numerous benefits for the body, including:

  • Satiating effect

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

  • Anti-inflammatory

The bromelain contained in pineapple can 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.

  • Healing aid

Bromelain has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can speed up the healing process by reducing swelling and promoting new tissue formation. Applied topically or consumed regularly, pineapple can therefore help wounds and burns heal faster.

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