What is a pineapple?

Pineapple is the fruit pineapple sativa, a species belonging to the family of Bromeliaceae discovered by Europeans in the Caribbean. It is also native to South America and now has spread to Asia, Africa and the South Pacific.

 

What are the nutritional properties of pineapple?

In 100 g of pineapple there are 40 Calories distributed as follows:

  • 95% carbohydrates

  • 5% protein

In particular, 100 grams of the edible part of the fruit consist of:

  • 86.4 g of water

  • 0.5 g of protein

  • 10 g of soluble sugars

  • 1 g of fiber, of which:

  • 0.15 g of soluble fiber

  • 0.83 g of insoluble fiber

Among the vitamins and minerals, 100 g of edible part pineapple provide:

The pineapple stem is also a source of bromelain.

 

When you should not be eating pineapple

Pineapple can increase significantly the absorption of the antibiotics amoxicillin and teraciclina, thus increasing also the side-effects of the drugs. The consumption of the stem and the products derived from it may be contraindicated in hemophilia, liver or kidneys during pregnancy and childhood.

 

Period availability/season

Pineapple season starts in October and ends in May.

 

Possible benefits and contraindications

Therapeutic doses of bromelain taken in the form of dietary supplements can counter inflammation, excessive blood clotting and the growth of some types of cancer. But there are no studies that prove definitively that the consumption of pineapple provides the same effects. It seems however that the fruit can help to improve digestion, but again in this case there is a lack of conclusive scientific evidence.

Among other beneficial properties of pineapple we should include the antioxidant action of vitamin C and manganese. Finally, thiamine present in this fruit is an essential mineral for enzymatic reactions leading to the production of energy.

Note the possible cross-reactions between bromelain and the poison of the bees, olives, cypress pollen and parsley.