Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Pineapple


Pineapple is one of God’s remarkable creations. We enjoy its lush, sweet and exotic flavor, but it may be one of the most healthful foods available today.  Fresh pineapple can alleviate indigestion, arthritis or sinusitis. The juice has an anthelmintic effect; it helps get rid of intestinal worms.

Pineapple is high in manganese, a mineral that is critical to development of strong bones and connective tissue. A cup of fresh pineapple will give you nearly 75% of the recommended daily amount. It is particularly helpful to older adults, whose bones tend to become brittle with age.

Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, is the key to pineapple's value. Proteolytic means "breaks down protein", which is why pineapple is known to be a digestive aid. It helps the body digest proteins more efficiently.

Bromelain is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory. Regular ingestion of at least one half cup of fresh pineapple daily is purported to relieve painful joints common to osteoarthritis. It produces mild pain relief. In Germany, bromelain is approved as a post-injury medication because it is thought to reduce inflammation and swelling.

The pineapple is also rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin B1.

Vitamin C is a 'water soluble vitamin', which means it doesn't store in the body. We need to take Vitamin C every day in order to replenish its levels. Pineapple is a great source to find a daily dose of Vitamin C. It helps in the formation of collagen, a protein that grows new skin and blood vessels. The benefit of taking vitamin C is also believed to keep away the common cold.

Vitamin B1 is partly responsible for the development of energy in the body, turning carbohydrates into the daily energy we need. Vitamin B1 is important for the nervous system and muscle functions. Vitamin B1 also goes by the name 'thiamine' . As well as being found in pineapples, thiamine can be found in meat, whole-grain foods, leafy vegetables and egg yolks.



Although the pineapple has traveled and proliferated in many countries from its original home in the lowlands of Brazil, it is only in the Philippines that its fiber was used to create the delicate fabric of marvelous tensile strength called piña.

So fine and precious the quality of this unique handwoven fabric that during the Spanish period, it was sent as gifts to royalty such as Queen Victoria. Samples of embroidered piña are supposedly still preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Historical accounts may claim that it was the Spaniards who introduced the pineapple from Mexico to the Philippines, but others may argue that it was the early Chinese traders who brought it to the archipelago.


Related links:





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Slices of fresh pineapple are served daily at Saffron's Breakfast Buffet



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Food Photography


Food Trip Friday




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9 comments:

  1. Pineapple is my favorite fruit. Seriously, I could eat it every day. The last picture is awesome, someone is very skilled at peeling it. Thanks so much for sharing this with Food Photography today. :)

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  2. Wow! As if the taste alone wasn't a good enough reason to love fresh pineapple, your post gave me lots more reasons!

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  3. i love pineapple, ang hirap lang balatan.:p i almost bought one at the supermarket yesterday pero yon nga, di ako magaling magbalat ng pineapple. masarap with bagoong.:p

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  4. one of my favorite fruits!!! i love the fresh ones.. not those in cans :)

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  5. Pahingi po:) That is one of my favorite fruit kaso lang super mahal dito almost $3 ang isa:(

    Visiting for FTF- hope you can stop by:)

    http://myrecipecollection.info/2012/02/peanut-butter-banana-mousse.html

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  6. I love pineapple, well aside from mangoes and apple :) visiting from FTF. Sahm’s Dining Diary

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  7. loads of information here, thanks for sharing it to us! and i love pineapples...visiting from FTF, hope you can visit me back. thanks and have a great week. :)

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  8. My 6 year-old son called it, Spongebob House, lol!

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