Pineapples are the edible fruits of the tropical plant Ananas comosus, which is native to South America. Widely enjoyed for their distinctively sweet yet tart flesh and juice, pineapples are now grown commercially in greenhouses and on many tropical plantations around the world. [1]
Wild pineapples grow in abundance in southern Brazil and Paraguay, specifically in the Paraná-Paraguay River area, where closely related plants similarly thrive. Pineapples have been cultivated as a food crop in South America for centuries and were also highly valued by ancient healers for their health-supporting properties.
According to archaeologists, pineapples have been a part of the diet and everyday life of Peruvians since 1200 B.C. Evidence also suggests that the Mayas and Aztecs cultivated pineapples for use as food and medicine. In fact, various parts of the pineapple plant are traditionally used to make natural remedies, most notably to support digestive health. [2]
Pineapples were first introduced in Europe in the late 1400s. The famous Italian explorer Christopher Columbus was said to be the first European to encounter pineapples in 1493. Columbus brought the fruit with him to Spain and introduced it as “piña de Indes,” meaning “pine of the Indians.”
But the fruit did not become popular with the Europeans until the 17th century, at which time it became known by its English name “pineapple,” which was coined due to its resemblance to a pinecone. It wasn’t until 1658 that pineapples were successfully grown on European soil, thanks to the efforts of the Dutch businessman, Pieter de la Court van der Voort. [3]
Because of the laborious process involved in cultivating pineapples, they became a desirable item and a symbol of wealth, often presented as gifts to royalty. Even those who could afford to import or grow pineapples at the time refused to eat them, instead opting to use them purely as decoration at dinner parties and as a means of showing off their wealth. [4]
Meanwhile, around the same time in the American colonies, the affluent also considered pineapples “too valuable (expensive) to eat” and only used them as a centerpiece. Because pineapples were mainly imported from the Caribbeans, a single fruit back then was estimated to cost as much as $8,000 in today’s money.
Fortunately, people eventually found a way to grow pineapples in large quantities, with the Hawaiian plantation started by James Dole in 1901 paving the way for this exotic, nutritious fruit to become the accessible, inexpensive superfood it is today. [5] You can now easily incorporate pineapples into your daily routine and enjoy their many health benefits.
8 Perfectly healthy reasons to snack on Organic Pineapples*
The strange, scaly appearance of a pineapple is thanks to the fruit being made up of dozens of flowers, each with an eye of its own fused around a central core. These flowers, which form in the middle of leafy green foliage, start off as small reddish or pinkish flowerets that gradually turn yellow as they ripen. [6]
Unlike many fruits, pineapples don’t grow from trees; instead, pineapple plants grow from the leafy tops of their fruits. If you live in a hot climate, you can grow pineapples by cutting off the fruit’s crown and planting it in a pot of soil. Pineapple plants don’t have large roots and only require free drainage, so you can successfully grow some indoors or in your backyard under the right conditions. [7]
But if gardening isn’t your thing, you can still buy pineapples all year round in various forms. Pineapples are sold fresh (with some of the juiciest and sweetest pineapples available in summer), freeze-dried, canned or processed into a pulp, powder, juice, jam or confectionery jelly. [8][9]
As a culinary ingredient, pineapples can be used in desserts, sauces and savory dishes; as a garnish; a pizza topping; or added to salads, yogurt, jams and ice cream. You can drink pineapple juice as is or mix it with other liquids to make cocktails, smoothies and other beverages. Pineapple juice is also great for marinades because it contains enzymes that can help tenderize meat. [10]
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy snack, fresh organic pineapples are one of best foods you can include in your diet. They contain an abundance of essential nutrients and beneficial phytonutrients that can support your health in a variety of ways. Fat-free and low in sodium and calories, a one-cup serving (165 grams, g) of pineapple chunks can provide the following nutrients: [11][12]
- Protein, 1g
- Dietary fiber, 2.5g
- Vitamin C, 131% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A, 2% of the DV
- Calcium, 2% of the DV
- Iron, 3% of the DV
- Manganese, 76% of the DV
Organic pineapples also contain decent amounts of B vitamins, such as vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6 and B9, and other minerals like magnesium, potassium and copper. Aside from vitamin C, pineapples are a good source of other potent antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and phenolic compounds like flavonoids. [13]
But what makes pineapples extra special is the presence of an enzyme called bromelain. Found exclusively in the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant, bromelain has been linked to many of the health benefits associated with eating pineapples. [14]
On top of being an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, pineapples provide these incredible benefits, according to science:*
Support healthy cardiovascular function
According to a study published in the journal Nutrient & Metabolism, the potent antioxidants in pineapples can protect your heart from oxidative stress and support healthy blood vessel function. Pineapples also contain other beneficial components that can help you maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range. [15]
Meanwhile, a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that supplementing with bromelain from pineapples is a great way to support healthy blood pressure levels that are already within the normal range. [16]
Support optimal digestive function
Since ancient times, pineapples have been used as a natural digestive aid. Because bromelain is an enzyme that can break down protein, eating pineapples is a great way to support healthy digestion and protein absorption. [17] Research shows that bromelain is absorbed in the intestines, where it remains biologically active with a half-life of 6 to 9 hours. [18]
In addition to bromelain, the dietary fiber in pineapples can also support a healthy digestive system. Pineapples are high in soluble fiber, which is said to nourish the beneficial microbes in your gut. [19][20] Maintaining a healthy intestinal microflora is important for keeping not just your digestive system but also your immune system functioning optimally. [21]
Support optimal immune function
According to a study published in the journal Foods, the bromelain in pineapples supports a healthy immune response against threats. [22] Pineapples are also a great source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that can support the healthy functions of your innate and adaptive immune systems. [23]
Additionally, pineapples contain high amounts of manganese, another immune-supporting nutrient that can help you maintain healthy immune defenses. [24]
Support optimal joint health
Eating pineapples is good for your joints. A study published in the journal Plants attributed this benefit to the presence of bromelain in pineapples. Bromelain has been found to support optimal joint health by protecting cartilage. [25] Cartilage is the strong connective tissue that caps the ends of your bones and cushions your joints, ensuring that they work smoothly. [26]
Support healthy muscle recovery after strenuous exercise
According to a study published in the European Journal of Sport Science, supplementing with bromelain is beneficial for athletes because it helps protect muscles from exercise-induced damage. Bromelain from pineapples has also been shown to help reduce feelings of exhaustion after intense physical activity. [27]
What’s more, experts say that the vitamin C in pineapples plays an integral role in your body’s natural healing and repair processes. This means that snacking on pineapples after a strenuous workout is an excellent way to support healthy muscle recovery. [28]
Support healthy, glowing skin
Thanks to their high vitamin C content, pineapples can help you maintain healthy, glowing skin by supporting your body’s natural production of collagen, the protein responsible for keeping your skin healthy. The potent antioxidant properties of vitamin C can also help protect your skin from oxidative damage. [29]
In addition, vitamin C has been found to support your body’s natural production of new skin cells, a process that helps keep your skin looking young and healthy. [30]
Where to find lab-verified, certified Organic Pineapple products
Pineapples are the perfect healthy snack because they are packed with essential nutrients and potent phytonutrients that offer incredible health benefits. A low-calorie, low-sodium superfood, pineapples are also a versatile culinary ingredient that you can easily incorporate into your meals.
To help you enjoy the nutritional goodness of this wonderful tropical fruit all year round, the Health Ranger Store is offering two of the cleanest freeze-dried pineapple products on the market.
Health Ranger Select Freeze-dried Organic Diced Pineapple is made of fresh pineapples that are grown under strict organic standards. After dicing, the pineapple pieces are carefully freeze-dried to preserve their freshness and quality without compromising their nutrient content. You can snack on our premium freeze-dried diced pineapple or add it to various recipes. To rehydrate, simply soak the diced pieces in water.
Health Ranger Select Freeze-dried Organic Diced Pineapple is an excellent source of fiber, bromelain, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, that allow it to support the healthy functions of your skin, muscles, joints and cardiovascular, digestive and immune systems. Our high-quality freeze-dried pineapple is also available in #10 cans for easy storage.
The Health Ranger Store is also offering Groovy Bee® Organic Freeze-dried Pineapple Wedges. Grown under strict organic standards, our freeze-dried organic pineapple wedges retain much of their original nutrient content, making them a healthy snacking choice. You can also use them for cooking, baking and making healthy drinks or as a garnish in various dishes.
Health Ranger Select Freeze-dried Organic Diced Pineapple and Groovy Bee® Organic Freeze-dried Pineapple Wedges contain no gluten, preservatives or GMOs and are non-China, certified Kosher and organic. They are also meticulously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Enjoy a nutritional boost by adding delicious Organic Pineapples – the perfect healthy snack – to your daily routine!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[1] https://www.tastesofhistory.co.uk
[4] https://www.mentalfloss.com
[5] https://recipereminiscing.wordpress.com
[6] https://www.interflora.com.au
[8] https://www.foodnetwork.com
[11] https://www.livescience.com
[12] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
[13] https://www.everydayhealth.com
[14] https://health.clevelandclinic.org
[15] https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com
[16] https://www.cambridge.org
[17] https://www.healthline.com
[18] https://www.spandidos-publications.com
[19] https://www.livestrong.com
[20] https://health.clevelandclinic.org
[21] https://www.uclahealth.org
[22] https://www.mdpi.com
[23] https://www.mdpi.com
[24] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[25] https://www.mdpi.com
[26] https://www.healthline.com
[27] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
[28] https://www.muscleandfitness.com
[29] https://www.healthline.com
[31] https://www.revhipertension.com
[32] https://www.mdpi.com
