It was reportedly spread by the Indians up through South and Central America to the West Indies before Columbus arrived. In 1493 Columbus found the fruit on the island of Guadaloupe and carried it back to Spain and it was spread around the world on sailing ships that carried it for protection against scurvy. The Spanish introduced it into the Philippines and may have taken it to Hawaii and Guam early in the 16th Century. The pineapple reached England in 1660 and began to be grown in greenhouses for its fruit around 1720.

 The pineapple is a tropical or near-tropical plant, but will usually tolerate brief exposures to 28° F. Prolonged cold above freezing retards growth, delays maturity and causes the fruit to be more acid. The pineapple is drought-tolerant and will produce fruit under yearly precipitation rates ranging from 25 – 150 in., depending on cultivar and location and degree of atmospheric humidity.

Pineapple is a tropical plant. It is  edible and successfully grown around the world. It is considered the most economically Significant Plant.

Scienctifically known as  name is ANANAS COMOSUS, pineapple is a good source of important Vitamins and Minerals – these include Potassium, Copper, Calcium, Manganese, Vitamin C , Carotene, Thiamin, B6 or Folate as well as Insoluble Fiber amongst others.

Nutritional value of pineapple!

The nutritional value of pineapple is enormous!

• Fresh pineapple is said to be  low in calories and even a  storehouse for several unique health promoting compounds, minerals, and vitamins that are essential for good health.

• The  flesh of the fruit  contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, yet  it is a rich source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber like pectin.

• Ananas  contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain that digests food by breaking down protein. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that consumption of pineapple regularly helps fight against arthritis, indigestion and worm infestation.

• Fresh pineapple is an good source of antioxidant,  vitamin-C in particular!

• Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps to protect the body from scurvy.

• Eating pineapple will equally help the body to  develop resistance against infection.

• Pineapple has small amount of Vitamin-A and this helps the sight and  vision – the eyes will see clearly.

• Ananas is rich in the B-complex group of vitamins like folates, thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and minerals like copper, manganese, and potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, it helps to control the  heart rate and blood pressure of the body.

• Copper is an essential cofactor for red blood cell synthesis and  Manganese is said to be a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger.

Post by Omobola Olubode & edited by Lydia!