The properties of pineapple and pineapple stem
The pineapple stem is the inner part, the soul of the pineapple, the fruit of the pineapple plant, belonging to the Bromeliaceae family. The bromelain contained mostly in the pineapple stem has a decongestant action, as well as being rich in mineral salts, such as potassium and manganese, vitamins A, B, C and carotenoids.
Vitamin C remains intact after the fruit is harvested, as it protects it from oxidation with its thick rind and high acidity. Pineapple is an alkalizing food : it reduces the acid level of pH, often caused by an incorrect and unbalanced diet, restoring the acid-base balance and preventing inflammation, the primary cause of disease.
Pineapple leaves , on the other hand, are a source of a fibre that can be used to produce ropes and fabrics.
Pineapple: origins and historical notes
Pineapple is a plant native to South America; it includes eight species and several ornamental varieties. Pineapple was imported to the Caribbean islands by the Carib Indians, who called it “anana”; Christopher Columbus then saw it in Guadalupe in 1493, for the first time.
Later imported into Europe, it was distributed to the Pacific islands by Spanish explorers who called it “Indian pine cone.” The Europeans instead called it “royal pine cone” because they could taste and afford this exclusive fruit.
The Spanish also exported it to the Philippines and in 1500 it reached Hawaii and Guam. Later, in 1660, it arrived in England where it began to be cultivated in greenhouses around 1700. Currently, pineapple is one of the most widespread tropical fruits in the world.
It is grown in Hawaii, the Philippines, Latin America, Florida and Europe; the most suitable climate is subtropical and tropical, preferring soils with good internal drainage and medium acidity.
In particular, the juice of the pineapple stem , due to its enzymatic activity, was already used in the 18th century to aid digestion.
Properties of Bromelain Contained in Pineapple Stem
Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme, that is, an enzyme capable of reducing proteins into simple amino acids, isolated for the first time from the stem and later also found in the fruit. The pulp is less rich in bromelain and therefore the preparation of drugs or supplements is extracted from the stem.
Bromelain is among the most effective and well-absorbed natural remedies: after oral administration, in fact, 40% of the dose taken enters the circulation. It is therefore a very effective phytopharmaceutical.
Bromelain facilitates the digestion of protein-rich foods , which is useful for those suffering from dyspepsia. It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous remedy.
It is an excellent antithrombotic and has a good hypotensive action ; also useful for treating cellulite caused by water retention and sometimes painful. Cellulite, in fact, is an inflammatory process affecting the lymphatic and microcirculatory system, which causes the transudation of liquids into the intracellular spaces; if not treated, the process leads to the atrophy of the capillary vessels and the infiltration of fat into the intercellular spaces, with the formation of painful cellulite nodules.
The stem of the infructescence has a very effective decongestant action ; it stimulates the drainage of the inflammatory focus and the reabsorption of the hemorrhagic effusion. Preparations based on pineapple stem improve blood and lymphatic circulation because they contain active ingredients with fibrinolytic action. In addition, bromelain gives pineapple an antiplatelet aggregation and modulating activity of coagulation in venous insufficiency.
Even in case of obesity, pineapple is a valid helper: thanks to its diuretic action, due to the presence of organic acids, it stimulates the elimination of excess liquids accumulated in the subcutaneous tissue.
Directions for use
The effectiveness of this product depends on the administration: the fresh fruit has a sufficient quantity of bromelain which facilitates the digestion of proteins, in fact, normally, pineapple is served at the end of a meal.
The use of the fruit promotes diuresis and purifies the body ; for other functions it is better to use bromelain as a medicine or supplement.
Generally, manufacturers and experts recommend, for internal use, 800-1000 mg of dry extract in the form of tablets or capsules in 2 administrations per day, away from meals.
Contraindications
Preparations with pineapple extract may be poorly tolerated by those suffering from active peptic ulcer and by those undergoing treatment with anticoagulants , due to the moderate antiplatelet activity; in fact, it could increase the risk of bleeding in people taking aspirin or blood thinners.
Fresh pineapple … curiosities
Fresh fruit is an excellent ally at the table to take care of well-being and protect health, starting from meals!
With its eupeptic properties it stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, facilitating digestion. Bromelain, as mentioned above, facilitates the digestion of proteins.
In addition, pineapple facilitates the metabolism of fats ; the fibers contained in its pulp contrast, at intestinal level, the absorption of lipids. It is therefore a fruit indicated in slimming diets.
Vitamins and bromelain are thermolabile: cooked pineapple becomes only a good source of dietary fiber.