One of the most known and sweetest tropical fruits is the pineapple. The pineapple has a royal-looking design that’s unique and easily recognizable among fruit lovers all across the globe. With its swordlike leaves and unique overall anatomy, it truly takes the crown among fruits. But unfortunately, many people only know about the regular pineapple. Still, there is also a smaller version of the queen pineapple, which retains the same unique qualities people have grown used to loving.
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An Overview of the Pineapple
The pineapple has a long-winding and luxurious history, as its recorded origins date back to the late 1400s. Although originally growing in South America, pineapples were picked up by Columbus on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe and taken back to Spain.
In Europe, pineapples needed similar hot conditions that mimicked their original weather climate, so they were primarily grown in hothouses. These precise, unique growing conditions made the supply low and the demand high, which made the price skyrocket. This is how the pineapple rightfully became royal, as it could only be afforded by monarchs such as Louis XV and Catherine the Great.
Not only is its look intriguing, but a pineapple’s structure is also interesting, as it’s made of more fused individual berries. This is why you’ll always find that seemingly checkered pattern on the hard outer skin of the pineapple.
A pineapple plant takes about two years to grow a single fruit, so this exotic natural delight still has considerable exclusivity.
When ripe, this fruit is the exact depiction of everything tropical. Its taste is fruity and sweet, resembling a perfect duo between apple and citrus. It starts firm and green only to become more yellowish and yield to pressure when ripe. This fruit is typically most enjoyed just as is, in its raw form, but you can often encounter it as juice or a star ingredient in various desserts.
How Is a Queen Pineapple Different?
Few people know there are two types of pineapples: the so-called king and queen. King pineapples are the pineapples we usually think of when they come to mind, while queen pineapples are more petite in size. They’re like regular pineapples except for their petite size and sweeter aroma.
They are also more resilient in the face of diseases and adaptable to varying temperatures. Having said this, it’s essential to know that queen pineapple is more at home in Australia and South Africa and doesn’t make for an excellent canning option.
Other types of pineapples out there that are worth mentioning include:
- Smooth Cayenne Pineapples
- Kona Sugarloaf
- Panare
- Brecheche
- Pernambuco
- Red Spanish Pineapples
- Mordilona Pineapples
What Does Pineapple Do For a Woman?
Pineapples may present a few more advantages to women than men, thanks to their specific nutritional value.
Pineapples are extraordinarily potent antioxidant fruits since they boast a great combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that ultimately strengthen the immune system.
- One of the pineapples’ most essential perks for women is their protection against osteoporosis. It’s known that this disease is four times more likely to affect women than men and its symptoms are unpleasant. Having said this, pineapple’s exceptionally high vitamin C content actively fights to protect the bone system from damage. A study Vitamin C intake in relation to bone mineral density and risk of hip fracture and osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies show that bone fracture occurs less in people with an adequate amount of vitamin C in their diet. The higher bone mass is also linked to an excellent regular vitamin C intake.
- Pineapple is also great during pregnancy as it meets the heightened mineral and vitamin requirements that naturally occur to help form the fetus and help it develop into a healthy baby. Copper, for example, is crucial in red blood cell formation and development of the baby’s nervous and skeletal systems, heart, and blood vessels. Another set of vitamins essential to the baby’s healthy development is represented by the B vitamins that pineapple brings to the table – vitamins B1, B6, and B9. Apart from this, pregnant women can also count on their calcium, iron, and zinc intake from regular pineapple consumption.
- Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that’s been shown to have a positive effect in the fight against breast cancer, which is also significantly more common among women than men.
What Country Eats the Most Pineapple?
With pineapple being in such high demand, it’s only natural to be curious about what country eats the most pineapple. The answer to this is unsurprising to many since its climate is warm and its culture very supportive of everything tropical and exotic – Brazil. This country is followed closely by the Philippines, China, Indonesia, and India. However, most of the pineapple comes from Costa Rica, where it is successfully grown.
The United States ranks highest among the countries that import the most pineapple globally.
What Happens When You Eat Pineapple Every Day?
As mentioned before, pineapples are some of nature’s most delicious and nutritionally rich fruits. It’s then no wonder that they’re accurate aids in building up a robust immune system that helps protect against various diseases and that can give you a feeling of vitality and youthfulness.
Having said this, you may wonder what happens when you eat pineapple every day. In short, you’ll get healthier, more robust, and with an increased sense of well-being. This is a result of the many benefits that pineapples bring to the table:
- Vitamin C is essential in developing and maintaining healthy body tissues. Collagen is also formed thanks to this beautiful vitamin, which means younger-looking skin. Cartilages, bones, and teeth will also benefit significantly from a healthy vitamin C intake.
- Manganese – Manganese works closely with calcium to strengthen the bone system, increasing your chances of being shielded from osteoporosis, as mentioned before.
- Antioxidants: Phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C are all potent antioxidants that help fight against the body’s natural cellular aging process. This process is usually also accelerated by free radicals from external factors such as alcohol, smoking, and pollution. Ultimately, a daily pineapple diet will help you look and feel younger than before while also rejuvenating at a deeper cellular level. In addition, the same antioxidant content is associated with the ability to lower cancer risk.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Pineapples are also anti-inflammatory foods, which means a pineapple diet may also lower your risk for developing diseases such as Alzheimer, diabetes, cancer, or coronary heart disease.
- Bromelain: The same enzyme we mentioned before to significantly aid the fight against breast cancer also plays a crucial role in healthy digestion. The study Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review shows that pineapple may also help reduce the unpleasant effects of diarrhea.
Can I Lose Weight Eating Pineapple?
Pineapples have a very high water content, which is why they’re very hydrating and great for those looking to eat healthy and light. But that’s not all. Pineapples are famous among those looking to lose weight, and it’s due to their combination of enzymes and nutrients that help boost metabolism.
By regularly eating pineapple, you can lose weight more efficiently and quickly. These are the compounds found in pineapple that will help you do just that:
- Fiber – The fiber content in pineapple is essential since it aids in improving digestion. The better and more accelerated your digestion is, the better your metabolism will work in doing its job.
- Bromelain: This enzyme also helps digestion, helping your body process food quicker and better.
- Good carbs: There are good and bad carbs out there that you want to avoid, especially if you’re following a low-carb diet. However, pineapple contains good carbs that will support you in reaching your weight-losing goal.
- Manganese: This mineral is essential in losing weight due to its unique role in the human body. Manganese helps regulate fat and carbohydrates in the body while regulating blood sugar levels. These all help in weight loss and lead to holistic health improvement.
- Low-calorie count – The best part about snacking on pineapples is that their calorie count is low and won’t significantly impact your diet. It beats munching on processed sweets and snacks.
- Satiety: Pineapple has such a rich and fulfilling taste that eating it most likely naturally curbs your appetite, which means you won’t feel the need anymore to continue eating after snacking on this fantastic exotic fruit.
In the same line of thought, some people also wonder: are pineapples good for losing belly fat? Since they generally help with losing weight, they may also help you lose belly fat. However, this can only be achieved with a proper diet and regular exercise. By pairing a healthy lifestyle with a pineapple diet, you can notice some positive changes in losing inches from around your waist.
Since we’ve talked so much about the benefits of pineapple, you may also ask why pineapple is terrible for you. Unfortunately, pineapple makes no exception from other fruits – when consumed excessively, it may yield some unpleasant side effects you need to be aware of.
What Are the Side Effects of Pineapple?
When drinking too much natural pineapple juice, you may encounter some issues as follows:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Excess menstrual flow
- Skin rash.
These pineapple side effects may all be attributed to bromelain, the critical enzyme in this fruit that typically has many considerable health benefits. These side effects may occur because bromelain causes the release of histamine, and some people are intolerant to histamine, which ultimately causes them to feel sick.
Having said this, it’s always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before starting a new diet. Regardless if you know whether to have histamine intolerance, it’s recommended that you request a professional opinion before eating more pineapple.
Storing Your Pineapples
As impressive as this antioxidant fruit is, it may amount to nothing if you don’t have a handle on the essential pineapple storing guidelines.
- On the counter – If you’re looking to eat your pineapple within a couple of days, it’s safe to keep it on the counter. However, eating your pineapple within the same day of purchasing is recommended. In either case, look for signs of deterioration that will tell you everything you need to know.
- In the refrigerator – There are two ways to refrigerate your pineapple; each one will yield different results. The first talks about refrigerating your pineapple whole, ensuring you can eat it within 3-5 days. If you slice your pineapple and refrigerate it, it may last a day or two. If using this method, put the slices in an airtight Tupperware container to be better preserved.
- In the freezer – If you’re looking to store your pineapples for longer, know that a freezer is an excellent option. If you slice your pineapple up and remove both the core and skin, you’ll prolong the lifespan even by 12 months. The container that holds the pineapple needs to have still some air left inside, so remember this when you store it in the freezer.
- In cans or jars – This is another famous pineapple storing method many people choose. Be sure to remove the skin and core of your pineapples, after which you can dice them since this size and shape are optimum for canning. Boil your pineapples in a packing solution, such as apple juice or light or medium canning syrup. After they’re boiling and cooled down, you can put everything in cans or jars. Soon after, place them in a pot with water, ensure the water is one finger above the jar level, and boil for 25-30 minutes. This ensures all the air is evacuated from the cans or jars and your pineapples are ready to be stored.
Conclusion
Is pineapple the queen of fruits? It is in so many respects. Firstly, in the way it looks – its unique design makes it incomparable to other fruits out there. Secondly, it has a powerful combination of vitamins and minerals that supports the immune system to get the strength it needs to keep your body youthful and robust for extended periods. The list of benefits for this fruit can go on and on, as described above in the article.
What’s your experience with pineapples and queen pineapples? What are some of the health and well-being benefits you’ve noticed? Share with the community in a comment below and help other fruit lovers learn about the perks of eating this tremendous exotic fruit.
