What are Benefits and Medicinal uses of Pineapple (Ananas)?

                                                         Pineapple

 

“As the pineapple contain sufficient chlorine. It stimulates the activity of the Kidneys and the help to remove waste products from the body.”

                                                                                    -Sir George watt

 

 

 

Introduction:

                            The pineapple is the believed to be a native of Brazil and was introduced in Europe by Columbus, the famous navigator. Afterwards it spread everywhere. There is a reference that the Portuguese brought it to India in 1502 A.D.

                   It is freely grown in Burma, Malaysia and the Philippine Islands are considered to be excellent quality.

 

Qualities:

                          The Ayurveda has brought to light many of the properties of pineapple. The ripe pineapple is a diuretic. It destroys intestinal worms and soothes bile. It is delicious and digestive. It expels gas. It is beneficial to the heart and effective in abdominal disorders, jaundice and anemia.

 

 Analysis of Content:

                                        Pineapple contains   86.5% water, 0.6% Protein, 0.1% Fat, 12.0% Sugar, 0.12% Calcium, 0.01% Phosphorus, 0.9 mg /100 gm Iron,  60 I. U./ 100 gm Vitamin ‘A’, 120 I.U./100 gm Vitamin ‘B2’, 63 mg/100 gm Vitamin ‘C.

 

The pineapple contains 12 per cent sugar. About 4 per cent of its sugar is constituted by glucose  and  7.5 per cent by cane-sugar. 87 per cent its total acids are formed by citric acid and 13 per cent by malic acid.  These acids are beneficial to the body.

The pineapple contains an enzyme called “ brosmelin” which resembles pepsin and therefore helps to digest food. It gives relief in digestive disorders.

Uses:

               The pineapple should not be taken on empty stomach. The upper rind and the innermost flesh on the pineapple should be discarded. The remaining portion should be cut into pieces. Juice should be extracted from these pieces. Raw pineapple or excessively ripe pineapple should be avoided during pregnancy.

Benefits:

              Fresh pineapple juice exercises a soothing effect on the throat. It is very useful in preventing affections of the vocal organ. In diphtheria, it is used for removing the dead membranes from the throat. This antiviral property of the pineapple juice has been confirmed even by the Ayurveda experts. As per their opinion pineapple juice allays bile, destroys intestinal worms and is beneficial to the heart

Chlorine contained in the pineapple juice stimulates the activity of the kidneys and helps to remove toxic elements and waste products from the body. It also gives relief in cellulitis.