Last week, Mitzi decided to pull out her favorite snack, sliced pineapples, to enjoy at the office. As she was about to enjoy her very first bite, Shaun, our production manager, mentioned that in his country, China, people always dip their pineapples in salt water before eating them. Mitzi and I were very confused as he explained that it was to get rid of some of the acid since pineapples are very acidic.
Of course, I decided to do some research and here is what I found...
Pineapples
The Scientific name for the pineapple is Ananas comosus. Ananas comes from the Tupi word meaning “excellent fruit” and the word pineapple was coined because it looks like a pine cone. Pineapples were originally discovered in South Africa as an indigenous plant. From there it traveled to the Caribbean, Hawaii, southern California, Guam, Thailand the Philippines and Christopher Columbus brought some of the plants back to Europe. Southeast Asia currently dominates the world in pineapple production producing almost 2 million tons of pineapple each year.
Pineapples are the second favorite tropical fruit after bananas in America. Although the season for pineapple runs from March through June, they are available year-round in local markets. Pineapples are consumed both fresh and cooked, canned, or juiced; and can be used as a marinate meat.
Nutritional Benefits of Pineapples:
One cup of pineapple has 82 calories and provides the following nutrients—many of which act as natural antioxidants to help in the prevention of many diseases:
- Calcium
- Copper (9%)
- Fiber (9.2%)
- Folate (7.4%)
- Manganese (76.5%)
- Potassium
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1) 18.6%
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 18.6%
- Vitamin C (131.4%)
Bromelain:
Raw pineapple also contains a proteolytic enzyme called bromelain, and it is found mostly in the stem of the fruit. Bromelain breaks down protein. So, if you are someone who eats too much meat and suffers from indigestion, this is great for you! In many parts of the world, bromelain is also used as a post-injury medication because of its ability to reduce inflammation and swelling.
But, even though this enzyme is great for you for many reasons. In a lot of cases, eating pineapples can cause some uncomfortable side effects because of it. Such as a tingling or a burning sensation on the tip of the tongue, or heartburn.
Thankfully, you are able to minimize the effects of the enzyme in your mouth by cutting out the core of the pineapple before eating it. Also, like Shaun's grandmother, and many others in Asian countries, dipping the sliced pieces in salt water for a few seconds.
In conclusion ladies, adding salt to your pineapple will lessen its acidity, and lessen your chances of having a sensitive tongue or even worse, heart burn, all the while getting the healthy effects of this delicious fruit.
If you experience this or love pineapples as much as Mitzi does, comment and let us know!
Author: Nazanin Yashar
Sources: http://naturalhealthtechniques.com/pineapple.htm http://www.livestrong.com/article/503049-how-to-avoid-acid-burn-from-eating-pineapple/
