OverviewPineapple, Ananas comosus, belongs to the Bromeliaceae family, from which one of its most important health-promoting compounds, the enzyme bromelain, was named. The Spanish name for pineapple, pina, and the root of its English name, reflects the fruit's visual similarity to the pinecone.
Pineapples are actually not just one fruit but a composite of many flowers whose individual fruitlets fuse together around a central core. Each fruitlet can be identified by an "eye," the rough spiny marking on the pineapple's surface.
Pineapples have a wide cylindrical shape, a scaly green, brown or yellow skin and a regal crown of spiny, blue-green leaves. The fibrous flesh of pineapple is yellow in color and has a vibrant tropical flavor that balances the tastes of sweet and tart. The area closer to the base of the fruit has more sugar content and therefore a sweeter taste and more tender texture.
Health BenefitsFresh pineapple is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin; vitamin C. 100 g fruit contains 47.8 or 80% of this vitamin. Vitamin C is required for the collagen synthesis in the body. 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 the body protect from scurvy; develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity) and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
It also contains small amount Vitamin A (provides 58 IU per 100 g) and beta-carotene levels. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A is also required maintaining healthy mucus membranes, skin and essential for vision. Studies have suggested that consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps the human body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
In addition, Fresh Pineapple has a potential Anti-Inflammatory and Digestive,Antioxidant Protection and Immune Support.
Manganese and Thiamin (Vitamin B1) for Energy Production and Antioxidant Defenses.
And gives protection against Macular Degeneration.
Vitamins and Minerals
Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. It is also a very good source of copper and a good source of vitamin B1, vitamin B6, dietary fiber, folate, and pantothenic acid.
In addition to the nutrients highlighted in our ratings chart, an in-depth nutritional profile for Pineapple. is also available. This profile includes information on a full array of nutrients, including carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fiber, sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more.Food Rating System Chart
Pineapple, chunks, fresh 1.00 cup 165.00 grams Calories: 83 GI: medium | ||||
| Nutrient | Amount | DRI/DV (%) | Nutrient Density | World's Healthiest Foods Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 78.87 mg | 105.2 | 22.9 | excellent |
| Manganese | 1.53 mg | 76.5 | 16.7 | excellent |
| Copper | 0.18 mg | 20.0 | 4.4 | very good |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.13 mg | 10.8 | 2.4 | good |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.18 mg | 10.6 | 2.3 | good |
| Fiber | 2.31 g | 9.2 | 2.0 | good |
| Folate | 29.70 mcg | 7.4 | 1.6 | good |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.35 mg | 7.0 | 1.5 | good |
