PineapplePosted 9 years ago under Uncategorized

Pineapple is a delicious treat with a number of health benefits. In addition to being high in vitamin C, they are high in bromelain. This enzyme is useful in breaking down proteins in the digestive track as well as reduces inflammation and helps fight hypothyroidism. (1) The manganese in pineapple helps the body to build strong bones and connective tissues. (2)

Taxonomy

Pineapple grows on the Ananas comosus plant.

Kingdom (Plantae) > Angiosperms > Monocots > Commelinids > Order (Poales) > Family (Bromeliaceae) > Subfamily (Bromelioideae) > Genus (Ananas) > Species (Ananas comosus)

Description

Pineapples grow on the top of long, sturdy stems that can range in height from 3 to 6 feet. The leaves are sword- shaped and grow around the stem in a spiral formation. They can reach lengths of five feet once fully mature. The flowers are hermaphroditic and are white in color with tips of blue-violet. The fruit is formed from many fruitlets fusing together at the top of the stem. (3)

Distribution

The pineapple originates from South America but later spread to Hawaii and other tropical areas around the world. Some major producers include Brazil, Thailand, India, Costa Rica, Honduras, Ghana, and Philippines. The largest exporter is the Philippines. (4)

Nutritional Information

Pineapple is a good source of nutrition including vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It is high in vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, and manganese. It also is a rich source of bromelain, an enzyme with a number of benefits. Bromelain helps break down protein in the digestive system and also has anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties. It also known to be effective in fighting cancer. The vitamins and minerals in pineapple are also useful in helping to lower blood pressure and control heart rate as well as synthesizing red blood cells. (5)

Commercial Cultivation

Pineapples grow in tropical environments. While they can tolerate short periods of cold temperatures, they cannot tolerate frost. They thrive in sandy loamy soil that is acidic. They are grown from crowns (cut-off top pieces of the pineapple). (6)

Diseases, Pests, Predators

Common pests and diseases include ones that affect tropical plants. These include heart and root rot, butt rot, black rot, white leaf spot, and marbling. The most common pest is the mealybug. (7)

Sources

(1) http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/issue/15-understand-hypothyroidism-prevention-and-natural-remedies/#heal
(2) http://www.naturalnews.com/025746_pineapple_fruit_Bromelain.html
(3) http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg055
(4) http://www.botanical-online.com/english/pineapple.htm
(5) http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pineapple.html
(6) https://www.plantvillage.com/en/topics/pineapple/infos/diseases_and_pests_description_uses_propagation
(7) https://www.plantvillage.com/en/topics/pineapple/infos/diseases_and_pests_description_uses_propagation