Fresh Frozen Organic Pineapple
Pineapple is a delicious fruit, celebrated for centuries not only for its unique taste but also for its remarkable health benefits. Our fresh frozen organic pineapples are handpicked at peak ripeness, then meticulously skinned, cleaned, cut into chunks, and frozen on harvest day to lock in their tantalizing sweet flavor and nutritional goodness. Sustainably grown in Costa Rica without the use of harmful pesticides or chemical sprays, our pineapple chunks offer maximum health and societal benefits, ensuring you can enjoy them with a clear conscience.
A pineapple can weigh up to eight pounds and boasts a harmonious balance of sweet and tart flavors, thanks to its fiber-like pectin that provides a satisfying chewy texture. Originally native to Thailand, Malaysia, Kenya, India, and China, pineapples are now cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions, including Central and South America.
Historically, pineapples were so rare that only the very wealthy could afford them, with some even renting the exotic fruit for display at dinner parties. Its high vitamin C content made it invaluable for sailors on long voyages, offering natural protection against scurvy, a common health issue during lengthy sea explorations.
Beyond vitamin C, pineapples are rich in manganese, copper, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, dietary fiber, folate, and pantothenic acid. These nutrients boost immune function and enhance bone, hair, and vision health. Pineapple's anti-inflammatory properties also help manage arthritis, osteoarthritis, and aid in post-workout recovery.
Used globally as a natural remedy for a range of ailments from indigestion to allergies, pineapple is packed with phytonutrients and the enzyme bromelain, which enhances digestion, protects against cardiovascular disease, supports fertility, and acts as an anti-swelling agent. Additionally, pineapple contains phytochemicals like bioflavonoids and tannins that combat oxidative stress that contribute to accelerated aging.
Practical ways to enjoy our fresh frozen pineapple include blending it into smoothies and juices, adding it to recipes for sauces and desserts, using it as a topping for pizzas and salads, or enjoying it straight from the freezer as a refreshing and healthy snack. Pineapple truly offers a taste of the tropics with impressive nutritional benefits, making it a fantastic addition to any diet.
Pineapple’s Nutritional Profile
Pineapple has an impressive nutrient profile. This nutritional bounty includes:
A wide variety of vitamins: Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and the gamet of B-vitamins, including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), vitamin B6, and folate (B9).,
Many minerals: Potassium, copper, manganese, calcium, iron, sodium, and magnesium.
Anti- inflammatory, anti-oxidant compounds such as Bromelain.
Healthy dietary fiber: The complement of soluble and insoluble fiber helps promote a feeling of fullness, aids in digestion, and helps prevent constipation, making it a great addition to a weight-loss diet.
Low-Calorie and high water content
Despite being low in calories, just 83 calories per cup, pineapple is highly nutritious. Its high water content makes it a refreshing and hydrating snack that can support weight loss when consumed in moderation.
A cup of pineapple chunks contains significant amounts of:
- Vitamin C: 88% of the DV
- Manganese: 109% of the DV for women, and 66% of the DV for men
- Vitamin B6: 11% of the DV
- Copper: 20% of the DV
- Thiamine: 11% of the DV
- Folate: 7% of the DV
- Potassium: 4% of the DV
- Magnesium: 5% of the DV
- Niacin: 5% of the DV
- Pantothenic acid: 7% of the DV
- Riboflavin: 4% of the DV
- Iron: 3% of the DV
(DV = Daily Value: average daily needs)
Pineapples also contain trace amounts of phosphorus, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A and vitamin K, along with at least 30 other nutritive and bioactive compounds, including various sugars, polyphenols, and organic acids.
The fruit's high copper content supports nervous and immune system functions, while manganese is vital for brain and nerve function and energy metabolism. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in boosting the immune system. Additionally, vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron from our diets, further enhancing its health benefits. Magnesium is another key nutrient found in pineapples, offering antioxidant properties that help combat oxidative stress in the body. This mineral is also essential for growth and development, supporting a variety of bodily functions.
Many studies have suggested that consumption of pineapples decreases the risk of obesity, overall mortality, diabetes, and heart disease. It also promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, and an overall lower weight. The following are some of the potential benefits of eating pineapple.
Health Benefits
Helps Protect Against Cardiovascular Disease
Pineapples contribute significantly to cardiovascular health due to their fiber, potassium, and vitamin C content. Potassium, in particular, plays a vital role in heart health. Studies have shown that people who consume high amounts of potassium, around 4,069 mg per day, have a 49 percent lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared to those who consume less.
Additionally, pineapples contain the enzyme bromelain, which helps improve heart health by preventing blood clotting. Bromelain inhibits blood platelets from sticking together or accumulating along blood vessel walls, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Preliminary research on animals indicates that daily consumption of pineapple extract can lower serum lipid profiles, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels, which are significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease. These findings suggest that the antioxidant properties of pineapples can offer protective benefits against high cholesterol, and associated cardiovascular issues.
May Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Incorporating pineapple into your daily diet may help reduce cancer risk due to its rich content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are linked to cancer progression, and pineapples, loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C, can counter these effects. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, has been shown in test-tube studies to boost the immune system by producing white blood cells that suppress and kill cancer cells. Additionally, bromelain promotes apoptosis, selectively targeting cancerous cells while sparing healthy ones and the high fiber intake from pineapple is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.
Aids Bone Health
Pineapple is a valuable source of copper, with one cup of pineapple chunks providing 0.18 mg, or 20% of the Daily Value for adults. While calcium often takes center stage for bone health, copper is crucial as it prevents the resorption of broken-down bone cells into the blood. Additionally, pineapple contains manganese, a trace mineral essential for bone formation. Manganese can increase bone mineral content and improve density, making manganese-rich foods particularly beneficial for post-menopausal women. Research shows a link between low serum manganese levels and bone loss, highlighting the importance of this nutrient.
Aids Digestion
Regular consumption of pineapple can contribute to better gastrointestinal health. Research suggests that people who include pineapple in their diet experience fewer intestinal problems and overall improved digestive function. This can be attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to better outcomes in inflammatory bowel diseases and related conditions.
In addition to bromelain, pineapples are rich in dietary fiber, which helps prevent constipation, promotes regularity, and supports a healthy digestive tract. Fiber can help alleviate various digestive ailments such as constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Boosts Immunity
Pineapple has long been valued for its immune-boosting properties. A 2014 study involving 98 adolescents over nine days found that those who consumed one or two cups of pineapple daily had a lower risk of viral and bacterial infections and higher white blood cell counts compared to those who did not consume pineapple. This effect is attributed to pineapple's rich content of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes like bromelain, which collectively enhance immunity and reduce inflammation.
Arthritis Relief
Pineapples may offer significant relief for arthritis pain due to the presence of bromelain. Bromelain also has the potential to reducing the risk of osteoarthritis. In a study involving people with osteoarthritis, a digestive enzyme supplement with bromelain helped relieve pain as effectively as standard arthritis medicines. Given these findings, pineapple and its bromelain content could serve as a natural ally in managing inflammation and arthritis discomfort.
May Accelerate Recovery after Surgery or Strenuous Exercise
Pineapple may play a significant role in accelerating recovery post-surgery or after rigorous exercise, largely due to the presence of bromelain, a key enzyme. Bromelain has been shown to impact positively exercise-induced injuries or muscle damage, and it has been employed in Europe to expedite the healing of surgical wounds, inflammation from trauma, and the treatment of deep burns. Additionally, bromelain may alleviate discomfort, pain, or swelling following dental surgery. Including pineapple in your diet could potentially hasten recovery after strenuous activities or surgical procedures by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Final Thoughts
Our fresh frozen organically grown pineapples are a wonderfully sweet fruit loaded with nutrients that offer so many health benefits. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and potassium, which promotes heart health. The enzyme bromelain found in pineapples aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, antioxidants help combat oxidative stress. Including pineapple in your diet can help normalize blood pressure, improve digestion, support healing, fight cancer, and reduce inflammation among other benefits. Overall, the promising health benefits of pineapple make it an excellent choice for those looking for great taste, and to improve their well-being.
Resources Used for NWWF Blog #34: Fresh Frozen Organic Pineapple
https://www.organichealthinizer.com/health-benefits-of-pineapple/
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/pineapples.html
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-pineapple
https://draxe.com/nutrition/benefits-of-pineapple/
https://www.verywellhealth.com/pineapple-benefits-and-nutrition-8558352
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276903#benefits
https://www.verywellfit.com/pineapple-nutrition-facts-calories-and-health-benefits-4114409