Food Focus: Pineapple
Did you know that pineapple is a compound fruit? I didn’t even know what a compound fruit was until I did my research for this article. A compound fruit is a fruit that develops from many small fruits that become fused together around a central core. It’s low in calories: around 50 calories/100 grams (approx. 3/5 cup) and contains a digestive enzyme called bromelain that digests food by breaking down the proteins. Bromelain has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as anti-clotting and anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that regular consumption of pineapple helps prevent arthritis (note—“-itis” indicates inflammation), indigestion and worm infestation.
In terms of percentage of RDA, pineapple contains:
- Vitamins
- Folates – 4.5%
- Niacin – 4%
- Pyridoxine – 9%
- Riboflavin – 1.5%
- Thiamin – 6.5%
- Vitamin A – 2%
- Vitamin C – 80%
- Vitamin E – <1%
- Vitamin K – 0.5%
- Electrolytes
- Potassium – 2.5%
- Minerals
- Calcium – 13%
- Copper – 12%
- Iron – 3.5%
- Magnesium – 3%
- Manganese – 40%
- Phosphorous – 1%
- Selenium – <1%
- Zinc – 1%
Pineapple has always been one of my favorite fruits. I also love to make fresh pineapple/carrot juice. Yummy.
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