Nature's Remedies - the Pineapple

It may come as a surprise to you, but the common, succulent, delicious fruit that we love to get our teeth into has special property that sets it apart from the rest of the fruits. It contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is capable of breaking down the proteins in our foods. This is a function normally carried out by the gastric and digestive enzymes in our digestive system. Pineapples are also rich in valuable vitamins and minerals. And as one of nature's remedies, in folk medicine, either the fruit or the juice of the pineapple has been used and is used to induce perspiration and reduce fever. It is its diuretic properties that causes the perspiration, flushing the toxins from the body. As a consequence to the active assistance to the digestive process, gastrointestinal upsets are relieved, which in turn improves circulation, arresting cramps and inhibiting inflammation.

Pineapple contains a wholesome amount of Vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and dietary fibre. It also contains citric acid, and additional fruit acids in addition to the bromelain already mentioned. A good dosage of pineapple, to take advantage of its myriad healing powers, would be to take 100 ml of its juice three times daily before meals or a slice with each meal. It can also be taken between meals.

The medicinal benefits of eating pineapple or drinking its juice are:

- Prevention and treatment of sports injuries due to its power anti-inflammatory properties,

- Easing of the pain of arthritis,

- Treatment of peptic ulcers because of its glutamine content,

- Treatment of corns and calluses on the feet.

- Removal of rough skin on the elbows and the heels,

- Increasing of appetite,

- General strengthener and tonic.

While buying pineapple, buy ripe ones as it does not ripen after it has been harvested. Only the ripe fruit contains the beneficial ingredients mentioned above. When choosing pine apple look for a golden reddish color. It should be slightly amenable to squeezing but should not have any soft spots. It should have a fragrant aroma and not a sour or fermented one and its crown should be fresh and green. Canned pineapple, loses most of its healing powers.

Fresh pineapple juice missed with herbal tea, such as chamomile, can calm the digestive tract in children. The mixture, in small quantities is good for toddlers and small children.

As a precaution, like all acids, fruit acids in pineapple can also have an aggressive effect on certain parts of the body, particularly the tooth enamel and the gums. Too much of a good thing usually turns out to be bad and too much of pineapple tends to gingivitis and cavities. The best thing to do after eating pineapple or pineapple products would be to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth as soon as possible.

The pineapple in one of nature's remedies and the fruit and its juice are good for health and may be eaten regularly.