Using Pineapple To Heal (ll)

Anti-inflammatory benefits: Inflammation is one’s body’s natural response to infection or stress. Over time, it can compromise the integrity of one’s immune system and increase the risk of certain diseases, including cancer. In one mouse study, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, bromelain, and other compounds extracted from pineapple leaves demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, they stopped the action of inflammatory substances in the body produced by white blood cells, like macrophages.
Antioxidant properties: Pineapple fruit and leaves are rich in antioxidants called phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and ascorbic acid which can improve conditions associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.
Improved digestion: The digestive enzyme bromelain is found in the fruit and leaves of pineapple. Used widely as a meat tenderiser, it is an enzyme that breaks down proteins and it may aid digestion too.
I always use the peels to sweeten my Zobo drink. It can be used for animal feed (pellets and animal feed block), production of paper and fertilisers because of the high-fiber and cellulose content. Composting transforms it into nutrient-rich material that can be used in the garden to improve soil texture and fertilise plants.
Let us see some of its benefits
The peel has bromelain which is a powerful enzyme. It is anti-inflammatory in nature. It can be used to reduce swellings.
It is also believed to help with digestion. It is said that the peels can fight intestinal parasites and help with constipation.
If you are looking to boost immunity, you must consider the pineapple peel. Like the fruit, the peel is rich in vitamin C which can build the overall immunity of the body, fight bacteria and help with coughing.
It can also be a teeth and bone strengthener since it is rich in manganese. It is great for oral health, because vitamin C can keep the gums healthy.
The enzyme bromelain can prevent the clotting of blood too. In fact, it can even make the blood healthier, by helping with the formation of more red blood cells.
Scientific studies
In a study titled, “Evaluation of acute anti-inflammatory effect of Ananas comosus leaf extracts in rats,’’ by Mondal et al, the study assessed the chloroform and methanol extracts of A. comosus leaf for their acute anti-inflammatory potential by carrageenan induced paw oedema in Wistar albino rats. All of the test extracts exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity. The methanol extract was found to be the most potent followed by the chloroform extract.
In a study titled, “Pineapple peel wastes (PPW) as a potential source of antioxidant compounds by Saraswaty et al, the results showed PPW contained phenolic compound, ferulic acid, vitamins A and C as antioxidants. Both dried and fresh PPW were extracted using mixtures of ethanol and water with various concentrations and the highest antioxidant activity was in the water extract.
In a study titled, “Ameliorating hyperglycemia by Ananas comosus leaves extract,’’ by Atiq Ur Rahman, study was carried out on 20 male rats. Rats were provided with A. comosus leaves extract for 35 days. Serum samples were collected to check the level of serum glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, AST, ALP, ALT, uric acid, urea and creatinine. Results indicated that A. comosus leaves have anti-diabetic properties and do not possess any harmful effect on kidney and liver.
To make pineapple peel tea, put the peels in a pot. You can also add cloves, ginger and cinnamon sticks. Add some water and allow it to brew for some 15 minutes on low flame. Turn it off and let it steep for another 15 minutes. Your peel tea is ready. Another way is to boil the peels, let it cool down. Blend it, sieve and drink. To make pineapple leaf tea, just boil it and then drink the water. If you are able to get a large amount of pineapple leaves, spread somewhere in the house, it will dry on its own. Then, you can take it to boil from time to time. Make sure you wash your pineapples well before peeling.

By: Kevin Nengia

Culled from the Punch online