Ananas
Ananas
Ananas or the famous Pineapple is also known as the “King of Fruits”. The fruit is juicy and is used in various traditional medicines. It is loaded with nutrients like vitamins A, C and K, phosphorus, zinc, calcium and manganese.
Ananas helps to boost immunity and is beneficial for removing toxins from the body due to its vitamin C content. It also aids in digestion due to a certain enzyme present in it (known as bromelain). It is also useful in urine infections due to its antibacterial property. Drinking Ananas juice along with jaggery helps in getting relief from joint pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Ananas juice also keeps the body hydrated, boosts immunity and helps in bone formation. It might also be an effective remedy for managing nausea and motion sickness.
Ananas is also beneficial for skin problems like acne and burns due to its anti-inflammatory property. Applying a paste of Ananas pulp with honey on skin helps in skin tightening.
Ananas is generally safe to eat in food quantities but excessive consumption may lead to certain problems and allergies in few individuals who are sensitive to bromelain[1-3].
Ananas helps to boost immunity and is beneficial for removing toxins from the body due to its vitamin C content. It also aids in digestion due to a certain enzyme present in it (known as bromelain). It is also useful in urine infections due to its antibacterial property. Drinking Ananas juice along with jaggery helps in getting relief from joint pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Ananas juice also keeps the body hydrated, boosts immunity and helps in bone formation. It might also be an effective remedy for managing nausea and motion sickness.
Ananas is also beneficial for skin problems like acne and burns due to its anti-inflammatory property. Applying a paste of Ananas pulp with honey on skin helps in skin tightening.
Ananas is generally safe to eat in food quantities but excessive consumption may lead to certain problems and allergies in few individuals who are sensitive to bromelain[1-3].
What are the synonyms of Ananas?
Ananas comosus, Pineapple, Anarasa, Nana
What is the source of Ananas?
Plant Based
Benefits of Ananas
Modern Science View
Bromelain in Ananas has anticancer, anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. It slows down the progression of cancer by inhibiting tumor cell growth[4][13].
Modern Science View
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Ananas might be beneficial in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Bromelain in Ananas has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It helps reduce inflammation and pain by blocking the pain mediators[4][11].
Ayurvedic View
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is known as Aamavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama takes place in the joints. Amavāta starts with a weak digestive fire which leads to accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Ananas has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis like pain and swelling in the joints.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2-1 cup of Ananas (Pineapple) juice.
2. Mix with jaggery.
3. Have it once or twice a day to reduce the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2-1 cup of Ananas (Pineapple) juice.
2. Mix with jaggery.
3. Have it once or twice a day to reduce the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis.
Modern Science View
Ananas might be beneficial in managing osteoarthritis. Bromelain in Ananas has anti-inflammatory and analgesic property. Ananas helps to reduce inflammation, pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis[4][11][13].
Ayurvedic View
Ananas helps to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. According to Ayurveda, osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling and affects joint mobility. Ananas has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis like pain and swelling in the joints.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2-1 cup of Ananas (Pineapple) juice.
2. Mix with jaggery.
3. Have it once or twice a day to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis
Tips:
1. Take 1/2-1 cup of Ananas (Pineapple) juice.
2. Mix with jaggery.
3. Have it once or twice a day to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis
Ayurvedic View
Urinary tract infection is describe under the broad term of Mutrakcchra in Ayurveda. Mutra means ooze, krichra means painful. Thus, dysuria and painful urination is called as Mutrakcchra. In urinary tract infection, Ananas juice helps to control burning sensation due to its Sita (cold) property. It also helps eliminate toxins from the body.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2 - 1 cup of Ananas juice.
2. Mix the same quantity of water.
3. Have it once or twice a day to control the symptoms of UTI.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2 - 1 cup of Ananas juice.
2. Mix the same quantity of water.
3. Have it once or twice a day to control the symptoms of UTI.
Modern Science View
Bromelain in Ananas acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Ananas inhibits the activity of inflammatory mediators and reduces the symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis[4][13].
Modern Science View
Bromelain in Ananas acts as as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. It reduces the inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane. Ananas also reduces the discomfort associated with sinusitis like difficulty in breathing[4][13].
How effective is Ananas?
Insufficient evidence
Cancer, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sinusitis, Ulcerative colitis, Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Precautions when using Ananas
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
1. Although Ananas is safe if taken in food amount, Ananas supplements or excessive Ananas intake might cause thinning of blood. This is due to the presence of an enzyme bromelain. So it advisable to take Ananas supplements only after consulting a doctor if you are taking anticoagulants or blood thinners[7].
2. Although it is safe to take Ananas in moderate amounts, it is not advised to take it in excess. Bromelain present in Ananas can lead to asthmatic attack[8][9].
2. Although it is safe to take Ananas in moderate amounts, it is not advised to take it in excess. Bromelain present in Ananas can lead to asthmatic attack[8][9].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Avoid Ananas during breastfeeding as not enough safety information is available[10].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
1. Ananas may increase the side effects of antibiotics. So it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Ananas along with antibiotics[4][10].
2. Ananas may increase the effects of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. So it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Ananas along with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs[4][10].
2. Ananas may increase the effects of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. So it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Ananas along with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs[4][10].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Ananas may increase the blood sugar level. So it is advisable to monitor the blood glucose level while taking Ananas or its supplements along with anti-diabetic drugs[6].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Avoid Ananas during pregnancy as it may cause abnormal uterine bleeding[5][10].
Side Effects
Modern Science View
1. Stomach upset
2. Diarrhea
3. Swelling in throat
4. Menstrual problems
5. Nausea[4][10].
2. Diarrhea
3. Swelling in throat
4. Menstrual problems
5. Nausea[4][10].
Recommended Dosage of Ananas
- Ananas Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Ananas Juice - ½ - 1 cup twice day or as per your requirement.
How to use Ananas
1. Ananas Murabba
a. Wash and chop 3 full Ananas into small pieces.
b. Add the chopped Ananas pieces and 2 cups of sugar in a bowl.
c. Mix well till the sugar starts to dissolve.
d. Let it sit for 10-12 hours.
e. Give a stir and transfer to a pan.
f. Bring the mixture to a boil.
g. Stir the mixture from time to time till you get one and a half string consistency.
h. Remove the pan from the flame.
i. Add cinnamon sticks, cardamom and saffron to the mixture.
j. Stir and transfer in a jar to store.
2. Ananas Chutney
a. Cut about 500 grams of Ananas into slightly bigger pieces after removing the core.
b. Grind them coarsely.
c. Transfer the pieces to a pan and add Ananas juice and sugar.
d. Cook on medium heat.
e. Add crushed black peppercorns and continue cooking.
f. Add salt and mix well.
g. Continue to cook till mushy chutney consistency is achieved.
h. Cool and store in airtight containers in a refrigerator.
3. Ananas Powder
a. Cut Ananas into thin slices.
b. Place on a baking tray.
c. Place it in the oven at 225℃ for about 30 minutes.
d. Remove the slices from the oven and put the dried pieces in a grinder or food processor.
e. Remove the Ananas powder from the grinder or food processor and store in airtight container.
a. Wash and chop 3 full Ananas into small pieces.
b. Add the chopped Ananas pieces and 2 cups of sugar in a bowl.
c. Mix well till the sugar starts to dissolve.
d. Let it sit for 10-12 hours.
e. Give a stir and transfer to a pan.
f. Bring the mixture to a boil.
g. Stir the mixture from time to time till you get one and a half string consistency.
h. Remove the pan from the flame.
i. Add cinnamon sticks, cardamom and saffron to the mixture.
j. Stir and transfer in a jar to store.
2. Ananas Chutney
a. Cut about 500 grams of Ananas into slightly bigger pieces after removing the core.
b. Grind them coarsely.
c. Transfer the pieces to a pan and add Ananas juice and sugar.
d. Cook on medium heat.
e. Add crushed black peppercorns and continue cooking.
f. Add salt and mix well.
g. Continue to cook till mushy chutney consistency is achieved.
h. Cool and store in airtight containers in a refrigerator.
3. Ananas Powder
a. Cut Ananas into thin slices.
b. Place on a baking tray.
c. Place it in the oven at 225℃ for about 30 minutes.
d. Remove the slices from the oven and put the dried pieces in a grinder or food processor.
e. Remove the Ananas powder from the grinder or food processor and store in airtight container.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
The shelf life of Ananas is dependent on the time it was picked and the way it is stored. Full uncut Ananas can last upto 3-5 days if stored in refrigerator. Sliced Ananas stored in an airtight container in a refrigerator must be consumed within 6 days. Frozen or canned Ananas can last upto 6 months.
Modern Science View
A whole Ananas weighs approximately 900 grams. On an average, it contains about 450 calories.
Modern Science View
The leaves of a Ananas that has gone bad appear brown and breaks easily. The body of the Ananas would also appear brownish and dried and its bottom will be soft and wet. As the Ananas goes bad, it starts smelling like vinegar due to the fermentation of sugars. The inside will turn dark brown and the vinegary taste will accentuate.
Modern Science View
As the Ananas ages, brown spots starts to appear on its outer surface. It is safe to eat Ananas till the outer surface is firm. Once the brown spots leave an indentation on the surface when pressed, it indicates the Ananas has expired.
Modern Science View
Fresh Ananas has lower sugar content as compared to canned or frozen Ananas. Half a cup of canned Ananas contains about 15 grams of carbohydrate. Even though Ananas is a rich source of carbohydrates, it also contains fibre and other essential nutrients. This property makes it useful in managing Diabetes.
References
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- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
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- Hidayat Y, Hermawati E, Setiasih S, et al.Antibacterial activity test of the partially purified bromelain from pineapple core extract (Ananas comosus [L.] Merr) by fractionation using ammonium sulfate acetone.AIP Conference Proceedings 2023.2018.https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5064064.
- Hunter JP.Health Benefits: From Foods and Spices.2014.
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Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.