PINEAPPLES A project by Afrah, Afnana, Amruta, and Madhumita

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ADAPTATIONS DISTRIBUTION CULTIVATION AND USES OF PINEAPPLE

MEDICINAL VALUES BENEFITS

INTRODUCTIONThe Bromeliaceous (the bromeliads) are a family of monocot flowering plants of around 3,170 species native mainly to the tropical Americas, with a few species found in the American subtropics and one in tropical west Africa, Pitcairnia Feliciana. These inferior ovaries characterize the Bromelioideae, a subfamily of the Bromeliaceae. The family includes both epiphytes, such as Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), and terrestrial species, such as the pineapple (Ananas comosus). Many bromeliads are able to store water in a structure formed by their tightly-overlapping leaf bases. However, the family is diverse enough to include the tank bromeliads, grey-leaved epiphyte Tillandsia species that gather water only from leaf structures called trichomes, and a large number of desert-dwelling succulents.

ADAPTATIONSBromeliads are able to live in a vast array of environmental conditions due to their many adaptations. Trichomes, in the form of scales or hairs, allow bromeliads to capture water in cloud forests and help to reflect sunlight in desert environments. Some bromeliads have also developed an adaptation known as the tank habit, which involves them forming a tightly bound structure with their leaves that helps to capture water and nutrients in the absence of a well-developed root system. Bromeliads also use crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis to create sugars. This adaptation allows bromeliads in hot or dry climates to open their stomates at night rather than during the day, which reduces water loss. PINEAPPLE AND ITS CROSS-

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DISTRIBUTIONPlants in the Bromeliaceae are widely represented in their natural climates across the Americas. One species can be found in Africa. They can be found at altitudes from sea level to 4200 meters, from rainforests to deserts. Approximately half the species are epiphytes, some are lithophytes, and some are terrestrial. Accordingly, these plants can be found in the Andean highlands, from northern Chile to Colombia, in the Sechura Desert of coastal Peru, in the cloud forests of Central and South America, in southern United States from southern Virginia to Florida to Texas, and in far southern Arizona.PINEAPPLE FARM IN FLORIDA

DISTRIBUTION

4,200 m

CULTIVATION AND USES OF PINEAPPLE

Humans have been using bromeliads for thousands of years. The Incas, Aztecs, Maya and others used them for food, protection, fiber and ceremony, just as they are still used today. European interest began when Spanish conquistadors returned with pineapple, which became so popular as an exotic food that the image of the pineapple was adapted into European art and sculpture. In 1776, the species Guzmania lingulata was introduced to Europe, causing a sensation among gardeners unfamiliar with such a plant. In 1828, Aechmea fasciata was brought to Europe, followed by Vriesea splendens in 1840. These transplants were so successful; they are still among the most widely grown bromeliad varieties.In the 19th century, breeders in Belgium, France and the Netherlands started hybridizing plants for wholesale trade. Many exotic varieties were produced until World War I, which halted breeding programs and led to the loss of some species. The plants experienced a resurgence of popularity after World War II. Since then, Dutch, Belgian and North American nurseries have greatly expanded bromeliad production.Only one bromeliad, the pineapple (Ananas comosus), is a commercially important food crop. Bromelain, a common ingredient in meat tenderizer, is extracted from pineapple stems. Many other bromeliads are popular ornamental plants, grown as both garden and houseplants.

PINEAPPLE JUICE

MEDICINAL VALUES OF PINEAPPLE

A Rich Source of Dietary Melatonin: Pineapple has been identified to be one of the richest sources of dietary melatonin tested (beating out orange and banana), capable of causing significant blood level elevations, peaking two hours after ingestion.

Pineapple Leaf Has Anti-Diabetic Properties: All parts of the pineapple plant have potential value. The leaf has been studied to have insulin-sensitizing and/or anti-diabetic properties.

Pineapple Leaves May Beat Cholesterol-Drugs: Preclinical research indicates that pineapple leaves may modulate cholesterol synthesis and activity in a manner similar to statins, but likely without the over 300 known adverse health effects of the statin drug chemical class. BENFITS

Pineapple Juice Deactivates Rotavirus Transmission: Pineapple juice, due to its low pH and other constituents in the juice, has been found to be effective at inactivating rotavirus, while honeydew and papaya juice failed.

PINEAPPLE IN MEDICINES

BENEFITS OF PINEAPPLEMany are aware that this fruit is rich in vitamins. What many are not aware is that pineapple has a host of other health benefits. It has properties that help to fight against various illness and sicknesses such as sinusitis, arthritis, indigestion, infections of the stomach and intestines. It helps to ease indigestion because it is filled with proteolytic enzyme that breaks down protein thereby promoting digestion. Pineapple is rich in manganese that is necessary to build strong bones and connective tissues. It also has anti–inflammatory properties which when taken regularly, helps to reduce the pain (mild relief) associated with arthritis in elderly.

Drinking a glass of pineapple juice regularly helps to prevent mucous accumulation in the throat. It brings out the mucous during a productive cough and clears the lungs because of its high vitamin C content. Another benefit of consuming pineapple is that it helps to prevent blood clots. It is a rich source of anti-coagulant. So, people who suffer from bleeding disorders are advised to consume a bowl of pineapples daily. Adding on to the benefits is the ability to get a healthy oral cavity. Pineapples are acidic in nature; this helps them to prevent any bacterial growth in the mouth thus discouraging plaque growth in the buccal mucosa (the mucous membranes lining the inside of the mouth). The good news for pregnant women is that consuming pineapple helps reduce morning sickness. Those suffering from terrible morning sickness can consume a bowl of pineapple on empty stomach to help ease this problem.

CONCLUSIONPineapple is a tropical fruit which is consumed fresh or in a processed form. It contains nutrients which are good for human health. It also contains anti-oxidants and protease. It has therapeutic properties; malignant cell formation , thrombus formation, inflammation , control of diarrhea , dermatological and skin debridement . As pineapple contains bromelian, it can be incorporated into foods which are an advantage to human health when taken orally.Processed pineapples are consumed worldwide and processing industries are trying out or using new technologies to retain the nutritional quality of pineapple fruit. Pineapple wastes from these processing industries can be utilized to produce methane , animal feed ,phenolics and bromelain.

PINEAPPLE’S HEALTHY5

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