If there is any other fruit apart from mangoes, which people wait for in the summer season, it is the Pineapples. These fresh fruits are available at their best from March until June. The pineapple fruit is oval to cylindrical-shaped and is developed from many small fruits fused together. Its stem serves as the fibrous core. When the fruit is ripe, the tough, waxy rind may be dark green, orange-yellow, yellow or reddish in color. The fruits weigh 1 to 10 pounds or more and are up to 12 inch long.

The pineapple is generally a tropical fruit containing many essential vitamins and minerals. Not many fruits can match the taste of a golden ripe pineapple. Vitamins (B and C), minerals (magnesium, potassium, copper), dietary fiber are the main things that make up a pineapple. Apart from these, sugars, small amount of fat, different forms of vitamin B (B1, B2, B3, and B5) and carbohydrates comprise the full nutritional value.

Pineapples also contain an important proteolytic enzyme called bromelain, in addition to the nutrients. Bromelain helps a lot in recovery of injured tissues. It also heals sprains, strains, bruises and other injuries. Rightly, it is known as nature’s own anti- inflammatory drug. It also contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C), an antioxidant that protects muscle cells from free radical damage. There is one problem, though. During canning of pineapples, most of the bromelain is destroyed. Thus, people are advised to buy fresh fruit which is recognized by a sense of sweet smell and that doesn’t have any discoloration or soft spots.

These tasty fruits have a lot of health benefits, too. Following are few of them:

• Storehouse of unique health promoting compounds, minerals and vitamins required for proper health.

• Regular consumption helps fight against many diseases – By virtue of the presence of bromelain, pineapples possess anti-inflammatory, anti- clotting and anti-cancer properties. Regular consumption helps fight against indigestion and arthritis.

• Rich source of vitamin C – To maintain the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs and bones, collagen is the main structural protein. Vitamin C is required for collagen synthesis. Protection against scurvy, boosting immune system and resistance against infectious agents are other benefits of regular consumption of fruits containing vitamin C. Also helps in absorption of iron, which is necessary for the binding of oxygen to haemoglobin.

• Maintaining healthy mucusa, skin and good vision – Pineapples contain vitamin A. As it contains antioxidant properties, the above mentioned health benefits are found.

• Protect from certain type of cancer – Pineapples contain flavonoids. In fact, they are a rich source of it. Hence, lung and oral cavity cancers are prevented

In addition to these, there are other health benefits too. It can help in controlling blood rate and pressure, helps in red blood cell synthesis, etc.

These fruits should be planted at a place where temperature is the warmest. In UK, it is one of the most expensive fruit. So, if there are friends and relatives staying, while sending fruit basket in UK, do not forget to add pineapples.