So, what is pink pineapple? This fruit is a unique and highly sought-after option that has recently gained popularity. Known for its vibrant color and sweet taste, the pink pineapple is a must-try for any fruit enthusiast.
But what exactly is pink pineapple, how does it taste, and is it good for your health? This article takes you through everything you need to know about this pineapple.
See also Pineapple for Weight Loss and More and Pineapple Growing Instructions.
What is pink pineapple?
Pink pineapple, also known as pinkglow® pineapple or pinkglow® pink, is a variety of pineapple that has been genetically modified to produce pink flesh. The pink color is caused by lycopene, a pigment also found in tomatoes and watermelons.
Besides the color, pink pineapples are also known for their sweeter taste and lower acidity than traditional yellow pineapples, making them a premium product.
Where do pink pineapples come from?
These pineapples are considered a rare delicacy and are less widely available than conventional pineapples.
While you can find the regular pineapple almost anywhere throughout the world, pink pineapples only grow on a single farm with the ideal soil and climate in the South-Central region of Costa Rica.
Del Monte is the only company that grows this variety in limited quantities, so you may not get it anywhere else than any grocery stores they sell it to.
Are pink pineapples good for you?
Pink pineapples, like regular pineapples, are a good source of vitamin C and manganese. They also contain small amounts of thiamin, vitamin B6, and folate.
Additionally, pink pineapples are a source of dietary fiber and contain enzymes that may aid digestion. Besides, pineapples contain bromelain, a group of enzymes with anti-inflammatory properties.
What does pink pineapple taste like?
Pink pineapples are said to have a sweeter and more delicate flavor than traditional yellow pineapples. Some say they taste like a cross between strawberries and regular pineapple.
They are described as having a slightly tangy taste with a hint of honey and a more tender and juicy texture than regular pineapples.
Health Benefits of Pineapples
1. Immune support
Pink pineapples are rich in Vitamin C, an essential nutrient for maintaining a healthy immune system.
Research has proven that Vitamin C helps protect the body against infections by stimulating the production of white blood cells, essential for fighting germs and viruses.
The fruit also contains high levels of phytochemicals like anthocyanin and flavonoids, which can help to protect the body against damage caused by free radicals that can harm cells, proteins, and DNA.
Pink pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties. They help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a crucial factor in many chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis.
2. Digestion
Pink pineapples are a good source of dietary fiber, which is vital for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Fiber helps bulk stool and promotes regular bowel movements, preventing constipation and other digestive problems.
The bromelain also helps break down proteins and reduce inflammation in the gut. This aids in the digestion of food and helps prevent digestive issues such as bloating and gas.
Additionally, pink pineapples stimulate the production of stomach acid and enzymes, which can aid in the breakdown of food and make it easier to digest.
3. Cardiovascular health
Pink pineapples are a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension.
The fruit is also low in calories, which is beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of obesity, a significant risk factor for heart disease.
Additionally, pink pineapples are high in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
The fruit also contains small amounts of folate that helps to lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.
4. Eye health
Pink pineapples contain high levels of vitamin C, which helps to protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C also helps to protect the eyes from damage caused by harmful UV rays.
It’s also rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy vision.
Vitamin A is also crucial for maintaining the retina’s health and helps prevent age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
Additionally, pink pineapples contain other vital nutrients, such as zinc and manganese, essential for maintaining eye health and preventing vision loss.
5. Wound healing
Pink pineapple contains high levels of bromelain. This enzyme has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce wound swelling and inflammation, thus speeding up the healing process.
Bromelain also helps break down dead tissue and promote new tissue growth, an essential factor in wound healing.
Additionally, vitamin C in pink pineapple is vital for producing collagen, a protein that helps strengthen and repair damaged skin.
6. Good for the skin
Pink pineapple contains high levels of vitamin C, essential for the skin. It can help to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles.
The enzymes in pink pineapples, such as bromelain, can help to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover.
Additionally, pink pineapple is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors.
Incorporating pink pineapple into your diet can help improve your skin’s appearance, leaving it looking brighter, supple, and youthful.
7. Reduce the risk of cancer
Pink pineapple has high levels of antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of cancer. The antioxidants in pink pineapple, such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and bromelain, help neutralize harmful free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to cancer development.
Additionally, bromelain has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Research shows bromelain inhibits the growth and spread of cancer cells and can also help to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs.
Pink pineapple is also rich in Vitamin A, which can prevent the development of cancer cells in the body.
Even though pink pineapple has some properties that might help reduce cancer risk, it is not a definitive cancer prevention measure.
Ensure you maintain a well-rounded diet and lifestyle to support overall health and potentially reduce cancer risk.
8. Aids in weight loss
Pink pineapples are an excellent option for those looking to lose weight due to their low calorie and fat content. A cup of pink pineapple chunks contains only 82 calories and less than 1 gram of fat.
Additionally, the fruit is a rich source of fiber that keeps you feeling full, prevents overeating, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Bromelain, an enzyme present in pink pineapples, also promotes weight loss with its fat-burning properties.
Furthermore, pink pineapples are a good source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts metabolism, thereby speeding up the body’s fat-burning process.
9. Improve bone health
Pineapples have beneficial properties for bone health, including being a good source of manganese, a mineral essential for forming and maintaining healthy bones.
The pink pineapple may offer the same benefits. Additionally, pineapples contain Vitamin C, crucial in creating collagen, a protein that makes up a large part of bones.
The enzyme bromelain also reduces inflammation, a risk factor for osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions. Furthermore, pineapples contain Vitamin K, which is vital for maintaining healthy bones and reducing the risk of developing bone conditions.
10. Aids in cognitive function
The vitamin C in pink pineapples provides antioxidant benefits to the brain, thus protecting the brain from damage caused by free radicals and potentially preventing cognitive decline.
The fruit also reduces inflammation in the brain, which has been associated with cognitive decline and brain disorders.
Pink pineapples are also a good source of manganese, a mineral critical for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system.
Additionally, the vitamins B1 and B6 contained in the fruit are essential for maintaining cognitive function, including memory and concentration.
Uses of pink pineapples
- Culinary Use: Pink pineapples can be used in various culinary applications, such as fresh eating, grilling, baking, and blending into smoothies, cocktails, and juices. They can also be used as a sweet and tangy topping for pizza and salads.
- Skincare: Pineapples contains enzymes and antioxidants that can are beneficial for the skin. The fruit can be used as a face mask or added to other skincare products.
- Medications and supplements: The bromelain enzyme present in pineapples is often used as a supplement to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain. It is also used in medications to treat osteoarthritis and sore throat. Some of these medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and combination products that contain bromelain and other ingredients, such as quercetin, trypsin, and rutin.
Should you eat pink pineapple?
While this pineapple may offer numerous benefits and even uses, as discussed above, the main question remains, is it really good for your health?
Just like you would question GMO maize, soy, and many more GMO foods, pink pineapple is no different. It’s a GMO product and thus can affect your health like any other GMO food.
In 2016, the American FDA approved pink pineapples as safe for consumption and commercialization.
It also stated that the Pineapple is as nutritious as their yellow counterparts.
With that said, let’s take a closer look at what research says, and I believe after this, you’ll be in the right position to decide whether pink pineapple should be on your plate or not.
How are GMO foods developed?
GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. Scientists create GMO foods to improve resilience, taste, and sometimes nutritional benefits.
These foods are made by introducing a genetic material or a DNA of a different organism through the process of genetic engineering.
At face value, genetically modified foods may seem like the way to go for different reasons, including
- Improved nutritional value of food
- Better yields by introducing drought-resistant genes
- Disease resistant
- Less use of pesticides
- Faster-growing plants and animals
- Increased food supply and longer shelf life
- Tastier foods
Health Concerns over GMO Foods
1. Antibacterial Resistance
Some genetically modified crops contain genes that make them resistant to antibiotics. Theoretically, these genes can enter the human body and cause the same effects on human gut bacteria.
These can decrease the effectiveness of antibiotics, thus causing antibiotic resistance.
2. Allergies
In some cases, the genetic changes in GMO foods may trigger an allergen, causing allergies to those consuming that certain food.
For example, combining an isolated gene from brazil nuts to create a type of soybean enriched with the amino acid methionine could cause a nut allergy to anyone eating this type of soy or food products made from it.
3. Increased risk of cancer
In a 2014 study published in Environmental Sciences Europa, rats fed Monsanto’s glyphosate-resistant NK603 corn for two years developed more tumors and died earlier than placebo groups.
Research also found that the rats developed tumors when glyphosate was added to their drinking water. Glyphosate, also known as Roundup, is a herbicide used on GM corn.
4. Loss of nutrition
GM foods have altered nutritional profiles, with some containing more antinutrient compounds than their conventional counterparts.
This disruptive nature of nutrients may result in increased toxins, allergens, and nutrient malabsorption.
So, should you eat pink pineapple?
While different people may have different views on GM foods, the consistency in studies cannot lie. Besides, anything that is not in its natural form will definitely react to your natural body.
So while pink pineapple may sound exciting and something you may want to enjoy, look at the bigger picture. What is there for you in the long run?
You can still enjoy the benefits that come with it by eating the regular pineapple.
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Final thoughts
Pink pineapple is a fascinating type of pineapple that has been genetically modified.
It contains almost similar nutrients as the regular pineapple, which means their benefits are somewhat identical.
Nonetheless, it’s not natural and may come with some health risks.
While the FDA believes it’s safe for consumption, the answer comes down to why you would prefer GM food when you can achieve the same benefits by consuming its original form.
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I love this pineapple
I am from Rwanda , it’s the first time to see this fruit , thank you for sharing