A Powerpoint made for my school on the topic Pinapples describing their origin, abundance and health benefits. Reference: Wikipedia Article on Pineapples.

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

2. CONTENTS
 INTRODUCTION
 ADAPTATIONS
 DISTRIBUTION
 CULTIVATION AND USES OF PINEAPPLE
 MEDICINALVALUES
 BENEFITS

3. INTRODUCTION
The 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.

4. ADAPTATIONS
Bromeliads 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- SECTION

5. DISTRIBUTION
Plants 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

6. DISTRIBUTION
4,200 m

7. 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

8. MEDICINALVALUES 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

9. BENEFITS OF PINEAPPLE
Many 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.

10. CONCLUSION
Pineapple 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