FOODS FOR THE STOMACH- PINEAPPLE

Pineapple- The stomach's friend

Scientific synonym: Ananas sativus Schult.
Synonyms: Cayenne pineapple, Nana, Ananas
French: Ananas; Spanish: Ananas,
Description: Compound fruit (formed by the union of the fruits of various blossoms around a central fleshy core) of the pineapple plant ('Ananas comosus' Merr.), a herbaceous plant of the botanical family bromeliaceae that reaches a height of 50 cm.

History tells that in 1493 the inhabitants of the Antillean island of Guadeloupe offered Christopher Columbus a pineapple, which he took to be variety of artichoke. He brought it back to Spain, from where it spread to the tropical areas of Asia and Africa. It was first cultivated in Hawaii in the 19th century, which is now one of the primary world producers.

PROPERTIES AND INDICATIONS: Pineapple that has been properly matured contains approximately 11% carbohydrates, most of which are sugars. Their fat and protein contents are negligible. The prevalent vitamins in pineapple are C, B1, B6. It is also a good source of folates. Among the minerals it contains are manganese (1.65 mg/ 100 g), followed by copper, potassium, magnesium, and iron.  

The Pineapple 's non-nutritive components are of utmost importance from a dietary and therapeutic standpoint:
-Citric and malic acids: These are responsible for the pineapple's acidic taste. As is the case with citrus fruits, they potentiate the action of vitamin C.
-Bromelin acts in the digestive tract by  breaking down proteins and facilitating digestion in much the same way as the stomach's own pepsin.
The pineapple is a succulent, delicious fruit rich in certain vitamins and minerals. Many consider it a wonderful dessert as an aid to the digestion of other foods. Others prefer to eat it as an aperitif before a meal, particularly when the stomach is somehow weakened.
Its consumption is specifically indicated for the following conditions:
-Hypochlorhydria (scanty gastric juice), which is manifested by slow digestion and a sense of heaviness in the stomach.
-Gastric ptosis (prolapsed stomach) caused by the stomach' s inability to empty itself (gastric atonia).
In both cases pineapple must be eaten fresh (not canned) and ripe either before or after a meal.
-Obesity: Pineapple or fresh pineapple juice consumed before meals reduces appetite and constitutes a good complement to weight-loss diets. It is also slightly diuretic (facilitates urine production).
-Sterility: This tropical fruit is one of the richest foods in manganese, a trace element actively involved in the formation of reproductive cells, both male and female. It is therefore recommended for those suffering from sterility due to insufficient production of germinal cells (sperm in man and ova in women).
-Stomach cancer: It has been shown that pineapple is a powerful inhibitor of the formation of nitrosamines. These carcinogenic substances form in the stomach as a chemical reaction between nitrites and certain proteins contained in foods.


PREPARATION AND USE
(1)Natural: Pineapple is an ideal dessert, improving digestion. It also is an excellent aperitif, preparing the stomach for a meal.
(2)Juice: Pineapple juice must be drunk slowly because of its acidity.
(3)Canned: Canned pineapple retains most of its vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, it is poor in the enzyme bromelin, which is easily degraded. As a result, canned pineapple has little effect as a digestive aid.

Pineapple only ripens properly on the plant. If harvested early to meet the needs of transport, it is very acid and poor in nutrients.

FOODS FOR THE ARTERIES- SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Sunflower seeds- Combating arteriosclerosis

French: Graine du tournesol;
Spanish: Semillas de girasol.
Description: Seeds from the sunflower ('Helianthus annuus'L.), an annual plant of the botanical family Solanaceae Compositae that grows to a height of two meters.

PROPERTIES AND INDICATIONS: Sunflower seeds are composed of up to 49.6% fat, which provides an excellent culinary oil; 22.8% proteins, an amount similar to meat; and up to 8.3% carbohydrates.
Sunflower seeds are almost completely lacking in vitamins A and C. But they are one of the richest sources of vitamin E (surpassed only by almonds) and vitamin B1 (surpassed only by brewer's yeast).
They are very rich in such minerals as magnesium, iron (6.8 mg/100 g, equal to lentils), calcium and phosphorous.
It is possible to deduce from this that sunflower seeds are among the most nutritionally concentrated foods, minerals, and vitamins B1 and E. Even with all of this nutritional richness, they are easily digested provided they are well chewed.
Eating sunflower seeds regularly (unsalted, of course) is particularly indicated in the following situations:
-Arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease: The essential fatty acids in sunflower seeds (particularly linoleic acid) impede the progress of arteriosclerosis by lowering the level of cholesterol in the blood. Vitamin E, which sunflower seeds contain in abundance, is a powerful antioxidant that prevents arterial deterioration. It also reduces platelet stickiness, which helps prevent blood clots and heart attacks.
-Excess cholesterol: Eating sunflower seeds, particularly as a substitute for other fatty or calorie-rich foods, causes a significant reduction in cholesterol level. This same effect is gained by using sunflower seed oil.
-Skin and related disorders: Linoleic acid and vitamin E improve the elasticity of the skin, protecting its cells from the effects of aging (antioxidant action). Eating sunflower seeds is recommended for eczema, cracked, dry skin, and dermatitis in general. They also strengthen the nails and hair, reducing the number of gray hairs.
- Nervous disorders: Sunflower seeds contain as much vitamin B1 as wheat germ. Those suffering from stress, depression, insomnia, or nervousness will find real help in these humble seeds.

-Diabetes: Sunflower seeds are well tolerated by diabetics and constitute a nutritious food that should be included in their diet.
-Increased nutritional needs: Sunflower seeds are a high-calorie food, as well as being rich in essential nutrients. They are appropriate for pregnant or lactating women, athletes, those with anemia, those that are undernourished, and those recovering from debilitating diseases, and in general, anyone needing a greater supply of nutrition.
-Cancer: Numerous epidemiological and experimental studies show that vitamin E exercises an anticarcinogenic effect, as well as offering a possible cure in some instances.

PREPARATION AND USE
(1)Raw: Sunflower seeds are best eaten raw after they have been spread on a flat surface and dried for a few days.
(2)Toasted: These are very flavorful, but if they are toasted for a long period their nutritional value suffers.
(3)Ground to a paste: Once shelled, the seeds are ground to a homogeneous paste, which is excellent for children, the elderly, and those with deteriorated teeth.