Sweet, juicy, and packed with health benefits – pineapples are the answer to your gardening and health needs. Why not create your own tropical oasis with homegrown pineapples?
In a recent article published on Health For Mzansi, Nomaswazi Ntshingila, an intern plant pathologist from KwaZulu-Natal, shares why pineapples are rich in soluble sugars, citric acid, and essential nutrients like carotenoids and bromelain.
“Carotenoids in pineapples are a source of vitamin C, which boosts our immune system to fight against bacterial infections,” she explains.
Additionally, pineapples are packed with copper, potassium, and magnesium, which aid in promoting immune health, liver function, and nutrient absorption.
The bromelain enzyme, found throughout the pineapple, is particularly beneficial for digestion and has been linked to improved medicine absorption in the body. “Bromelain is a good enzyme source for protein digestion in the body,” Ntshingila adds, emphasising its role in maintaining a healthy diet.
Grow your own
For optimal growth, pineapples thrive in warm, sunny areas with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. Crop science specialist Nthabeleng Pebana, based in Cape Town, advises that pineapples need 6 – 8 hours of full sunlight daily, well-drained sandy loam soils with a pH of 4.5 to 6.5, and regular watering, although they cannot tolerate waterlogging.
Pebana highlights that the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are South Africa’s top pineapple-producing regions, with Bathurst and East London leading due to their ideal climate and rainfall.
“Create your own pineapple paradise and enjoy the sweet taste of homegrown fruit,” suggests Pebana. Besides the tropical vibes, these fruits will bring colour and health benefits to your garden and table.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
This article was first published on Health For Mzansi and written by Vateka Halile.
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