THE PINEAPPLE
Posted by: INYANG EKEMINI
RESEARCH SUPPORT DEPARTMENT
EAGLESISLAND TECHNOLOGIES
+234-8025909870
Pineapple (Ananas
comosus), a tropical plant with edible multiple fruit
consisting of coalesced berries, named for resemblance to the pine cone, is the
most economically important plant in the Bromeliaceae
family. Pineapples may be cultivated from a crown cutting of the fruit, possibly
flowering in 20–24 months and fruiting in the following six months.
Pineapple
may be consumed fresh, canned, juiced, and are found in a wide array of food
stuffs – dessert, fruit salad, jam, yogurt, ice cream, candy, and
as a complement to meat dishes. In addition to consumption, in the Philippines
the pineapple's leaves are used as the source of a textile fiber called piña, and
is employed as a component of wall paper and furnishings, amongst other uses.
The
word "pineapple" in English was first recorded in 1398, when it was
originally used to describe the reproductive organs of conifer trees (now
termed pine cones).
The term "pine cone" for the reproductive organ of conifer trees was
first recorded in 1694. When European explorers discovered this tropical fruit,
they called them "pineapples" (first so referenced in 1664 due to
resemblance to what is now known as the pine cone).
In
the scientific binomial Ananas comosus,
ananas, the original name of
the fruit, comes from the Tupi word
nanas, meaning "excellent
fruit", as recorded by André Thevet
in 1555, and comosus,
"tufted", refers to the stem of the fruit. Other members of the Ananas
genus are
often called "pine", as well, by laymen.
Many
languages use the Tupian term ananas.
In Spanish, pineapples are called piña
"pine cone" in Spain and most Hispanic American countries, or ananá (ananás in Argentina) (see the piña colada drink). They have varying
names in the languages of India: ananas
in Marathi, anaasa in Telugu, Sapuri-PaNasa in Oriya language,
annachi pazham (Tamil), anarosh (Bengali), and in Malayalam, kaitha chakka. In Malay, pineapples
are known as nanas or nenas. In the Maldivian language of Dhivehi,
pineapples are known as alanaasi.
A large, sweet pineapple grown especially in Brazil is called abacaxi. Along the Swahili-speaking
coast of East Africa, the fruit is known as nanasi.
Botany
The
pineapple is a herbaceous perennial
which grows to 1.0 to 1.5 meters (3.3 to 4.9 ft) tall, although sometimes it
can be taller. In appearance, the plant itself has a short, stocky stem with
tough, waxy leaves. When creating its fruit, it usually produces up to 200
flowers, although some large-fruited cultivars can exceed this. Once it
flowers, the individual fruits of the flowers join together to create what is
commonly referred to as a pineapple. After the first fruit is produced, side
shoots (called 'suckers' by commercial growers) are produced in the leaf axils
of the main stem. These may be removed for propagation, or left to produce
additional fruits on the original plant. Commercially, suckers that appear
around the base are cultivated. It has 30 or more long, narrow, fleshy,
trough-shaped leaves with sharp spines along the margins that are 30 to 100
centimeters (1.0 to 3.3 ft) long, surrounding a thick stem. In
the first year of growth, the axis lengthens and thickens, bearing numerous
leaves in close spirals. After 12 to 20 months, the stem grows into a spike-like
inflorescence up to 15 cm (6 in) long with over 100 spirally
arranged, trimerous flowers, each subtended by a bract. Flower colors vary,
depending on variety, from lavender, through light purple to red.
The
ovaries develop into berries which coalesce into a large, compact, multiple accessory fruit.
The fruit of a pineapple is arranged in two interlocking helices, eight in one
direction, thirteen in the other, each being a Fibonacci number.
Pineapple
carries out CAM photosynthesis, fixing carbon dioxide at
night and storing it as the acid malate
and then releasing it during the day, aiding photosynthesis.
Pollination
Pineapple in the
starting stage
Pollination
is required for seed formation, but the presence of seeds negatively affects
the quality of the fruit. In Hawaii, where pineapple is cultivated on an
agricultural scale, importation of hummingbirds
is prohibited for this reason. Certain bat-pollinated wild
pineapples only open their flowers at night.
Culinary uses
The
flesh and juice of pineapples are used in cuisines around the world. In many
tropical countries, pineapple is prepared, and sold on roadsides as a snack.
They are sold whole, or in halves with a stick inserted. Whole, cored slices
with a cherry in the middle are a common garnish on hams in the West. Chunks of
pineapple are not only used in desserts such as fruit salad, but also as a main
ingredient in savory dishes, such in hamburgers, and as a pizza topping.
Crushed pineapple is used in yogurt, jam, sweets, and ice cream. The juice of
the pineapple is served as a beverage, and is also as a main ingredient in such
cocktails as the Piña colada.
Nutrition
Raw
pineapple is an excellent source of manganese
(76% Daily Value (DV) in a one US cup serving) and vitamin C
(131% DV per cup serving).
Mainly
from its stem, pineapple contains a proteolytic
enzyme, bromelain,
which breaks down protein. If having sufficient bromelain content, raw
pineapple juice may be used as a meat marinade
and tenderizer. Pineapple enzymes can interfere with the preparation of some
foods, such as jelly or other gelatin-based
desserts, but would be destroyed during cooking and canning.
The quantity of bromelain in the fruit is probably not significant, being
mostly in the inedible stalk. Furthermore, an ingested enzyme like bromelain is
unlikely to survive intact the proteolytic processes of digestion.
Distribution
The
plant is indigenous to South America and is said to originate from the area
between Southern Brazil and Paraguay; however, it is important to note that
little is known about the origin of the domesticated pineapple (Pickersgill,
1976). M.S. Bertoni (1919) considered the Paraná–Paraguay River
drainages to be the place of origin of A.
comosus. The natives of southern Brazil and Paraguay spread the
pineapple throughout South America, and it eventually reached the Caribbean.
Columbus discovered it in 1493 in the Indies and brought it back with him to
Europe thus making the pineapple the first bromeliad to leave the New World.
The Spanish introduced it into the Philippines,
Hawaii
(introduced in the early 19th century, first commercial plantation 1886), Zimbabwe
and Guam.
Many say the fruit was first introduced in Hawaii when a Spanish ship brought
them there in the 1500s. The fruit was cultivated successfully in European hothouses,
and pineapple pits,
beginning in 1720.
Although
it was discovered by Captain Cook, John Kidwell is credited with the
introduction of the pineapple industry in Hawaii. Large-scale pineapple
cultivation by U.S. companies began in the early 1900s on Hawaii. Among the
most famous and influential pineapple industrialists was James Dole
who moved to Hawaii in 1899 and started a pineapple plantation in 1900. The
companies Dole and Del Monte began growing pineapple on the
island of Oahu
in 1901 and 1917, respectively. Dole's pineapple company began with the
acquisition of 60 acres (24 ha) of land in 1901, and, as previously
mentioned, has grown into a major company today. Maui Pineapple Company began pineapple
cultivation on the island of Maui in 1909. In 2006, Del Monte announced its withdrawal from
pineapple cultivation in Hawaii, leaving only Dole and Maui Pineapple Company
in Hawaii as the USA's largest growers of pineapples. Maui Pineapple Company
markets its Maui Gold brand of pineapple and Dole markets its Hawaii Gold brand
of pineapple.
An unripe pineapple
In
the USA in 1986, the Pineapple Research Institute was dissolved and its assets
were divided between Del Monte and Maui Land and Pineapple.
Del Monte took variety 73–114, which it dubbed MD-2, to its plantations in
Costa Rica, found it to be well-suited to growing there, and launched it
publicly in 1996. (Del Monte also began marketing 73–50, dubbed CO-2, as Del
Monte Gold). In 1997, Del Monte began marketing its Gold Extra Sweet pineapple,
known internally as MD-2. MD-2 is a hybrid that originated in the breeding
program of the now-defunct Pineapple Research Institute in Hawaii,
which conducted research on behalf of Del Monte, Maui Land & Pineapple
Company, and Dole.
Traditional medicine and preliminary research
Both
the root and fruit may be eaten or applied topically
as an anti-inflammatory or as a proteolytic
agent. In some practices, it may be used to induce abortion or menstruation or
as an antihelminthic agent.
Bromelain
purified from pineapple stem or fresh juice, then provided in the diet over six
months, decreased the severity of colonic inflammation in mice with
experimental colitis.
Pests and diseases
Pineapples
are subject to a variety of diseases, the most serious of which is wilt disease
vectored by mealybugs
typically found on the surface of pineapples, but possibly in the closed
blossom cups. Other diseases include pink disease, bacterial heart rot, anthracnose,
fungal heart rot, root rot, black rot, butt rot, fruitlet core rot, and yellow
spot virus. Pink disease is characterized by the fruit developing a brownish to
black discoloration when heated during the canning process. The causal agents
of pink disease are the bacteria Acetobacter
aceti, Gluconobacter oxydans,
and Pantoea citrea.
Some
pests that commonly affect pineapple plants are scales, thrips, mites,
mealybugs, ants, and symphylids.
Storage and transport
Pineapple prepared
for sale in Haikou, Hainan, China
Some
buyers prefer green fruit, others ripened or off-green. A plant growth
regulator, Ethephon,
is typically sprayed onto the fruit one week before harvest, developing ethylene,
which turns the fruit golden yellow. After cleaning and slicing, they are
typically canned in sugar syrup with added preservative.
A
pineapple will never become any riper than it was when harvested, though a
fully ripe pineapple can bruise and rot quickly.
The
fruit itself is quite perishable and storage of it should be taken seriously.
If it is stored at room temperature, it should be used within two days;
however, if it is refrigerated, the time span is extended to five to seven days.
Usage in culture
In
the Caribbean, Europe and North America, the pineapple became associated with
the return of ships from extended voyages, and an emblem of welcome and
hospitality that made its way into contemporary art.
Traditional medicine and preliminary research
Both
the root and fruit may be eaten or applied topically
as an anti-inflammatory or as a proteolytic
agent. In some practices, it may be used to induce abortion or menstruation or
as an antihelminthic agent.
Bromelain
purified from pineapple stem or fresh juice, then provided in the diet over six
months, decreased the severity of colonic inflammation in mice with
experimental colitis.
Pests and diseases
Pineapples
are subject to a variety of diseases, the most serious of which is wilt disease
vectored by mealybugs
typically found on the surface of pineapples, but possibly in the closed
blossom cups. Other diseases include pink disease, bacterial heart rot, anthracnose,
fungal heart rot, root rot, black rot, butt rot, fruitlet core rot, and yellow
spot virus. Pink disease is characterized by the fruit developing a brownish to
black discoloration when heated during the canning process. The causal agents
of pink disease are the bacteria Acetobacter
aceti, Gluconobacter oxydans,
and Pantoea citrea.
Some
pests that commonly affect pineapple plants are scales, thrips, mites,
mealybugs, ants, and symphylids.
Health Benefits of Eating Pineapples
Pineapples are some of the most popular tropical fruits
in the world. They are sweet, juicy, and delicious. More importantly, they are very
healthy and nutritious. It is no wonder many people who want to have a healthy
lifestyle include these fruits in their diets. To know more about them, here
are some of the many health benefits of eating pineapples.
1. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
Pineapples
are loaded with vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium,
phosphorus, and potassium. It is also rich in fiber and calories. On top of it
all, this fruit is low in fat and cholesterol. All the nutrients it contains
promote good health.
2. Prevents Cough and Colds
Since
pineapples are rich in vitamin C, it can fight off viruses that cause cough and
colds. Even when you are already infected with such ailment, pineapples can
help you. These fruits have bromelain, which is effective in suppressing coughs
and loosening mucus. Eating pineapples while taking the right medications
prescribed by the doctor for your sickness can help you recover more quickly.
3. Strengthens Bones
Pineapples
are also popular for their ability to build and maintain strong bones. This is
because these fruits contain manganese, which is a trace mineral that your body
needs to build bones and connective tissues. In fact, if you consume a cup of
pineapple, you can already get 73 percent of your total body requirement for
manganese.
4. Keeps Gums Healthy
People
are always very concerned with their teeth that they sometimes fail to give
importance to the gums, which are equally essential since they hold the teeth
in place. If a person has unhealthy gums, his/her teeth would be in bad
condition, and eventually will fall out. Eating pineapple will strengthen your
gums that will help keep your teeth healthy and strong.
5. Lowers Risk of Macular Degeneration
Pineapples
are known to prevent different kinds of ailments. One example is macular
degeneration. This disease, which is the primary cause of vision loss in
adults, is caused by damage to the retina. Reading, recognizing faces, and
doing daily activities can become a lot more difficult because of this problem.
Including pineapple in your diet can lower risk of this disease by as much as
36 percent. This is because this fruit contains beta carotene that is good for
our sense of sight.
6. Alleviates Arthritis
Since
these fruits have anti-inflammatory qualities, eating pineapples can greatly
alleviate the pain of arthritis while at the same time improve the condition by
strengthening the bones. Apart from arthritis, it can also improve other
similar conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and gout.
7. Improves Digestion
Bromelain
found in pineapples work to neutralize fluids to ensure that they are not too
acidic. It also helps regulate the secretions in the pancreas to aid in
digestion. Apart from that, since bromelain has protein-digesting properties,
it can keep the digestive track healthy.
THE EFFECTS OF PINEAPPLE JUICE
Pineapples are a nutritious tropical fruit,
available fresh, canned or as juice. The fruits contain a number of nutrients,
including sugars, fiber and a range of vitamins and minerals essential for your
health. Pineapple juice has a number of health effects, and can make up a part
of a nutritious and well-balanced diet.
Protection
Against Cancer
One positive effect of pineapple juice is
consumption of vitamin C. The vitamin is found at high levels within pineapple
fruit, and remains dissolved in water within pineapple juice, so each serving
of pineapple juice contains high levels of vitamin C. The Linus Pauling
Institute at Oregon State University explains that vitamin C acts as an
antioxidant -- it prevents and protects against damage by free radicals. Over
time, free radical damage can lead to DNA damage in cells, leading to genetic
mutations that can lead to diseases such as cancer. As a result, the antioxidant
activity of vitamin C is linked to a lower risk of breast, and vitamin C can
prevent the formation of cancer-causing chemicals in the stomach, reports the
Linus Pauling Institute.
Strong Teeth and Bones
Pineapple juice also contains other essential
nutrients, such as calcium. As a result, drinking pineapple juice has a number
of health benefits associated with adequate calcium consumption. Among these is
the maintenance of strong teeth and healthy bone tissue. Both your bones and
teeth are partially composed of a mineral called hydroxyapatate, which contains
calcium. Dietary calcium consumption supports the formation of new mineralized
bone tissue, allowing your body to maintain proper bone density, explains the
Linus Pauling Institute. Including calcium-rich foods, like pineapple juice,
into your diet may help maintain health bones and teeth.
Effect
on Blood Sugar
One effect of drinking pineapple juice is an
increase in blood sugar shortly after consumption. Like many fruit juices,
pineapple juice contains high amounts of natural sugar, called fructose. When
consuming pineapple juice, a large amount of sugar becomes available for
absorption immediately after consumption, with little digestion required.You
body absorbs the fructose from the juice, then can easily convert it into
glucose -- the sugar "fuel" used by your cells. This leads to a
temporary blood sugar spike. If you suffer from disorders related to blood
sugar regulation, such as diabetes, The University of California San Francisco
recommends avoiding sugar-rich foods, including juices, to help regulate your
blood sugar.
THE ANTI-OBESITY EFFECTS OF PINEAPPLE
Pineapple is a tropical fruit endogenous to
South America. It contains numerous vitamins such as vitamin C and B1, minerals
such as manganese and enzymatic proteins. Bromelaine is proteolytic enzyme
found in the stem and core of the pineapple. It is responsible for many of the
therapeutic effects of pineapple such as increased digestion, improved
immunity, anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activity. A pineapple slice is
only 40 calories and is primarily composed of fiber and water, both of which
inhibit weight gain and are essential for weight loss.
Bromelain
Bromelain is a protelytic enzyme found in the
stem and core of pineapple. It is used to reduce swelling and inflammation,
heal wounds, treat infections and improve digestion, notes the University of
Maryland Medical Center. Bromelain breaks down proteins in the digestive track
and stimulates muscular contraction in the intestine. Improved digestion of
proteins provides the body with increased energy reserves for cellular and metabolic
processes.
Additionally, proper
digestion is an energy-consuming process, so cells require energy to burn
calories which, in turn, increases your metabolic rate, boosts your oxygen
consumption and results in weight loss. Poor digestion can also result in an
accumulation of toxins that can impair your immune system, decrease your energy
level, cause lethargy, drop your metabolic rate and cause weight gain.
Dietary Fiber
Pineapple is classified as a negative-calorie
fruit because it only contains 40 calories and the amount of energy used to
digest it is greater than the caloric gain. One raw pineapple contains 1.4 g of
dietary fiber. Fiber contains no calories on its own, takes a longer time to
chew and triggers the body's feeling of satiation or being full.
Since fiber is not digested by enzymatic proteins in the stomach, it passes through the digestive track and forms a gel that binds to fats and cholesterol and gets rid of them, thereby preventing weight gain. It also regulates the release and absorption of carbohydrates, so it promotes energy metabolism and expenditure as opposed to fat storage.
Since fiber is not digested by enzymatic proteins in the stomach, it passes through the digestive track and forms a gel that binds to fats and cholesterol and gets rid of them, thereby preventing weight gain. It also regulates the release and absorption of carbohydrates, so it promotes energy metabolism and expenditure as opposed to fat storage.
Water
Pineapple contains significant amounts of
water and triggers the feeling of satiety and prevents overeating and excessive
caloric consumption. Water is essential to all physiological processes in the
body, with 85 percent of the brain being water. Water is also a lubricant in
digestion and regulates body temperature.
Since water plays such a vital part in each physiological function, in periods
of dehydration, the body will hold on to water to ensure its survival,
resulting in increased blood volume and increased weight. By drinking water,
your body volume becomes regulated, digestion is increased, toxins which may
impair your immune system are flushed out, you feel full, consume less calories
and lose weight.
Since water plays such a vital part in each physiological function, in periods of dehydration, the body will hold on to water to ensure its survival, resulting in increased blood volume and increased weight. By drinking water, your body volume becomes regulated, digestion is increased, toxins which may impair your immune system are flushed out, you feel full, consume less calories and lose weight.
Consideration
A decreased caloric intake and increased energy
expenditure results in weight loss. Pineapple does not contain sugar or a
significant amount of carbohydrates or fat, thus it does not result in fat
storage. A healthy lifestyle with healthy foods such as fruits like pineapple,
dark leafy vegetables and lean meats can help you prevent weight gain.
IS PINEAPPLE SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
Is
it safe to take pineapple during pregnancy? Is it advisable at the end of a
pregnancy to take pineapple juice or eat the flesh in order to bring on labour?
Maybe.
Eating
pineapple or drinking pineapple juice is said to be an old wive’s tale to bring
on labour for woman past their due date. Large amounts of pineapple juice
can, in fact, cause uterine contractions. It’s for this reason that in
early pregnancy, it’s often suggested that you don’t drink pineapple juice in
excess amounts.
Why pineapple can cause contractions
Fresh
pineapple contains Bromelain which can also soften the cervix . But it is said
that it takes large quantities to have any effect which can also result in
diarrhea. Some women say that they’ve had zero problems having plenty of
pineapple and pineapple and pineapple juice during pregnancy and others claim
it brought on labour.
The verdict on pineapple
during pregnancy?
Some
would say that you should eat it in moderation
and watch for any signs of problems before your due date.
If
you’re at or past your due date, it might help you bring on labour.
WHY MEN EAT PINEAPPLE
Why do men eat pineapple?
Pineapple
is an edible fruit more commonly found in tropical areas. As it can be eaten in
a variety of ways, it can also incorporated in salads, main courses and
desserts. Is it creatively and sumptuously useful in a lot ways. Because of its
sweet-sour taste that may be highly unpredictable, pineapple has widely been
cultivated in many parts of the world. Also, many eat pineapples because aside
from the fact that it is a good source of vitamin C, it is also rich in
vitamins B1, B2 and B6 as well as bromelain, which is a protein digesting enzymes that were
claimed to be helpful in one’s digestion. In some countries like in the
Philippines, pineapples are also utilized to produce a fabric called piña.
The word pineapple comes from Brazil which literally means excellent fruit.
Pineapples
are excellent indeed especially for men. Many studies have already been
conducted on the effects of pineapple to men and why men should such variety of
fruit. Based on the studies done, pineapple has direct effects on men.
Pineapples contain an estimate of 10% thiamine. This vitamin is functions as an
important element for chemical reactions to occur and boosts one’s level of
energy. So for men, increase in one’s energy also means increase in his sexual
urges or libido. In addition to that, intake of pineapples makes men’s semen
tastes like that of pineapples. That is, semen will have a sweet-sour light
taste. Aside from the good smell and taste that pineapple effects on men’s
semen, pineapples were also found to increase the number of sperm that men
produce in every ejaculation.
PINEAPPLE JUICE EFFECTS
The pineapple is one of the most
sought-after juices on the market today. Used widely in alcoholic drinks for
its sweetness and in various cooking dishes to accentuate other fruits, it is
high in vitamins and minerals and is one of the most popular of all grocery
store fruits. The tree is an exotic symbol and has been the focus of many
vacations, tourist parties and beach luaus. Does this
Spark an idea?
History
·
The
pineapple has been a desirable fruits for many years in the United States. It
has been used for trade, food and in tribal feasts. The European use of the
pineapple can be traced to 1493, when Christopher Columbus and his crew were
sailing in the Caribbean. Columbus and his crew discovered piles of the
harvested fruit near human body parts on a volcanic island now known as
Guadeloupe. The crew ate and documented the fruit.
Medicinal
·
Pineapple
juice has laxative and tonic effects on the body. It can help to soothe gastric
irritability. It has also been used for jaundice and fevers. Folk remedies use
all parts of the fruit, including the peel and juice. The juice provides the
same immune building properties as orange and papaya juice. When sipped, the
juice can relieve bronchitis and a sore throat. It's also used to aide in the
recovery of tuberculosis by dissolving mucus.
Studies
·
Pineapple
contains bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory benefits for the body.
According to a study published in Volume 58, Issue 9 of "Cellular and
Molecular Life Sciences," bromelain can help with sinusitis, bronchitis
and trauma from surgery. Bromelain also enhances the absorption of antibiotics.
In the study, bromelain was given to subjects with mammary tumors to complement
their tumor therapy. The growth of tumor cells was inhibited. Bromelain was
also found to speed wound healing.
Nutrition
·
Pineapple
contains a high amount of thiamin and manganese. Thiamin helps to prevent
depression by maintaining a healthy nervous system. Manganese is an important
mineral that is used in the production of energy. There is also a high amount
of vitamin C in pineapple. Vitamin C is beneficial for the prevention of many
diseases because it acts as an antioxidant. The Vitamin B6 in pineapple helps
to control hormone levels and to nourish the nervous system to prevent
emotional disorders.
Warnings
·
Although
the pineapple is delicious and sought after for its unique sweetness, the juice
of the unripe fruit can be dangerous. If large quantities are consumed,
vomiting, skin rash and diarrhea can occur. If the pineapple juice is consumed
by pregnant women, it should be in small quantities. Pineapple can cause a
uterine contraction that might cause an accidental abortion.
THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF PINEAPPLES ON DIABETICS
Fruit plays an integral part of a healthy and
balanced diabetes diet, and you can include pineapple in your menu. Keep in
mind, however, that pineapple scores higher on the glycemic index than most
other varieties of fruit. This means that eating pineapple may cause an
undesirable increase in your blood glucose levels.
Nutrition
Facts
Eating pineapple may produce a negative effect
on your blood glucose levels. This is because pineapple is higher in sugar than
other fruits. A 1/2 cup of raw pineapple chunks contains 9.28 g total
carbohydrate, most of it from sugar. Out of the 9.28 g total carbohydrate, 8.13
g come from sugar and 1.15 g come from fiber. In contrast, raspberries contain
6.72 g total carbohydrate in a 1/2 cup serving.They provide one-third the
amount of sugar -- 2.72 g -- and more than three times as much fiber -- 4 g --
as pineapple. The total carbohydrate in pineapple or any other carbohydrate
includes its sugar, starch and fiber content. Pineapple does not contain
starch.
Carbohydrates and Fruit
According to the American Diabetes
Association, you should consume between 45 g and 60 g carbohydrate per meal. A
healthy diabetes meal plan involves eating one serving of fruit with every
meal, where a serving is equal to one small piece of whole fruit or a 1/2 cup
serving. You can safely incorporate pineapple into your diet, but keep track of
your carbohydrate intake. Following the carbohydrate intake guidelines may help
keep your blood glucose levels healthy and stable.
