Pineapples are fantastic! They have an excellent sweet and tart flavor, juicy and healthy too!
What more can you ask for from a fruit? This tropical fruit offers a long list of health benefits to you and is among my favorites. Don't even try to find a substitute for pineapple, there isn't one.
Why is pineapple special and irreplaceable?
In the late 1800s, bromelain a mixture of enzymes from the stem and juice of the pineapple was isolated.
Bromelain is touted to be the golden beneficial compound in pineapple.
Researchers have uncovered many health benefits including healing and anti-inflammatory effects.
Bromelain is available in its natural form only in pineapple, this is why it's irreplaceable.
Top 5 Ways Your Body Benefits from Pineapple
1. Anti-inflammatory
Pineapple is one of the top foods that lower inflammation. The enzyme Bromelain in pineapple has strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Bromelain regulates the immune system in a specific way and encourages anti-inflammatory effects. Pineapple is an all natural (and powerful) painkiller too!
2. Rich in antioxidants
Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen formation, tissue, and cell growth and wound healing.
The antioxidant property of vitamin C protects your body from oxidative damage. Lower the oxidative damage, lower the risk of diseases.
3. Promotes digestion
Bromelain, the key enzyme in pineapple promotes digestion.
Bromelain helps break down protein in food and helps absorb nutrients better. It helps heal the digestive tract of people with inflammatory conditions.
Those with Crohn's, colitis and inflammatory bowel disease can heal their gut with pineapple.
Tweet4. Supports your immune system
Its rich vitamin C content speaks for its immune-boosting effects.
Vitamin C boosts the immune function which in turn reduces the frequency of cold and flu. Here are 5 more foods you should eat (especially during cold & flu season.)
5. Improves energy levels
Pineapple is an excellent source of the mineral manganese. Manganese participates in the energy production as part of an enzyme.
Pineapples are also a good source of thiamine, the B vitamin. Thiamine is one of the chief B vitamins that handles energy release for the cells.
6 Useful Tips on Pineapples
- The fruit is available year round. It's in its peak season from March to June in local markets.
- For a softer and juicier flesh leave at room temperature for one or two days. Be mindful; they are quick to perish.
- For an extended storage of 3- 4 days, wrap it in a plastic bag and refrigerate.
- Always store cut pineapple in an airtight container in a refrigerator.
- To preserve the juiciness and taste store it along with some of its juice or some liquid in the container.
- Smell the pineapple before you buy it to see how ripe it is. It will have a stronger scent the riper it is.
Here's a fun fact: Cut pineapple keeps well in the fridge for up to a week with most of its nutrients intact.
Pineapples are versatile and can go into many recipes. Salads, smoothies, cooked or baked pineapple are tasty.
Here is a quick & easy pineapple recipe for you:
Cut pineapple into equal sizes, drizzle maple syrup. Broil until brown. Serve plain or with yogurt. Enjoy!
In the Summer, I love to use fresh pineapples to make this yummy 2 Ingredient Tropical Whip too!
Yours in health and happiness,
Danette
P.S. Please help me spread the word about the irreplaceable power of pineapple and I welcome your comments below. What's your favorite way to enjoy pineapple?