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Pineapple – a powerhouse of health benefits

Pineapple – a Powerhouse of Health Benefits

 

Pineapple is probably the most popular tropical fruit – after bananas. But unlike bananas, most of us aren’t in the habit of adding them to the weekly shopping list. Maybe it’s because we don’t notice them at the supermarket, or maybe it’s because they’re a little harder to prepare (after all what could be easier than peeling a banana!).

 

But there are lots of great reasons to eat pineapples on a regular basis – not least because of their potent anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Pineapple contains bromelain, a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes known for their ability to reduce excess inflammation, blood clotting and tumour growth. In addition, pineapple is a rich source of vitamin C, an important antioxidant that helps keep both our skin and our immune system healthy and manganese, which is essential both for energy production, as well as protection against damaging free radicals.  

 

Finding and preparing them isn’t really that hard. Imported fresh pineapple is usually available year round in the supermarket. Look for fruit that is heavy for its size, that smells fragrant, not fermented and don’t buy anything with bruises. It can be cut, sliced and stored in the fridge in a sealed container for days and still retain much of its nutritional value. Or if you prefer, just keep a couple of bags of frozen pineapple pieces in the freezer for adding to smoothies – by far the most convenient option!

 

Click here for one of our favourite smoothie recipes ‘Energize’ using pineapple and ginger.