17 Apr 3 Reasons to Include More Pineapple in Your Recipes
Pineapple – the icon of fashion from phone cases and socks to pant and shirt designs, has become a significant image through media. The popularity of photographing and wearing this fruit as an accessory has trended through our media for over a year. Although pineapple is viewed as a symbol of hospitality, pineapple can be included in a recipe for more reasons than adding juicy flavor and bright color to your food. What makes pineapple so great is the rare health benefits:
1. It promotes healthy skin.
For starters, pineapple has an abundance of vitamin C. In fact, all you need is less than one cup of pineapple to fulfill the recommended daily amount of vitamin C.
It also is rich in manganese, which promotes healthy skin by preventing sagging and wrinkles, and even plays a part in UV light protection. Pineapple isn’t just a refreshing summertime snack, but is also protecting your skin cells from the sun.
2. It promotes healthy digestion
Another health benefit of pineapple is the enzyme, bromelain, found in this fruit that promotes healthy digestion. This same enzyme is what makes pineapple juice great for tenderizing meats or as a marinade.
If you’ve ever tried to add fresh pineapple to a gelatin dessert you know that it just won’t work. That’s because bromelain breaks down the gelatin into its amino acid building blocks, preventing it from becoming or staying solid. For the same reason, pineapple is often used in marinades, to help tenderize meat. And the enzyme doesn’t just affect cooking—if you eat pineapple along with a meal, bromelain may help you digest proteins, potentially reducing bloating, indigestion, and sluggishness. The dietary fiber in pineapple also helps maintain bowel regularity, and prevent constipation.
3. Common cold and sinus inflammation
In addition to having lots of vitamin C, pineapple’s bromelain may help reduce mucus in the throat and nose, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. So if your cold has you coughing, try some pineapple chunks. Those with allergies may want to consider incorporating pineapple into their diets more regularly to reduce sinus mucus long term.
Easy ways to eat more pineapple
While fresh pineapple is amazing as is, you can also incorporate it into recipes. Here are a few popular foods that are often paired with pineapple:
- Smoothie: Whip pineapple into a smoothie with coconut milk, coconut butter, pea protein powder, half of a yellow bell pepper, and a bit of fresh ginger root.
- Slaw: Whisk together raw apple cider vinegar, fresh pineapple juice, honey, ginger and minced garlic. Top with a dash of pepper and salt.
- Red Meat: Grill up slices of fresh pineapple as a sweet side, balance with a red meat such as ham or pork and a honey balsamic, teriyaki or BBQ glaze from scratch.
- Frozen Cocktails: For a healthier version of a frozen umbrella drink, whip together a fresh pineapple, ice, coconut milk and frozen banana slices, and then stir in your choice rum.
