Greetings!
Ahh, the luscious pineapple!
Pineapple is a sweet and delicious fruit with some terrific nutritional value!
What most people don’t realize is that pineapple has powerful, health-promoting enzymes, the most important of which is a protein-digesting enzyme called Bromelain.
Bromelain has been shown to lessen inflammation!
Science has demonstrated anti-inflammatory its effects in conditions that include:
- Acute sinusitis
- Arthritis
- Connective tissue injuries, such as ACL tears
- Allergies
- Digestive issues
- Inflammatory bowel disease
What we can gather from this scientific information, is that if you eat an anti-inflammatory diet, we won’t have inflammatory dis-eases, such as the ones listed above.
Not only does pineapple have the anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain, but it is a significant source of vitamin C. One cup of pineapple chunks has 46% of the recommended daily allowance. It is also a terrific source of manganese, an essential mineral, touting 131% of the RDA; all of this for only 74 calories per cup.
Pineapple does have a relatively high sugar content so it’s a good idea to combine it with a food that has a little bit of fat, to slow the absorption of the fructose (fruit sugar). A perfect dish for pineapple is my Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp With Pineapple Salsa.
Pineapple can be a nutritious and delicious part of your healthy lifestyle.
Enjoy!
XO Nina
This Week at Nina Cucina
Pineapple Balsamic!
No, I am not kidding!! This balsamic is tangy with a dash of sweetness. It’s not only great for salads; it pairs deliciously with fish, chicken and even beef. It make a great marinade for the BBQ and is yummy drizzled on just about anything including other fruits! Check it out here.
Recipe of the Week
Since we are talking about all things pineapple this week, here’s a yummy appetizer recipe for you using pineapple: Crab Pineapple Canapé. This delicious and satisfying appetizer is the perfect start to a cocktail or dinner party – it make guests feel special!
