Pineapples are a fantastic fruit that is both spiny on the outside and sweet on the inside. The fruit is composed of numerous individual berries that fuse specifically around a central core. Each scale is a single berry/floweret that grows and weaves together to form the lovely golden fruit known as a pineapple.
Except for pineapple, the bromeliad family of plants rarely produces edible fruit. Today, the only edible bromeliad available is the pineapple!
Their nutritional/health benefits are as intriguing as their anatomy (physical structure). Despite their sweetness, one cup of pineapple chunks has only 82 calories. So keep your consumption portions in mind.
Health benefits of Pineapple
- Immune system assistance
According to the FDA, pineapple contains half of the daily recommended value of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a primary water-soluble antioxidant that fights cell damage, making it a valuable ally in the fight against conditions such as heart disease and joint pain.
- Bone toughness
It may assist you in remaining tall and strong. The fruit contains nearly 75% of the daily recommended value of manganese, which is necessary for the development of strong bones and connective tissue.
- The health of the eyes
Due to their high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants, pineapples can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a disease that affects the eyes as people age.
- Digestive health
Pineapple, like many other fruits and vegetables, contains dietary fibre, which is essential for maintaining the health of your intestines. According to the American Cancer Society, pineapple, unlike many other fruits and vegetables, contains significant amounts of bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein, potentially aiding digestion.
- Reduced blood clots
Pineapples, due to their high bromelain content, can help reduce excessive blood coagulation. This makes it a good snack for people who are prone to blood clots.
- The common cold and sinusitis
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, pineapple’s bromelain may help reduce mucus in the throat and nose, in addition to providing a lot of vitamin C. So, if you’re coughing from a cold, try some pineapple chunks. Those who suffer from allergies may want to consider including pineapple in their diets on a more regular basis to reduce sinus mucus in the long run.
Pineapple’s potential health risks
Because pineapple is a great meat tenderizer, eating too much of it can cause mouth tenderness, including the lips, tongue, and cheeks. However, this should be resolved within a few hours. If it does not, or if you develop a rash, hives, or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention right away. You could be allergic to something.
Furthermore, due to the high amount of vitamin C present, consuming large amounts may cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and heartburn. We advise not to consume more vitamin C than the Recommended Dietary Allowance.
A recipe to enjoy your pineapples
Pineapple fried rice, made with chunks of fresh pineapple, veggies served in a pineapple.
Ingredients:
- Pineapple cubed – 1 cup
- Rice – 2 cup
- Ginger – 1 inch
- Carrot – 1
- Jalapeno pepper – 1
- Green peas – 1/4 cup
- Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
- Pepper powder – 2 tsp
- Soy Sauce – 1 tsp
- Seasoning – few drops
- Cashew -6
- Raisins – handful
- Extra Firm *tofu cubed – 1 cup
- Coconut milk – 1/4 cup
- Butter – 1 tbsp
- Oil
- Salt
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Method:
- Soak the rice for 15 mins, wash and rinse.
- Cook rice with 4 cups water and 1/4 cup coconut milk and allow it to cool completely
- Heat pan, add oil and fry cubed *tofu and keep it aside.
- Apply more heat with butter, fry cashew, raisins, pineapple and keep it aside.
- Heat pan, add oil fry minced ginger, finely chopped carrot, de-seeded jalapeno and green peas
- Add turmeric powder, pepper powder, soy sauce and seasoning
- Put in the cooked rice and mix well.
- Add fried tofu and mix.
- Garnish with fried cashew, raisins and pineapple.
*tofu – A protein-rich food coagulated from an extract of soybeans and used in salads and various cooked foods.
The above recipe was adapted from soundspicy
Cover Photo by Phoenix Han on Unsplash
