Pineapples: Nature's Healing Fruit

[Guest guest]

Pineapples: Nature's Healing Fruit

by Monique N. Gilbert . Miami, FL

 

Want to give your body a boost in health and healing? Then you may want to add

some fresh pineapple and pineapple juice to your diet. Pineapples are

nutritionally packed members of the bromeliad family. This delightful tropical

fruit is high in the enzyme bromelain and the antioxidant vitamin C, both of

which play major roles in the body's healing processes.

 

Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory that has many health benefits.

According to Dr. Andrew Weil, bromelain is effective in treating bruises,

sprains and strains by reducing swelling, tenderness and pain. This powerful

anti-inflammatory effect can also help relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and

reduce postoperative swelling. Additionally, the bromelain contained in fresh

pineapple can relieve indigestion. This enzyme helps break down the amino acid

bonds in proteins, which promotes good digestion.

 

Pineapples provide an ample supply of vitamin C too, a commonly known

antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage and boosts the

immune system. Vitamin C helps build and repair bodily tissue and promotes wound

healing. The body uses vitamin C to help metabolize fats and cholesterol, absorb

iron, and synthesize amino acids and collagen. Collagen is one of the primary

building blocks of skin, cartilage and bones. Vitamin C also decreases the

severity of colds and infections.

 

Furthermore, due to their high vitamin C content, pineapples are good for your

oral health as well. A study conducted at the State University of New York at

Buffalo found that vitamin C can reduce your risk of gingivitis and periodontal

disease. Besides increasing the ability of connective tissue to repair itself,

vitamin C also increases the body's ability to fight invading bacteria and other

toxins that contribute to gum disease. Periodontal disease, which destroys gum

tissue and underlying jaw bones, has been linked to heart disease, stroke and

type 2 diabetes.

 

So, if you want a natural way to enhance your body's healing mechanisms, promote

overall good health and tantalize your taste buds, pineapples are the way to go.

Choose the fresh fruit because it has the most healing properties.

Unfortunately, most of the bromelain in canned pineapple is destroyed due to the

heat used in the canning process.

 

When choosing a fresh pineapple, do not judge ripeness solely based upon color.

There are several varieties on the market that range from green to golden

yellow. The most important factor in determining ripeness is smell, let your

nose help you decide. Ripe pineapples give off a sweet, fresh tropical smell.

Avoid pineapples that give off an unpleasant odor or have any soft spots or

areas of dark discoloration. Once home, let the pineapple sit on your counter at

room temperature until ready to use. This will preserve its sweet and tangy

flavor. Pineapple can be diced and eaten fresh, added to salads and entrees for

an exotic flavor, or made into tasty tropical drinks.

Here is a delicious, nutritious, cholesterol-free smoothie recipe high in

bromelain, vitamin C, potassium, thiamin (vitamin B-1), riboflavin (vitamin

B-2), iron, fiber and isoflavones.

 

Tropical Fruit Smoothie

1 frozen banana

1 cup fresh pineapple

3/4 cup soymilk

1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)

Blend all of the above ingredients in a food processor or blender for 1-2

minutes, until smooth and creamy. Makes about 2-3/4 cups (2 servings)

 

Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc., is a Health Advocate, Certified Personal

Trainer/Fitness Counselor and Recipe Developer. She is the author of Virtues of

Soy: A Practical Health Guide and Cookbook (Universal Publishers, 2001.) E-mail:

monique, http://www.virtuesofsoy.com