Pineapples: Nature's Healing Fruit

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by Monique N. Gilbert . Miami, FL

 

 

Pineapples: Nature's Healing Fruit

 

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