Pineapples display a tough, thorny outer skin, but these quintessentially tropical fruits possess a succulent, delicious edible pulp within, that is not only relished for its yummy taste but also its many outstanding health benefits. Scientifically termed Ananas comosus and native to South America, pineapple is undoubtedly a fan favourite fruit in India as well as many other countries across the world, being savoured as ripe bounties, fresh juices, thick smoothies, rich jams and infused in pastries, curries, desserts.
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Nutrition Content And Health Benefits Of Pineapple
Low in calories, and high in dietary fibres, pineapples are ideal for weight loss, in addition to being rich in vitamin C for enhanced immunity and calcium, magnesium, and iron for strong bones, muscles, and optimal blood circulation. Furthermore, pineapples contain vast reserves of vitamin A for enhanced eye health, vitamin K for improved wound healing, and blood clotting mechanisms, and the digestive enzyme bromelain, which helps break down proteins for easy absorption by the small intestine and better gut wellness.
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Tasty And Healthy Pineapple Recipes
Want to kickstart your health journey and include pineapple in your regular diet? In case you are bored of merely biting into pineapple chunks or incorporating the fruit slices in salads, look no further. Here are two mouth-watering recipes of a zesty Thai Pineapple Curry and a sweet Pineapple Cake, filled with ample nutrition, for a scrumptious, nourishing weekend meal to enjoy with family.
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Thai Pineapple Curry
Ingredients:
1 large pineapple, with skin removed and chopped
3 tbsp coconut oil
1 onion, cut into pieces
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
1 long ginger stick, cut into bits
1 red chilli
1 cup low-fat milk
2 tbsp lemon juice
A bunch of coriander leaves
Method:
Heat coconut oil in a pan, fry the onions until they become translucent and the raw smell fades, then sauté ginger, garlic, red chili, and red bell pepper on low flame for 5 minutes.
Pour in the low-fat milk along with half a cup of water and allow the mixture to boil on a medium flame for 10 minutes.
Add the pineapple slices, simmer for 5 – 7 minutes, and stir well so that all the flavours blend in.
Infuse some lime juice for added zing, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve this tempting Thai Pineapple Curry with jasmine rice for a hearty meal at lunch.
Nutrition:
Pineapple offers copious amounts of bromelain that facilitates smooth digestion, apart from vitamin C for building disease resistance. Onions are high in quercetin, a potent antioxidant that prevents cancer, while bell peppers supply vitamin B6 for elevated nervous system functioning. Packed with alkaloid and flavonoid phytonutrients, coriander leaves confer hepatoprotective traits and uplift liver health.
Pineapple Cake
Ingredients:
2 cups pineapple slices
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
Method:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F i.e. 175 degrees C and spread an even thin layer of butter on a rectangular baking tray.
Now combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking soda, then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and pineapple pieces and mix well.
Transfer this cake mix to the tray and bake in the oven for 40 – 45 minutes, checking to see if the inner layers are softened and not too hard.
Indulge in this lip-smacking pineapple cake warm as an evening snack or chilled for dessert after dinner.
Nutrition:
Imbued with vitamin A, pineapple delivers excellent merits for healthy vision, besides providing calcium, and magnesium for robust bones and joints. Eggs are a superb source of protein, comprising all the essential amino acids, for optimal growth and development, in addition to supplying profuse volumes of vitamins D, and E for enriched immune functions, protective antioxidant activity, augmented heart health, and B vitamins for boosted metabolism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Health Benefits Pineapple Contain?
Pineapple is rich in vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion. It also contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support heart health.
Does Pineapple Aid Digestion?
Yes! Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down proteins and supports the digestive process. It can help reduce bloating and improve overall gut health.
Is Pineapple Good For Weight Loss?
Pineapple is low in calories but high in fibre, which helps with digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Its high water content also aids in hydration, making it a great addition to a weight-loss-friendly diet.
Can Pineapple Improve Skin Health?
Yes, the vitamin C in pineapple is essential for collagen production, which helps maintain healthy skin and reduces signs of ageing. Additionally, bromelain may help reduce inflammation and promote clearer skin.
Author Profile: Preeti Sharma
Preeti Sharma has a master’s in electronic media and mass communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
References:
Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) By-Products Valorization: Novel Bio Ingredients for Functional Foods
Diana I Santos, Cátia F Martins
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8198275/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33233252/
