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 for 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 Pineapples:

Low in calories, high in dietary fibres, pineapples are ideal for weight loss, in addition to being rich in vitamin C for enhanced immunity and calcium, magnesium, iron for strong bones, muscles, optimal blood circulation. Furthermore, pineapples contain vast reserves of vitamin A for enhanced eye health, vitamin K for improved wound healing, 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 Healthy Pineapple Recipes:

So now, you definitely want to kickstart your health journey and include the superfruit that is pineapple in your regular diet. Here’s some good news – pineapples are in season now. And in case you are bored of merely biting into pineapple chunks or incorporating the fruit slices in salads, then 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 chilli 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.

Now 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 along 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, baking soda, then add the eggs, vanilla extract and pineapple pieces and mix well.

Transfer this cake mix into the tray and bake in the oven for 40 – 45 minutes, checking to see if the inner layers are also 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, 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, E for enriched immune functions, protective antioxidant activity, augmented heart health and B vitamins for boosted metabolism.