If you are a fan of piña colada, you're probably a lover of pineapple. This tropical plant is replete in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which offer a number of benefits to our bodies. One amongst many positive things about pineapple juice is that it is very sweet, which is why it, unlike many other fruits, doesn't need adding sugar. Usually, the only added ingredient to pineapple juice is the ascorbic acid, known as vitamin C.
One cup of pineapple juice contains about:
- 130 calories
- 33 milligrams of calcium
- 30 milligrams of magnesium
- 25 milligrams of vitamin C
- 0.9 grams of protein
- 0.3 grams of fat
- 25 grams of sugar
- 0.5 grams of fiber
- 32 grams of carbohydrate
Digestion and inflammation
The benefits of pineapple juice are numerous. It has been used as a popular ancient home remedy for digestion issues and inflammation. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain which works like a charm when it comes to digesting proteins. It is also a great solution for some other health issues, such as swelling, bruising, postoperative pain, etc. because of bromelain anti-inflammatory properties.
Anti-cancer
Studies have shown that some ingredients in pineapple, such as bromelain and beta-carotene, that work as a cancer-fighting agent. Beta-carotene has shown a powerful ability to fight against prostate cancer and colon cancer.
Heart
Some research have proven that vitamin C consumption leads to decreasing the risk of coronary heart diseases. Also, potassium and fiber in the pineapple have a significantly positive influence on health in general. Higher potassium intake results in a decreased risk of stroke and the formation of kidney stones.
Other than the mentioned health problems, pineapple is also a great option for decreasing the rate of asthma and diabetes development, for lowering the blood pressure, treating osteoarthritis and improving fertility. Pineapple is also great when it comes to fighting bloating and reducing constipation. The vitamin C soothes the skin damaged by sun and pollution and helps with wrinkle reduction.
Pineapple Smoothie
We bring you a delicious, fat-free and sugar-free recipe for a dietary Pineapple Smoothie, which you can have for breakfast or at the midnight without feeling guilty!
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen pineapple
½ medium banana
½ cup crushed ice
½ cup vanilla yogurt
1½ cups fat-free milk or coconut milk
Instructions: simply put the frozen pineapple, banana, yogurt, milk and ice to blender and mix it. Add more milk until you have the consistency you want.
Pineapple Fruit Salad
Make a very simple, yet so tasty and healthy meal, perfect as a light breakfast:
- 2 cups of pineapple
- one cup of grapes, mango and kiwi
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of honey
Simply mix the fruit altogether and add some honey (or sugar) if it isn’t as sweet as desired.
That’s it! Pineapple is a wonder fruit, so go grab yourself one in the closest store!
Nessie L.B.