All About Pineapples
By Amy Silva
Pineapples are a great option for a healthy snack when you're craving something sweet. They can also be used in various food dishes for an unexpected twist, such as with meat or as a topping on pizza. Pineapple can be fresh, frozen, canned or made into juice. It's a versatile fruit that can be eaten alone or in a number of ways, making it easy to add to your diet. It also has potential health benefits that can reduce your risk of contracting certain diseases.
About Pineapples
Pineapples are grown in various parts of the world in tropical and subtropical areas. They are found in countries from South American regions that include Brazil and Costa Rica, to other areas such as China and India, to name a few. It can take anywhere from 20 months to 26 months to grow a single pineapple to the stage of becoming ripe. They weigh from two to four pounds.
Health Benefits of Pineapples
Pineapples are packed with antioxidants which could reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. They contain a variety of vitamins and minerals including potassium, Vitamin B6, copper, fiber, folate and magnesium, among others. The Vitamin C content in just one cup provides more than the recommended daily amount. It's possible pineapples can reduce inflammation and lessen arthritis pain thanks to its bromelain content, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Eating pineapple after exercising could increase the speed of recovery aiding in relief of sore muscles. Pineapples may also aid in fighting the growth of cancer cells.
Ways to Use Pineapples
- Adding to meat dishes - Adding pineapple slices to pork and chicken dishes adds a fun new flavor to meat, as does grilling it alongside meat or adding it to kabobs
- Desserts - Pineapples can be enjoyed as is or added to a fruit salad when you have a sweet craving, as well as used in sweet desserts or snacks such as smoothies, sorbet, pastries or pineapple upside down cake
- Other food dishes - Pineapple can be made into jam for use on toast, mixed with vegetables, added alongside rice or even used as a topping for pizza for a sweeter flavor
Adding pineapples to your diet is a simple way to enjoy possible health benefits including feeling better after exercising. They can be eaten in their natural state, turned into juice or added to food dishes to elevate the flavor of food dishes.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Georgetown, Tex.