Appreciating the Nutritional Power of Pineapples

We all know that fresh fruits are good for us. Oranges are full of vitamin C, berries are packed with antioxidants and bananas are an excellent source of potassium. 

But do you know the specific health benefits of tropical fruits like pineapples?

The truth is this gorgeous fruit from the Tropics is absolutely crammed with essential vitamins and minerals that benefit your body in various ways.

So much so that pineapples are even more nutritious than some of the more staple fruits in your fridge! 

Let’s run through their incredible powers…

Indigenous to the Tropics of South America, pineapples have played a role in traditional medicine for centuries. 

The fruit is packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes that can fight inflammation and disease. 

Pineapples have many health benefits, including: 

• Boosting Immunity (lowering the risk of viral and bacterial infections); 
• Building Strong Bones; 
• Aiding Digestion;
• Raising Metabolism;
• Speeding up Recovery from Surgery and Exercise by Suppressing Inflammation; and 
• Reducing the Risk of Heart Disease, Diabetes and some Cancers, among others.

Incredibly, early research from Australia suggests that the enzyme found in pineapples could be used as a core ingredient in a new treatment to help prevent the Covid-19 coronavirus from moving into the lungs of those carrying the disease, and from spreading to infect other people. Now that’s pineapple power!

Fresh pineapples are sweet, low in calories, fat-free, cholesterol-free, low in sodium, available year-round, and can be consumed in various ways! What’s not to love?

A single pineapple: 

• Contains High Amounts of Antioxidants Vitamin C and Manganese to Fight Diseases, Free Radicals and Build Strong Bones; 
• Has a Mixture of Enzymes (Bromelain) That Can Ease Digestion, Lower Inflammation, Protect against Cancer, Reduce Mucus in the Throat and Nose, and Boost Metabolism; 
• Has High Levels of Thiamin, a B Vitamin involved in Energy Production. 

There are so many ways to incorporate pineapple flesh or juice into your diet; from sweet to savoury dishes. 

Pop chunks of pineapple onto your pizza, grill pineapple rings on the BBQ, add pineapples to cakes, and use pineapples in smoothies and salsas. 

Check out our favourite pineapple recipes for some inspiration! 

Buen provecho!

– The La Dona Family