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Pineapples: The Healing Fruit ofTropics (includesrecipe for Pina-Banana Orange Smoothie) |
by:
Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. |
By Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc.
http://www.MoniqueNGilbert.com
Fornatural and tasty way to improve your health and boost your healing capacity, add fresh pineapple and pineapple juice to your diet. Pineapples are nutritionally packed members ofbromeliad family. This delightful tropical fruit is high inenzyme bromelain andantioxidant vitamin C, both of which playsmajor role inbody's healing process.
Bromelain,natural anti-inflammatory with analgesic properties, encourages healing, promotes well-being and has many other health benefits. Bromelain is very effective in treating bruises, sprains and strains by reducing swelling, tenderness and pain. This powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect can also help relieve osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and reduce postoperative swelling. Additionally, bromelain can relieve indigestion. The enzyme contained in fresh pineapple helps break downamino acid bonds in proteins, which promotes good digestion.
Pineapples also provideample supply of vitamin C,commonly known antioxidant that protectsbody from free radical damage and boostsimmune system. Vitamin C helps build and repair bodily tissue and promotes wound healing. The body uses vitamin C to help metabolize fats and cholesterol, absorb iron, and synthesize amino acids and collagen. Collagen is one ofprimary building blocks of skin, cartilage and bones. Vitamin C also decreasesseverity of colds and infections.
Furthermore, due to its high vitamin C content, pineapples are good for your oral health as well. Recent studies have found that vitamin C can reduce your risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Besides increasingability of connective tissue to repair itself, vitamin C also increasesbody's ability to fight invading bacteria and other toxins that contribute to gum disease. Periodontal disease, which destroys gum tissue and underlying jaw bones, has been linked to heart disease, stroke and type two diabetes.
So if you are searching fornatural way to enhance your body's healing mechanisms, promote overall good health and tantalize your taste buds, pineapples areway to go. Choosefresh fruit because it hasmost healing properties. Unfortunately, most ofbromelain in canned pineapple is destroyed due toheat used incanning process.
When choosingfresh pineapple, do not judge ripeness solely based upon color. There are several varieties onmarket that range from green to golden yellow. The most important factor in determining ripeness is smell, let your nose help you decide. Ripe pineapples give offsweet, fresh tropical smell. Avoid pineapples that give offunpleasant odor or have any soft spots or areas of dark discoloration. Once home, letpineapple sit on your counter at room temperature until ready to use. This will preserve its sweet and tangy flavor.
To prepare pineapple, you need to peel it, removeeyes (the thorny protrusions withinpuffy squares ofskin) andfibrous center. One way to do this is to removetop ofpineapple withsharp knife. Then cutpineapple lengthwise into four wedges (quarter it) and place each pineapple wedge horizontally oncutting board. Carefully cutfruit fromouter skin, and cut outeyes and fibrous center core.
Another way is to cut offtop and bottom ofpineapple, placepineapple vertically (upright) oncutting board and carefully slice offouter skin. Withsharp paring knife orend ifvegetable peeler, removeeyes. Don't cut too deep, just enough to lift outsection that containseye. Then, slicepineapple crosswise and removefibrous core individually withcookie cutter.
Oncefruit is prepared, it can be diced and eaten fresh, added to salads and entrees forexotic flavor, or made into tasty tropical drinks and smoothies.
To get you started, try Monique N. Gilbert's delicious, nutritious, cholesterol-free smoothie recipe. It's high in bromelain, vitamin C, beta carotene, potassium, thiamin (vitamin B-one), riboflavin (vitamin B-two), iron, fiber, omega-three fatty acids and soy isoflavones.
Pina-Banana Orange Smoothie
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one frozen banana
one cup fresh pineapple
one/two cup soymilk
one/three cup orange juice
one tablespoon canned pumpkin
one tablespoon ground flax seeds
one tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
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Place all ofabove ingredients infood processor or blender. Blend for one-two minutes, or until smooth and creamy.
Makes about two-three/four cups (two servings)
Copyright © Monique N. Gilbert - All Rights Reserved
Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. isHealth, Nutrition, Weight-Loss & Lifestyle Coach; Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor; Recipe Developer; Freelance Writer and Author of Virtues of Soy: A Practical Health Guide and Cookbook. She has offered guidance in natural health, nutrition, fitness, weight-loss and stress management since onenineeightnine. You can reach Monique at http://www.MoniqueNGilbert.com
Aboutauthor:
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Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. has received international recognition for helping people get healthy, manage stress, lose weight and keep it off. Through her coaching program and writings, Monique motivates and teaches how to improve your well-being, vitality and longevity with balanced nutrition, physical activity and healthy living. For more information, visit her website at - http://www.MoniqueNGilbert.com/
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