The Amazing Powerful Pineapple

It is no secret that I love to travel. One of the places I have traveled several times is the Hawaiian Islands. One of the best things about the Hawaiian Islands is the amazing fruit they grow there - mangoes, bananas, pineapples, and more! Eating fruit directly off the tree, sun-ripened is amazing. On one visit, our little apartment had a mango tree in the yard, so each morning we would eat sun-ripened and warmed mangoes for breakfast! Soooo good… But back to the pineapples. We even went to the Dole Plantation on Oahu and took a tour to see the pineapple growing!

The Dole Plantation pineapple fields.

Hawaii is known as the place pineapple comes from even though Christopher Columbus actually brought them back from South America. People in South America use pineapple to treat digestive problems and inflammation. One cup of pineapple contains only 82 calories, but a whopping 131% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C! It also contains vitamin A, calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, manganese, potassium, antioxidants and polyphenols like beta-carotene.

Pineapple has lots of health benefits!

Health Benefits of Pineapple

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain which has been used to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, inhibit tumor growth and speed recovery after surgery.

Foods containing beta-carotene, including pineapple, help reduce the risk for people to develop asthma. They also help prevent the formation of free radicals which can cause cancer and can impair fertility.

The vitamin C in the pineapple is great for your skin and helps prevent aging.

Fruit in general is great for heart health, preventing diabetes, eye health and blood pressure.

Bonus: Pineapples taste great!

Here are some great recipe ideas that incorporate the amazing, powerful pineapple!

Coconut Pineapple Banana Smoothie

Pineapple Banana Muffins

Super Easy Pineapple Whip

Pineapple & Portobello Tacos