VITAMIN BOMB: PINEAPPLE

Pineapples are exceptionally sweet and juicy and are packed with tons of vitamins and nutrients. Pineapples are extremely rich in vitamins A, B, C, as well as potassium, copper, manganese and a digestive enzyme called bromelain. It’s an ideal food to add to your diet not only because they taste great and are nutritious, but also because of their low calorie content – 1 cup of pineapple is only 76 calories! Try adding a few slices of pineapple to your next smoothie, your taste buds will go nuts.

When selecting a pineapple, choose one that is already ripe as they will not ripen after they are picked. Fully ripened pineapples will give you a better flavor as well as more nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. (Avoid pineapples with soft spots, bruises, and dry leaves).

Pineapple Health Benefits

1. Boosts Immunity. According to the USDA, you can get your daily value of Vitamin C by eating about 1/6th of a whole pineapple. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and is a powerful antioxidant that protects against oxidative damage to cell structure.
2. Supports Digestion. Pineapples contain a powerful digestive enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain helps your system break down food and and absorb protein. Bromelain has also been found to relieve digestive ailments like heartburn.
3. Prevents Constipation. Pineapples are high in fiber and water, this magical duo supports regular digestion and bowel elimination.
4. Reduce Inflammation. The bromelain found in pineapples not only supports healthy digestion, but also has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces inflammation inside and out including bruising and swelling.
5. Radiant Skin. The Vitamin C in pineapples also has a double duty. The antioxidants in Vitamin C can help decrease skin damage caused by sun, reduce wrinkles and improve the formation of collagen.
6. Lowers Blood Pressure. 1 pineapple contains 986 mg of potassium, which helps counteract the effects of sodium, thus helping to lower blood pressure.

Sources: USDA, Mayo Clinic, Dr. Axe, Livestrong, University of Maryland Medical Center.