Pulp’d juice and smoothie creator, Gill Dalton, gives us insights to the ‘superfood’ benefits of pineapples.
There’s a lot of hype around ‘superfoods ‘ – the market is full of them and it is big business with all these weird and wonderful powders and supplements on offer these days. True superfoods are those considered especially nutritious or otherwise beneficial to health and well-being… The lovely pineapple has many super qualities.
Grown from the earth, the pineapple is a delicious and nutritious tropical fruit. It is super high in micro-nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and can protect against disease and premature aging.
Pineapples are super high in vitamin C and Manganese, which is essential for our body’s energy production and helps with the absorption of fat.
Vitamin C is the body’s primary antioxidant, defending the body against free radicals that attack and damage our cells – from pollution, chemicals, exercise, smoking, pesticides to name but a few. Diets rich in vitamin C have been shown to be useful for preventing or reducing the severity of many conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, asthma, cancer, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also vitamin C is vital for the proper function of the immune system, making it a nutrient to turn to for the prevention of recurrent ear infections, colds, and flu.
Manganese plays a role in the regulation of blood sugar levels, by normalising insulin synthesis and secretion. This prevents those energy spikes and crashes that can lead to quick fix sugar and caffeine cravings.
Manganese helps with metabolism and the absorption of fat. We want to be absorbing the right fats as they keep our cells fluid and flexible, and are essential for brain function. So pineapple is great when eaten with some soaked chia seeds.
One of the pineapple’s main benefits is a plant enzyme called bromelain. It helps the body break down protein. Bromelain is also anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce pain and swelling. For the the anti-inflammatory effects, eat the pineapple ideally first thing in the morning. Perfect in your morning smoothie or on its own for maximum benefits.
Some tips for the perfect pineapple :
Look for pineapples that are heavy for their size. Always fresh, never canned, as this contains too much sugar.
Aim to eat pineapple 3-5 times a week for anti-inflammatory benefits.
A pineapple can be left at room temperature for 1-2 days before serving. This won’t make the fruit any sweeter but it will help it to become softer and juicier. But they are very perishable – watch them closely in this time to ensure that they don’t spoil. Or stick it in the fridge where it will keep for a max of 3-5 days.
Good news – Pineapple is one of the safest non-organic fruits you can buy, having a very low pesticide residue due to its thick protective skin. Eat it regularly with other fruits like papaya and blueberries.
There are other fruits and veg that are safe to eat as non-organic and others that should be only eaten organic where possible… More info on these in my next article.
For the full nutritional lowdown on the delicious pineapple delights, check HERE
Here’s a juice recipe:
CLUB TROPICANA
1 cucumber
2 inch chunk of pineapple
2 handfuls of kale
2 handfuls of spinach/chard
1/2 lemon or lime
About Pulp’d
I started Pulp’d last year in Ibiza, as a way of bringing healthy and nourishing juices and smoothies delivered to your door. With the hectic lifestyle some of us lead on the island, I wanted to give something of nutrition, value and convenience in Ibiza. Pulp’d naturally launched in London in October 2014, delivering cold-pressed juices around East London and catering for events and pop-up markets. I have just finished my second year in Naturopathic Nutrition and I continue to learn about the powerful mechanisms of food and how including raw and whole foods is a key to optimal health. Juicing is a natural and easy way to boost your nutrients, as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Always organic and locally sourced where possible. Pulp’d offer bespoke menu options for events, retreats and juice plans. Also available in Ibiza from September.
Contact gill@pulpdlondon.com for more info
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