Cool Tip: The Case for Fresh Pineapple

I was about 10 or 11 years old, when my family took our first vacation to California from Chicago; and that was the first time I had fresh pineapple.  Wow, it blew away the canned stuff I was used to (sorry Dole!). It was sweet and tart and juicy and just plain delicious … and it still is.  It’s sunshine in a bowl! So what a treat to learn that it’s healthy as well.

In a Healthline article, the author lists the following key health benefits of pineapple:

• Pineapples contain large amounts of Vitamin C and Manganese. “Vitamin C is essential for growth and development, a healthy immune system and aiding the absorption of iron from the diet. Meanwhile, manganese is a naturally occurring mineral that aids growth, maintains a healthy metabolism and has antioxidant properties.”

• Pineapples are loaded with antioxidants. “Pineapples are a good source of antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Many of the antioxidants in pineapple are bound, so they may have longer lasting effects.”

• Pineapples contain digestive enzymes (which, by the way, is the reason not to use fresh pineapple in Jello). “Pineapples contain bromelain, a group of digestive enzymes that breaks down proteins. This may aid digestion, especially in those with pancreatic insufficiency.”

• Pineapples may reduce the risk of cancer. “Pineapple contains compounds that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to cancer. One of these compounds is the enzyme bromelain, which may stimulate cell death in certain cancer cells and aid white blood cell function.”

• “Pineapples have anti-inflammatory properties that may boost the immune system.”

Now that you know the pineapple is good for you, we’ve provided you with advice on how to choose a pineapple, and we’ve found a Cool Tool to make preparing a pineapple so much easier, ... what are you waiting for? Enjoy!