Protect your health with pineapple

Pineapple is noted for its anti-inflammatory enzyme and healing nutrients, which help bolster immunity and bone and cardiovascular health. Discover its beneficial nutrients and new ways to add pineapple to your diet.

• Bromelain: This anti-inflammatory enzyme is plentiful in pine­apple and may help to control tissue swelling and inflammation associated with bronchitis, cough, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, varicose veins, strains and sprains. Preliminary research suggests that bromelain's anti-inflammatory property may reduce blood clots, which may lower the risk for stroke and heart attack
• Ferulic acid: Pineapple is a good source of this phytochemical, which helps prevent the formation of cancer-causing substances
• Manganese: A 250 gram (one cup) serving of pineapple provides 2.6 milligrams of manganese, the bone-building mineral
• Plant sterols: These plant compounds may help to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk for heart disease
• Soluble fibre: Pineapple is high in pectin fibre and gum fibre, which have cholesterol-lowering properties and also promote healthy bowel function; a 250 gram (one cup) serving of fresh pineapple has 0.2 grams of soluble fibre.)
• Vitamin C: Fresh pineapple is a good source (24 milligrams per 250 grams/one cup) of vitamin C, which may enhance immunity and wound healing, while also preventing heart disease and serious eye disorders

• To preserve the vitamin C content, eat pineapple uncooked
• The soluble pectin fibre in pineapple becomes available when the pineapple is cooked

• Preliminary research suggests that bromelain may re­duce traveller's diarrhea by inhibiting E. coli, one of the bacteria responsible for the illness
• Scientists believe bromelain may displace E. coli from receptors in the intestinal wall

• Make a pineapple salsa. Chop pineapple, sweet peppers and red onion. Toss with ginger, honey and lime juice. Serve with meat, poultry or fish
• Use pineapple juice instead of vinegar in a salad dressing
• Cook crushed pineapple in unsweet­ened pineapple juice until thick and use as a no-sugar-added all-fruit spread
• Add thin slices of pineapple and spicy mustard to roast chicken or turkey sandwiches
• Make a barbecue sauce substituting chopped pineapple and pineapple juice for half of the tomato in the recipe
• Make a pineapple drink. Puree pineapple with buttermilk or yogurt and a touch of honey

Long used as a folk remedy to settle intestinal upsets and relieve constipation, pineapple is a powerhouse of taste and nutrition. Try increasing your pineapple intake as part of a health-conscious diet.