P is for Pineapple
Juicy, refreshing, delicious. The king of tropical fruits, it even comes with it’s own green spiky crown.
๐ Fresh pineapple is the only known source of an enzyme called bromelain
๐ Bromelain helps digest protein and has anti-inflammatory properties [PLEASE NOTE: Bromelain supplementation is NOT recommended in pregnancy although a standard portion of pineapple is thought to be ok – seek expert advice]
๐ The scaly bumps on the outside are called “eyes” ๐
๐ One cup of pineapple contains; 82.5 kCal, 1.7g fat, 1g protein and 2.3g fibre
๐ Pineapples are high in Vitamin C, with one cup of pineapple chunks containing over 130% of your daily recommended dose. Vitamin C is great for the immune system and increasing Iron absorption
๐One cup of pineapple also contains;
76% of the daily recommended amount of Manganese, a trace mineral required for brain and central nervous system function
9% of daily Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine
9% of daily Copper – Copper works with Iron to form new red blood cells
9% of daily Thiamin (Vitamin B1), it enables the body to use carbohydrates as energy and plays a role in nerve, muscle and heart function.
7% daily folate (Vitamin B9), it helps to form DNA and RNA and is involved in the metabolism of protein
๐Containing a whole host of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, although sweet (16g sugar per cup), adding them into your diet every now and again will be a treat for both your body and your tastebuds.
P.S. Please google “pull apart a pineapple” and give it a try (basically getting chunks of a pineapple off the stalk by pulling the eyes – the knobbly bits). I am yet to try it but will try it soon and post a video of my attempt!