Pineapple Party Time!

Hello!

I absolutely love fresh pineapple! Everytime I buy one, I always eat so much of it that my tongue gets sore. Pineapple is a great delicious tropical fruit and it is as good as candy. Besides its lovely sweet and tangy taste, it also offers exciting health benefits. So, it is a way better snack than candy. 

Here are 5 reasons why to eat pineapple:

1. Pineapple overflows with Vitamin C; one cup of pineapple chunks contains 131% of the daily value of Vitamin C, which helps protect the body against viruses and builds strong skin defenses against infection. It also has generous amounts of Vitamin B6, thiamin, copper, manganese (not magnesium) along with trace amounts of other vitamins and minerals.

2. Pineapple is low in sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat.

3. Pineapple has an enzyme mixture called “bromelain.” The compounds of this enzyme appear to reduce inflammation and a certain degree of swelling in conditions like sinusitis, sore throat and arthritic flare-ups. It also contributes to fast recovery from surgical operations and wounds. 

4. Pineapple is a great source of dietary fiber.

5. Pineapple relieves symptoms of bloating and water retention.

Did you know that...

...unripe pineapples don’t just taste vile, but can actually be quite poisonous. Eating it causes serious throat irritation and it has a strong laxative effect.

...pineapple is ripe if one of its top leaves can easily be pulled out.

...each pineapple plant only produces just one pineapple per year.

...the Bromelain enzyme in pineapples breaks down proteins. This means that you can use pineapple or pineapple juice as a meat tenderiser.

...pineapple plant originates from Brazil and Paraguay, and was brought to the West Indies by sailors several centuries before the arrival of Europeans, who subsequently exported it to Hawaii.

I like to cut up pineapple in little triangles. That way I can hold on to the rough side of it and take a bite of the juicy flesh. So yummy that even Jinx likes it (*wink*). He is always begging for a slice when I'm cutting up pineapple.

Guess what else pineapple is good for? It is a great potluck "dish" to bring along. It actually works for any party. People always bring the same old chips, candy and cookies, but when you show up to a party with a fresh pineapple, you will be the center of an attention instantly. Pineapple is easy to transport, plus it is a fast treat to serve to the guests. I have done it plenty of times and every single time people love it!
It's refreshing, simple, delicious and it is good for you.

So, let's party on with pineapple!! (*giggle*)