Of power of the Pineapple

Very rarely do you hear about the disadvantages of pineapple. That’s because they are organic, flavorful, loaded with vitamins and minerals, and diverse for using in different dishes. Pineapple is loaded with vitamin C and manganese.

     The benefits of Vitamin C are immense with strengthening immune systems and keeping skin healthy, but manganese is a mineral that is not often discussed.  Until recently, most people received their required dosage of manganese through whole grains, nuts and seeds.

Refined grains are to blame for a change in these statistics. Over 37% of the country’s population is now deficient in manganese, selecting to eat refined grains over whole grains. This cuts the manganese intake in half, lowering the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), which helps fight free radicals.

Pineapple can be a replacement for whole grains. One cup of pineapple equals 76% of the daily required intake of manganese. Vitamin C rates at 132% of the daily recommended intake. Other important vitamins and minerals include Folate (B9), important for tissue growth and normal cell function, and copper, a trace mineral that contributes in making healthy red blood cells.

Use pineapple in sauces, fruit cups, desserts and as a marinade for meats to add a stimulating change to meals. Buy an inexpensive pineapple corer slicer and keep plenty of this fresh fruit on hand for snacking.