Pineapple, digestive and vitamin

Fruits represent an indispensable food group within a framework. This is mainly due to its content in and fiber, essential nutrients for the proper functioning of the body. We must remember that the recommended consumption of fruits and vegetables is about five servings a day, which means taking between two and three pieces of fruit a day. Pineapple, which is ripe at this time, can help us achieve this recommendation.

Low calorie sweetness

Pineapple is a fragrant and sweet fruit. It represents one of the main tropical crops as it is highly appreciated in gastronomy. Despite its sweetness, it is a low-calorie fruit (its energy value is similar to that of the apple), since its main component (as with most fruits) is water.

In addition, it presents not inconsiderable doses of vitamin C, fiber and, to a lesser extent, vitamin B1 and B6. As for its contribution, potassium and magnesium stand out. All this makes it a very interesting food at any age. The fiber it contains, especially in its central part, gives it satiating properties and, therefore, can be very useful in specific diets for weight loss.

An aid to digest better

Pineapple, in addition to its nutrient content, contains an enzyme known as bromelain or bromelain. It is a proteolytic enzyme, which means that it helps in the digestion of proteins, facilitating it. Thus, this fruit is an excellent ally to improve digestion, especially in foods rich in protein, so typical of.

Bromelain, in addition, can also be used for its anti-inflammatory effects, as an antibiotic enhancer, etc. apart from having many other properties still under study.

How to take it

Pineapple is a very versatile fruit. Although it is generally associated with desserts, forming part of fruit salads or cakes, the truth is that it is increasingly making its way between savory dishes as an accompaniment to meats and cold cuts such as ham, with which it creates an interesting contrast. In addition, it is common to find it in Asian dishes accompanied by meats with strong flavors such as pork or duck.

It is one of the most consumed fruits in syrup or canned with its juice. We must bear in mind, that yes, that by means of conservation the proteolytic activity of bromelain is lost, and that in syrup its caloric content increases notably, ceasing to be adequate for.

To make it sweeter, we can leave it upside down overnight. The highest concentration of sugars is in the base of the pineapple, in this way the sugars are distributed more throughout the pulp.

Who is it good for and who is not?

In general, pineapple can be suitable at any age, respecting the calendar, as it is a tropical fruit, and taking into consideration a couple of notes in cases of pathology.

It is especially suitable in:

• People who follow a low calorie diet, as it has an important satiating power and provides few calories.
• After copious or especially protein-rich meals, such as those typical for Christmas, as bromelain will facilitate digestion.
• Those who have a vitamin C deficiency and intolerance to citrus fruits or peppers, which represent the main sources of this vitamin.

On the other hand, it is not convenient in certain cases:

• People who suffer from gastritis or gastroduodenal ulcer: pineapple bromelain but due to its organic acid content and its ability to enhance the secretion of gastric juices, could increase the symptoms that these pathologies produce.
• People who develop kidney stones from calcium oxalate salts, since pineapple contains oxalic acid that can form salts with minerals such as calcium (calcium oxalate salts).

Buying and conservation advice

We can verify that the pineapple is ripe when the green color has disappeared at the base, giving rise to an orange-yellow color. We must reject beaten cones, with withered leaves or with stained or moldy stem ends. Nor will we choose pieces in which the shell sinks when pressed with the fingers. A ripe piece will give off a sweet smell, especially from its base.

We must keep the pineapple in a cool and dry place, but not in the refrigerator because below 7º C it can be damaged by the cold. Once peeled and chopped, we can keep it in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, and consume it as soon as possible.

Chicken salad with pineapple

Ingredients:

• ½ pineapple
• 125 g of chicken breast
• Lettuce to taste (oak leaf, iceberg ...)
• 1 grenade
• Dressing (vinaigrette)

preparation:

Cut the chicken breast into thin fillets and grill, then chop and let cool. Shells the pomegranate. Cut the bottom end of the pineapple for the base, peel it on a board, then slice and dice.

Clean and cut the lettuce. Mix the ingredients and season to taste, with a vinaigrette for example.

Note: To enhance the flavor of the pineapple you can add a few drops of lime.