You can either love pineapple to the core or hate it for no specific reason—there’s no in-between. If you ask me, I LOVE pineapple—it tastes just so good, doesn’t it?
Pineapples are sweet, slightly tangy, and super refreshing. They’re basically perfect for everything—be it drinks, salads, even as a quick snack.
What makes them even better is that they’re not just tasty, but are loaded with health benefits. Packed with vitamin C and helpful enzymes, they’re great for digestion and boosting your immunity too. What else can you want from a single fruit, right?
Whether you’re adding them to a drink or just eating a few cool slices on a warm day, pineapples are a simple, feel-good fruit that just never disappoints.
So, if you’ve never been a big fan of this all-rounder fruit, maybe this article will change your mind—and have you reaching for a slice.
All set to dive into the deets?
What Is Pineapple?
We all know what a pineapple is—it’s that spiky fruit that takes all your energy while peeling, but the toothsome-ness seems worth the struggle.
The cultivation of pineapple originated in Brazil, South America, and it was introduced in India by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Yes, since then, it has been ruling our taste buds!
According to the National Horticulture Board, India is the fifth-largest producer of this spiky fruit in the world. It’s mainly grown in states like Assam, Mizoram, Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa amongst many others.
Apart from being an important fruit in India’s agricultural setup, it also has a gazillion benefits that we have been sleeping on all this while. Scroll on to know what they are.
10 Health Benefits Of Pineapple You Probably Didn’t Know Of
1. A healthy heart
Pineapples contain bromelain, a component that is great for blood circulation and also helps break down cholesterol plaques.
So, if you want to add something tasty yet healthful to your plate, pineapple is the universe’s answer for your query!
2. A nutrition powerhouse
Pineapples contain a good amount of vitamin C, potassium, fibre and carbohydrates. You’ll also find bromelain in pineapples, a natural enzyme that helps with digestion and reduces inflammation.
The best part about this fruit is that it is low in calories but high in water content.
3. Antioxidant-rich
We all know what antioxidants can do for our bodies. From cleansing the system to fighting free radicals, it does it all. Pineapples are a great source of antioxidants, especially flavonoids.
So, if you want to make sure you aren’t caught in the web of chronic diseases, go and gobble some sliced pineapples now.
4. Aids digestion
Pineapple is a great option when it comes to keeping your tummy happy. It contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps break down proteins and makes digestion smoother.
So, if you’ve ever felt bloated or heavy after a big meal, a few chunks of pineapple might actually help ease that feeling.
5. May reduce the risk of cancer
According to Healthline, the progression of cancer is linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. The star component of pineapple—bromelain—can help reduce the risk of cancer by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Bromelain is quite a saviour here; however, more research is needed to confirm this claim.
6. Boosts immunity
Pineapple is a total immunity-booster, thanks to its high vitamin C content. Vitamin C helps your body fight off colds, infections, and all those annoying little bugs that try to slow you down.
The antioxidants in pineapple help your system stay strong and balanced. So, pineapples keep everything in check.
7. Suppresses inflammation
Here comes bromelain again! It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help cure a lot of health diseases. We all know how, from arthritis to various gut problems—all arise due to inflammation, right?
Now, imagine—if inflammation is in check, where do the health problems go? (They vanish!)
8. Ease arthritis
According to PubMed Central, bromelain is as effective as regular pain treatment in helping cure osteoarthritis in the lower back.
So, pineapple is not only great for your nutrient intake or digestion; it works wonders for arthritis as well. Amazing, right?
9. Shortens recovery time
Pineapple can actually help speed up your recovery after a workout or injury. Thanks to bromelain and its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce muscle soreness, swelling, and bruising.
That means you might bounce back faster and feel less achy after intense activity.
10. Helps weight loss
Yes, along with other benefits—pineapple can help you lose weight too! According to the Cleveland Clinic, pineapple’s enzymes help in burning fat.
So, your mother was right when she packed a separate dabba of fruits for you in school. Fruits are beneficial in so many ways, especially pineapple.
5 Tasty & Viral Pineapple Recipes To Try
1. Hawaiian pizza
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—pineapple on pizza! Well, I’m not a big fan but each to their own. If you’re a fan of the combination of sweet and savoury and would love it on your pizza, then the Hawaiian pizza is the way to go.
It’s slightly sweet, slightly tangy, slightly spicy, and of course extremely cheesy. (It’s pizza, after all!)
2. Grilled pineapple chicken skewers
NGL, this dish is indeed tasty. The best part is that it’s extremely easy to make. All you have to do is marinate bite-sized chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
Thread the chicken onto skewers alternating with fresh pineapple chunks and bell peppers. Grill them until the chicken is cooked through and has those beautiful char marks, while the pineapple caramelises slightly and becomes extra juicy. Sounds delectable, right?
3. Pineapple salsa
In the desi world, we’re big fans of chutney, aren’t we? Well, salsa is nothing more than chutney. For pineapple salsa, you just need to dice fresh pineapples, tomatoes, red onions and jalapenos.
Mix everything with chopped cilantro, lime juice and salt—that’s all! It doesn’t take much time and tastes ah-mazing!
4. Pineapple chicken curry
Never heard about it? Well, understandable. But its taste will indeed surprise you. It’s a creamy and comforting curry where pineapple adds a lovely juicy contrast to the spices.
The sweet pineapple cuts through the heat of the curry and adds a tropical twist that makes this dish truly special. Serve it with rice or naan for a hearty meal and see how everyone gets surprised! (In a good way).
5. Pineapple fried rice
We started with a controversial dish, and are probably ending the list with another one as well. You might not expect a lot from this dish, for obvious reasons, but this fried rice is a tropical treat.
If you have a thing for meetha-teekha combos—the pineapple fried rice dish is custom-made for you!
6 Summer-Ready Pineapple Sips To Enjoy
1. Classic pineapple lemonade
Summer and lemonade can’t do without each other. After all, it’s the ultimate thirst quencher. The pineapple lemonade, according to me, is a li’l more refreshing and soothing than regular lemonade, because let’s not forget—fruits make everything better, don’t they?
It is the best thing you will drink on a hot chip-chip day. Trust us now and thank us later.
2. Pineapple mint cooler
This drink is like a tropical breeze in a glass. Blend fresh pineapple juice with a handful of fresh mint leaves and some freshly squeezed lime juice. The mint adds a cooling sensation that pairs beautifully with the sweet pineapple, while the lime adds a zesty punch.
See, it’s super easy to make but feels fancy and refreshing all at once.
3. Spicy pineapple ginger punch
For all those who love ginger ale—this drink will make you love ginger even more! The ginger adds warmth, there’s chilli too, so that adds heat, and pineapple adds goodness!
It’s bold, refreshing, and definitely not your average summer drink. It has a slight kick to it, and we love it already!
4. Frozen pineapple slush
Remember, back in school, our eyes would find the gole-wale bhaiya everywhere. NGL, my eyes still find them.
Slush is somewhat a fancy version of gola and if you love pineapple, which you obviously do because why else would you be here till now, then this slush is the best thing to treat yourselves to.
5. Pineapple iced tea
To prepare this all-time favourite drink, take your usual iced tea to the next level by mixing in pineapple juice and a touch of ginger. Brew your favourite black or green tea, then chill it in the fridge.
Once cold, stir in fresh pineapple juice and a bit of freshly grated ginger or ginger syrup for a subtle spicy note. This drink is light, fruity, and perfect if you want chai but a better version of it!
6. Pineapple basil refresher
Just like the name, the taste is amazing and refreshing too. Muddle a handful of fresh basil leaves in a shaker, then add pineapple juice, a little simple syrup or honey, and some lime juice. Shake it well and pour over ice for a crisp, aromatic drink.
The herbal notes from the basil complement the sweetness of the pineapple perfectly. Plus, it looks super Instagram-worthy too! So, you can post it on your feed and act fancy, even though you’re sipping it on your couch.
If you’re not an admirer of pineapples, these benefits and recipes might force you to give the fruit another try. If you’re already a fan, then maybe gobble some more!
Social and lead image credits: Freepik
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