FOOD & FITNESS Friday: PINEAPPLE

In addition to its natural sweetness, pineapple shines because it offers calcium, manganese, and vitamin C, among other nutrients.

Pineapple is more than just a delicious tropical fruit — it offers significant health benefits as well. In fact, it’s been used in folk medicine since ancient times. It’s native to the Americas and is also grown in tropical climates around the world.

You’ll find pineapple offered fresh, frozen, and canned, making it a year-round option for those living in the United States. Canned pineapple is convenient, but be sure to look for an option that’s packed in its own juices, not syrup. Fruit naturally contains sugar in the form of fructose, so even the canned fruit in its own juice will have grams of sugar listed on the label. However, the syrup is considered added sugar and will increase the total grams of sugar while contributing to added sugar intake for the day.

There are also plenty of ways to enjoy this juicy yellow fruit. You can grill slices and serve them with meat or as a tasty side, or you can toss frozen chunks into a smoothie. I love using the core as a sweetener when making salad dressing. You can also, of course, snack on bite-sized pieces. No matter how you prefer to eat it, you’ll want to begin incorporating pineapple into your diet if you haven’t already.

Here are seven reasons why.

1. Pineapple Is a Fruit That’s Rich in Vitamin C 

2. Eating Pineapple May Enhance Your Weight Loss

3. Eating Pineapple May Aid Your Digestion

4. The Manganese in Pineapple Promotes Healthy Bones

5. Pineapple Is Packed with Disease-Fighting Antioxidants

6. Thanks to Its Antioxidants, Pineapple Has Cancer-Fighting Properties

7. Pineapple’s Nutrient Profile Means the Fruit Can Help Boost Immunity