Wellness Wednesday: July 14
PINEAPPLE
If there’s one thing we go through the most here at Juice & Berry, it’s pineapple! It’s basically a staple for our juices, and it makes up our most popular smoothie—the Green Goddess. Not only is it sweet and tropical, but it also boasts great nutritional benefits that help your body feel its best. Today, we’re paying respect to our favorite fruit, the pineapple!
Pineapple actually originated in South America. Settlers from Europe coined the term “pineapple” due to its resemblance to the pinecone. The cultivation of pineapples eventually made its way throughout Mexico and the West Indies, and it was here that Columbus discovered pineapples and brought them back to Europe, which sparked their popularity in Hawaii.
Pineapple contains a digestive enzyme called bromelain, which promotes healthy and efficient digestion by breaking down proteins and converting them into amino acids and small peptides. Breaking down these proteins makes it easier to absorb in the small intestine, putting less strain on the digestive system as a whole.
The rich antioxidant content, specifically flavonoids and phenolic acids, in pineapples help to fight diseases and reduce oxidative stress in the body. This can reduce inflammation and help individuals who suffer from weakened immune systems and overall, promote a state of wellness.
Studies have also shown that pineapple can reduce the symptoms of arthritis, specifically those dealing with inflammation in the joints, in addition to easing pain caused by arthritis, thanks to the bromelain compounds. Going along with this, the bromelain compounds have even been shown to reduce recovery times after surgeries, like swelling and bruising. In one study, subjects who consumed bromelain prior to dental surgery had quicker recovery times, less reported pain, and even felt happier than those who didn’t.
Pineapple is just as good for you as it is delicious! You can incorporate it into your diet in a variety of ways, be it smoothies, yogurt bowls, even savory stir fries! Here at Juice & Berry, we use pineapple in our ever-popular Sunrise, Ginzing, Health Kick, and Sangria juices. We also blend pineapple into our Classic Bowl and make a tasty concoction using frozen pineapple in our Green Goddess smoothie. Pro tip from Head Juicerista Sami: order The Island with frozen pineapple for a tropical treat!
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