Pineapple and Digestion

By Mangia Paleo July 18, 2014 Health and Nutrition, Recipes 5 Comments

Why did the pineapple go out with the prune?

Because he couldn’t find a date!

What’s this buzz about pineapple being great for digestion? For starters, it contains about 87% water to it helps get flowin’ through your digestive tract. Did you just picture a pineapple on a waterslide? Because I did.

It also contains digestive enzymes that help break down proteins from food. Between the enzymes, water, and fiber this tropical fruit is a great addition to any meal. Check out a pineapple recipe line up at the bottom of the post!

One of the reasons I decided to post about pineapple is because I am currently in Hawaii. I have never tasted such fresh fruit until vacationing here. Once home of the world’s largest pineapple maze (because this is important, people) Dole was a huge distributor for pineapples in Hawaii. And for good reason.There’s pineapple everywhere and it’s delicious. So, here is some spikey fruit awesomeness.

How can you tell a pineapple is ripe?

Smell it! The more it smells like sweet pineapple the better it will be. The outside will feel almost like soft rubber. That’s a weird analogy but it’s not too firm, but not soft where you feel like you’ll leave a thumb print.

Bromelain

Pineapple contains bromelain extracts. These babies contain enzymes that help digest proteins in our gut. It’s also known to have anti-inflammatory effects. I think this is what people refer to when they say pineapple is good for digestion.

Vitamin C

Adding a bit more Vitamin C to your diet may help people with autoimmune diseases since it boosts your immune system. The healthier your immune system is the more your body can concentrate on healing the disease. That way it’s not so distracted with your head cold, etc.