The nutritional power of pineapple

Pineapple, with its refreshing sweetness and tropical flavour, is not only a delicious fruit, but also offers an impressive range of health benefits.

Vitamins and antioxidants

Pineapple is a rich source of essential vitamins, such as vitamin C. This vitamin plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system, skin health, collagen formation and iron absorption. In addition to vitamin C, pineapple contains antioxidants such as bromelain, which help fight free radicals in the body, contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases.

Digestion and Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that has digestive properties. This enzyme helps break down proteins, facilitating digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Including pineapple in your diet can help efficient digestion and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating and indigestion.

Hydration and electrolytes

Composed mainly of water, pineapple is an excellent choice for keeping hydrated. In addition, the fruit contains electrolytes such as potassium, which plays a vital role in regulating water balance, muscle function and heart health.

Eye Health

Pineapple contains beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health. Vitamin A plays a key role in preventing eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.

Natural anti-inflammatory

The bromelain found in pineapple not only aids digestion, but also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can be beneficial for people suffering from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, helping to reduce inflammation and the associated symptoms.

Tips for incorporating pineapple into your diet

• Eat fresh pineapple in chunks as a snack or add it to fruit salads.
• Make refreshing smoothies with pineapple, yoghurt and other fruits.
• Use pineapple as an ingredient in savoury dishes, adding a sweet, tropical touch.
  
  

Conclusion

The pineapple is a tropical fruit that is grown in Portugal, mainly in the Azores. As well as being an irresistible tropical delicacy, it is also a nutritional treasure full of health benefits. With its vitamins, antioxidants, digestive enzymes and anti-inflammatory properties, pineapple is a valuable addition to a balanced diet. By enjoying this succulent fruit, you not only satisfy your taste buds, but also nourish your body with the many beneficial nutrients pineapple has to offer. Whenever you're undecided about a delicious and nutritious snack option, consider pineapple and give your health a tropical boost.

Recipes

Pineapple au naturel

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe pineapple
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder

Preparation:

• Peel the pineapple and cut into slices.
• Place the pineapple slices in a bowl and add the sugar and cinnamon.
• Mix well and leave to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
• Serve the pineapple plain, with or without ice.

Tips:

• For a more intense flavour, let the pineapple marinate for longer.
• You can also add other spices to the pineapple, such as powdered ginger, cardamom or nutmeg.
  
  

Pineapple cake

 

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 cup (250 ml) sugar
• 1 cup (250 ml) oil
• 2 cups (250 g) wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tin pineapple in syrup, drained

Preparation:

• Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
• Grease and flour a 25 cm diameter cake tin.
• Beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture is fluffy and whitish.
• Add the oil and beat a little more.
• In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and bicarbonate.
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the drained pineapple.
• Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.
• Leave to cool before unmoulding.
  
  

Pineapple tart

 

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 200 g wheat flour
• 100 g cold butter
• 50 g sugar
• 1 egg

For the filling:

• 1 tin pineapple in syrup, drained
• 1 tin of condensed milk
• 1 packet of cream

Preparation:

• For the pastry, mix together the flour, butter, sugar and egg until you have a smooth dough.
• Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
• Roll out the dough with a rolling pin and line a 25 cm diameter baking tin with a removable bottom.
• Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork.
• Bake the pastry for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Remove the pastry from the oven and leave to cool.
• For the filling, mix together the drained pineapple, condensed milk and cream.
• Pour the filling over the pastry and bake for a further 30 minutes, or until the filling is firm.
• Leave to cool before serving.
  
  

Pineapple pudding

 

Ingredients:

• 1 tin of pineapple in syrup
• 1 tin of condensed milk
• 1 tin of milk
• 6 eggs
• 4 egg yolks

Preparation:

• Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
• In a blender, blend the pineapple, condensed milk, milk, eggs and egg yolks.
• Pour the mixture into a greased and floured pudding tin.
• Bake for about 1 hour, or until the pudding is firm.
• Leave to cool before unmoulding.
  
  

Other ideas

• Pineapple ice cream: Beat the drained pineapple with condensed milk, cream and colourless gelatine. Place in the freezer until hard.
• Pineapple crumble: Mix together the flour, sugar, butter and cinnamon powder. Pour over the drained pineapple and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown.
• Pineapple tart: Make a pie crust and line a tin with a removable bottom. Fill with drained pineapple, condensed milk and cream. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown.
  
  

Ana Neto
(Pharmaceutical)