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I’m not really a one-pill-cures-all kind of gal.

If my training as a nutritionist has taught me anything, it is that human health is complex and what works for one may not work for another.

Having said that, over the years I have found a handful of super foods that have defied all the odds.

Pineapple is my go-to for my naturally slow digestive tract, to keep inflammation at bay and to maintain a healthy weight.

The best I’ve ever had was in Kauai, sun-ripened, straight from the ground.

It still is the best pineapple I have ever tasted!

Pineapple is truly one fruit that totally agrees with my body. When buying, I look for well ripened, organic or sustainably grown fruit.

I know that tree-ripened will be impossible to come by in northern climes, so try buying one whole and allowing it to ripen fully before eating. Sometimes the ones that are already peeled are quite green, and I find them too acidic.

Pineapples are full of:

Fiber and Water: two of the best things your digestive tract has ever heard of. When I began to use pineapple as part of my regular diet, I kissed bloating goodbye. It’s amazing how uncomfortable bloating can be and also make us look rounder in the belly than usual.

This same fiber is useful to balance my blood sugar levels, and decrease cravings.

Vitamins, Minerals and Phyto-Nutrients: such as Vit. C, Beta-Carotene, Potassium, Copper, Zinc and Folate.

Inflammation be gone! Some people, myself included, are naturally predisposed to inflammation, and diseases thereof. Diabetes runs in my family, so I am extra careful to manage my eating habits by including inflammation fighters. Blueberries are often added to my pineapple intake.

When I was pregnant, I ate pineapple by the bucket-load for cell building nutrients.

Bromelain: an enzyme complex that digests proteins. I use this as a pre-meal supplement.

Digestive enzymes are sadly lacking in the modern gut, and, as I like to supplement with whole foods best, I use pineapple especially on days with heavier meals.

As far as using natural foods for weight management, I find fresh, raw pineapple most effective.

You’ll find that eating nutrient dense food signals the body to consume less. It’s only when our food choices are empty of good nutrition that we overeat, as the body is constantly sending out hunger signals.

How I Use Pineapple:

1. One half hour before meals, I eat a one cup serving of fresh pineapple. It works like an appetite suppressant as it provides plenty of fiber and bromelain, and by the time I sit down to eat, I’m ready for a smaller portion than usual. In addition, the fiber is first in line to hit my digestive system. So no sluggish feeling after a meal.

2. Pineapple Smoothie for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or If I’m training for a long distance hike, it replaces two meals to lean up, and build muscle.

In your favorite smoothie recipe, use pineapple as the main fruit, add a protein powder that works for you, and voila!

3. Add Pineapple to everything! If you eat meat, pineapple will aid digestion, pizza…same thing.

I add it to my oatmeal, juice it, bake high fiber muffins with it, grill it as a side dish, include it on veggie kebabs—the possibilities are endless.

I used to hate pineapple because as a child I was served that tinny tasting juice from a can. But once I tried fresh, ripe pineapple for the first time, I was a convert.

With the holiday season coming up, I hope you will find pineapple a healthy and delicious ally. Pineapple Mojito’s all around!

References:

1. The Nutrition Desk Reference, Robert Garrison & Elizabeth Somer.

Editor: Emily Bartran

Author: Monika Carless

Image: Pixaby / Wiki Commons