A (Pine)Apple a day keeps the doctor away! ;)

Pineapples are not only a fantastic fruit with high levels of vitamin C, but they are also great forms of Bromelain and natural enzymes. :) 


With all this greatness, maybe we should break it down a little. 










First, Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps boost your immune system, and protects the body from free radical damage. It also promotes repair and building of body tissues and wound healing. 
Vitamin C can aid nutritional supplementation such as glutamine or creatine to get into the muscles and aids in muscle retention, build, repair, and recovery. Many Body builders mix their creatine and glutamin in some fresh pineapple juice just for this reason. :)  Although nothing beats fresh whole pineapple when it comes to the levels of vitamin C, finding some fresh pineapple juice can work as well. Look at the ingredients to make sure that you are getting at least 80% juice in it and no added sugars or corn syrups. If that is the case, then that is a good pineapple juice. :)








Next, Bromelain:
Bromelain is very effective in treating bruises, sprains and strains by reducing swelling, tenderness and pain due to the natural anit-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It also aids in digestion and relieve indigestion.  The natural enzymes in fresh pineapple breaks down the amino acids in protein which can aid those that do not produce enough enzymes of their own to break down their food. It has also been said that it can aid in the break down of lactic acid to aid in the recovery of muscles in your body. The anti-inflammatory properties also help in the recovery of muscles and healing from wounds internal and external, as well as relieving swelling around joints. 

 Unfortunately almost all commercially canned pineapples are heated to such a degree that the bromelain is destroyed. Canning fresh pineapple at home in a hot water bath or pressure canner is better since the temperatures can be maintained at a lower temperature to keep more or the bromelain in take, but it is always better to eat fresh pineapple to make sure you get the most of the bromelain and vitamin C as you can. :)
 













How to pick out a good pineapple:

When it comes to picking out a pineapple, then color is less important then the SMELL!  There are many varieties of pineapple that can range from a green color to a light yellow and then the dark yellow. If it smells right, then it is good to eat!  It should give off a sweet tropical smell, if it smells like nothing or smells like dirt then it may not be ripe yet, and if it smells dusty then more then likely the inside is molding. Keep your pineapples on your counter at room temperature to maintain a natural invenvironment. Remember, they are naturally found in tropical regions that may never get as cold as your refrigeration. :)

  

So, remember:

A pineapple a day will keep the doctor away and make the muscles stay!